Regular consumption of MSG, which is used to enhance the taste of many snacks, processed foods, and pre-cooked ready meals, has been linked to fatigue, headaches, depression, and anxiety. Some food dyes used in drinks, candies, cheese, and other processed foods have also been associated with anxiety symptoms.
Some experts believe that monosodium glutamate (MSG) can trigger panic attacks in some people.
Beef and Foods Rich in Vitamin B Ease Anxiety
You can take a vitamin B supplement or eat foods that are rich in B vitamins to ward off anxiety. These foods that help with anxiety include beef, pork, chicken, leafy greens, legumes, oranges and other citrus fruits, rice, nuts, and eggs.
Most research regarding the impact of MSG on mental health symptomatology comes from in vitro animal studies that have demonstrated a link between MSG consumption and the occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as the occurrence of pain (21, 22).
The Truth in Labeling Campaign maintains a list of adverse reactions experienced by MSG-sensitive people which includes depression, mood swings, rage reactions, migraine headache, dizziness, light-headedness, mental confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, and hyperactivity among the neurological reactions; with cardiac, ...
Furthermore, while MSG and ASM individually were unable to alter the brain neurotransmitters and the oxidative stress indices, their combination dose (MSG+ASM) decreased significantly the levels of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) and it also caused oxidative stress by increasing the lipid peroxides measured ...
In Australia and New Zealand, no food additive — including MSG — is approved for use in food until its safety has been established by FSANZ. MSG and other glutamates are among a group of food additives that are generally permitted in foods, due to their safety.
What are the potential benefits of MSG? MSG has been largely researched for its potential use in low-sodium foods. Whereas NaCl, also known as table salt, directly adds sodium to your diet, adding MSG largely enhances the flavor of the food without as much additional sodium.
Not only does it make food more appetizing, but it also helps one feel fuller, as found in various studies. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that MSG could increase satiety when added to a high-energy, high-protein soup.
Psychiatric Illness
MSG consumption has been linked to increased pain sensitivity and pain intolerance, which has prompted investigations into MSG's role in psychiatric disorders. There is strong evidence that MSG is a factor in schizophrenia, and it has been associated with anxiety, stress, and depression.
The problem with most options at the grocery store is they're loaded with monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can elevate brain levels of glutamate—one of the excitatory hormones we mentioned in the intro—and thereby increase anxiety and stress.
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
Some people have reported a sensitivity to MSG. It is the glutamate part of MSG that can produce symptoms such as: Tingling and/or burning sensation. Feeling of pressure on the face.
These toxic effects include CNS disorder, obesity, disruptions in adipose tissue physiology, hepatic damage, CRS and reproductive malfunctions. These threats might have hitherto been underestimated. In the meantime, people keep using ever larger amounts of MSG unaware of the possible consequences.
Myth: MSG is high in salt, or sodium
Unlike regular table salt, which is 40% sodium, MSG contains only 12% sodium, which is one-third the amount in table salt. Researchers have also explored MSG as a viable alternative to salt to reduce sodium intake and improve public health through a reduced risk of hypertension.
MSG has been shown to cause lesions on the brain especially in children. These lesions cause cognitive, endocrinological and emotional abnormalities. In children, excess glutamate affects the growth cones on neurons.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – this can act as an excitotoxin in the brain, stimulating activity. Too much glutamate also throws the balance of GABA, which in turn increases anxiety and reduces REM sleep levels.
Government organizations around the world have listed MSG as safe to eat. This includes the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which lists MSG as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS).
MSG (monosodium glutamate) is found in all types of food, from Asian cuisine to packaged chips. There's a popular misconception that MSG is particularly bad for health. The FDA and other expert organizations generally regard MSG as safe in moderation.
McDonald's doesn't use MSG in its food that is on the national menu, and there are no updates from the company yet on whether the Crispy Chicken Sandwiches will be added to the menu permanently.
"Some of our food does contain MSG but rest assured, it's only present at levels that are safe for the general population," the fried chicken chain says on its website. "It's a recognised flavour enhancer that also occurs naturally in foods such as meat, fish, milk, vegetables, fruits and cheese."