Over 70% of patients suffering from symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report that food is the most common trigger. Patients have identified that monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one food component that they suspect can trigger symptoms, but this remains unproven.
An excessive consumption of MSG can cause a "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" and gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers. Therefore, the maximum dose of MSG should be reconsidered taking into account its influence on the secretory capacity of the stomach.
According to Jaffe, the diarrhea and cramps associated with MSG could be caused when the chemical gains access to the bowel through a damaged or unusually permeable intestinal wall. "Some people are exquisitely hypersensitive," Jaffe said.
You get very high glutamate levels in the blood after eating a meal containing MSG. You're stimulating all of the glutamate receptors. That's why some people get explosive diarrhea, because it stimulates the receptors in the esophagus and small bowel.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been identified as a trigger of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the mechanism is unknown. This study examined whether MSG causes visceral hypersensitivity using a water-avoidance stress (WAS) mouse model of visceral pain.
The more water you drink, the more active your kidneys will be. Your kidneys can help flush the MSG out, as they can with many other toxins that get into your body.
Since symptoms related to MSG do not involve the immune system, it cannot be called a true allergy. Most doctors have ruled it a sensitivity instead of an allergy, much like a gluten sensitivity. The sensitivity has often been called 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' and 'MSG Sensitivity Syndrome.
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.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did a study of the issue and found no evidence that MSG in food caused symptoms. The report did find minor reactions in people who consumed 3 or more grams of MSG alone without food. Most foods with MSG have less than 0.5 grams of the additive.
In general, avoiding processed foods is optimal for health, and since MSG is most often an additive in highly processed foods, choosing to avoid foods with added MSG—such as canned soups, processed meats, fast food, and frozen Chinese food entrees—is ultimately a good choice for overall nutrition.
MSG sensitivity
Symptoms of this may include: bloating. gas. diarrhea.
“MSG has been known to cause bloating in some people, and it's a common ingredient used to preserve freshness,” Hoffman said. “It's common to see MSG in buffets, Chinese food and packaged meals.”
“Research has shown that MSG cannot cross the blood–brain barrier unless it is accompanied by a receptor, which controls the amount that enters at one time,” explains Titgemeier. “The concern is for those who have a leaky gut, which may allow for higher levels of glutamate to enter the brain at once.
MSG – Asian foods, particularly those using soy sauce, often contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can trigger inflammation. It's also common in some fast foods, canned soups and salad dressings.
In many countries MSG goes by the name “China salt”. Beside its flavour enhancing effects, MSG has been associated with various forms of toxicity (Figure 1(Fig. 1)). MSG has been linked with obesity, metabolic disorders, Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, neurotoxic effects and detrimental effects on the reproductive organs.
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.
MSG-induced symptoms are typically not severe and subside on their own entirely within 72 hours.1 However, if you have mild symptoms do not appear to resolve or continue worsening after 48 hours, speak to your healthcare provider, as it may be something more serious.
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.
If you're having bowel movements more often, chances are you've made some change in your lifestyle. For example, you may be eating more whole grains, which increases fiber intake. More-frequent bowel movements also could be related to a mild illness that will take care of itself.
Refined sugar, fructose and the sugar substitute sorbitol are all common triggers. Chocolate is also a common trigger. Besides avoiding these foods, you should also avoid overeating, drink plenty of water and try eating lots of soluble fiber.