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MSG, Notorious Migraine Trigger

© Barbara J. Mitchell

If you are a migraine sufferer, you probably already know that MSG is notorious as a trigger for migraines and you are probably already cautious about eating Chinese food because of the likelihood that it contains MSG. But did you know Chinese food isn't the only food product that contains MSG? Actually, it turns out that MSG is almost impossible to avoid.

First, what is it? Monosodium glutamate is sold as a white powdery kind of substance that looks like salt or sugar. It has a crystal-like appearance. Technically, according to the FDA, it is "the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid and a form of glutamate." It is made out of starch, sugar beets, sugar cane or molasses through a fermenting process.

Why would anyone use it? It enhances flavor in many foods.

The FDA investigated reports that MSG causes nerve damage and might be a factor in such neurological diseases as Alzheimer's, but concluded that the substance is safe as it is used in food products. It has no connection with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's or Huntington's chorea or, for that matter, any other disease. In fact, it has a role in normal neurological function.

If you look it up on the internet, you'll find several sites that disagree with the FDA's decision and whether or not you believe them is up to you. However, you should read carefully to discover whether the person writing the information has an axe to grind on this subject. Several of the sites are extremely biased and therefore you should be wary of trusting them.

Having gotten that little warning out of the way, though, we all agree that MSG can cause migraines. So, what do we do?

You should read labels on any food products you buy just as a general rule, but that isn't enough because MSG is like a con man - it has many names.

Some of the ingredients to watch out for on labels because they contain MSG are: yeast extract, sodium cascinate, and textured vegetable protein. Other things MAY contain it, such as soy sauce, soy protein, barley malt, carrageenan, pectin, and things which claim to have "natural flavors."

In addition, glutamate, the villain in this piece, is present naturally in such foods as tomatoes, cheese, milk, meat, peas, and mushrooms, and it is also present in our own bodies naturally. You'll find glutamate in such things as canned vegetables, soups, and processed meats according to the FDA. Others claim that soft drinks, chewing gum, ice tea mixes, and candy contain glutamates as well.

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