Does MSG Cause Headaches?

There is a group of migraine sufferers who believe a chemical in some foods known as MSG or monosodium glutamate causes their headaches. In fact, they point out occurrences where patients who do not usually have headaches get one after eating foods containing high levels of MSG. On the other hand, however, there are people who say MSG does not seem to trigger a migraine or headache. So, what is the answer to this quandary – does MSG cause headaches?

Currently, there is no decisive answer concerning whether or not MSG causes headaches. While tests have been conducted to discover the true effect of this chemical on migraines, the results have been inconclusive. It seems that MSG does trigger migraines for some patients while it does not trigger migraines in others.

MSG: The Top Choice of Food Makers

MSG is a chemical that is often used as a flavor enhancer. Many food manufacturers use this chemical to improve the taste of their foods especially when they use ingredients that are not high quality. MSG is an inexpensive but effective way to make foods taste better. For this reason, the majority of food manufacturers include MSG in their products.

Because MSG allows food manufacturers to produce food products in an inexpensive manner and increase their profits, these food manufacturers have grouped together and paid for “medical research” to prove that MSG is not harmful to those who eat it. According to those who are against the use of MSG in foods, this research is biased because many of the people who are members of the FDA board make their money by working in the food industry.

Foods with MSG

It is not always easy to tell if a food has MSG in it or not. While this chemical is not always listed on the ingredient label, there are certain food products that you can always bet will contain MSG. These ingredients include hydrolyzed protein, sodium or calcium caseinate, yeast extract or autolyszed yeast, yeast nutrient, textured protein and glutamic acid.

More ingredients that point to MSG content include: flavoring, flavors, natural flavors, stock / bouillon, broth (any kind), carrageenan, whey protein concentrate, whey protein, whey protein isolate, soy sauce, soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, malted barley, malt extract, malt flavoring, maltodextrin and anything that has been “protein fortified.”

Be aware also that food makers put MSG in sports drinks, bubble gum, chewing gum, soft drinks and candy.

If you find you get a headache after eating foods containing MSG, learn to read labels carefully and be aware of what food additives include MSG. By cutting down on the amount of MSG you eat; you can lessen your chance of getting a migraine.

The Effect of MSG

MSG can have varying effects on different people. While it can contribute to a migraine attack as well as terrible headaches, the chemical has bad effects on the human body in general. In particular, MSG can make blood pressure drop, cause a rapid pulse, angina and arrhythmias. The chemical can also cause a higher rate of fluid retention, lightheadedness, mood swings, depression, ADD, nausea, vomiting, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, shortness of breath, chest pain, sneezing, runny nose, skin rash, hot flashes, dry mouth, swollen prostate, nocturia or the urge to go to the bathroom in the night, and blurry vision.

If you think MSG may be causing your health problems, you can find out for sure by going on an “exclusion” diet. In this diet you will eat only foods that contain either very small amounts of MSG or none of the chemical whatsoever. After three weeks of being on this MSG limited diet eat a food product that contains a large amount of MSG and observe whether or not you develop any negative symptoms.

MSG and Eating Out

For those who eat on the go, fast foods and prepackaged foods are notorious for MSG content. For instance, if you travel often, be aware that MSG is included in most airline foods, with the exception of the vegetarian meals. If you’re trying to cut back on MSG and decided on a vegetable salad, you’ll want to pass on the salad dressing as well, it contains the chemical MSG also.

If you eat out often, you should know that most fast foods also contain MSG. For instance, all the foods on Kentucky Fried Chicken’s menu include MSG. While Taco Bell claims their food has no MSG, some people have reported that they suffered with symptoms related to MSG consumption after eating at Taco Bell. Meanwhile, the garden salad and French fries at Burger King are MSG-free while everything else includes MSG. Finally, all items at McDonald’s contain MSG except the garden salad with lite Italian dressing, iced tea and apple pie. So, if you believe MSG causes your headaches, you might want to avoid these food choices.

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