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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 32. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by alesta on April 21, 2005, at 20:42:42
hello my lovelies, :)
i just wanted to share my lovely dining experience of the other night. my mom and i went out for chinese. i have never had a reaction to MSG before, but that night i had the strangest reaction..i started getting a tingling feeling in my head, face, legs, my head felt 'swollen', things started to look and feel trippy (sensations were amplified..e.g. the ride home i felt like the car was flying practically). the worst part is that at the restaurant i became really 'smiley' and then all of a sudden just burst into uncontrollable tears all of a sudden. it felt like my face was contorting and i was being forced to cry..i mean i couldn't stop..i know i'm going through a lot of incredible stressors right now (and i feel i've been pretty tough lately), but i don't think that would cause me to become MSG-sensitive, would it? anyway, all day today i've felt very mentally slow and foggy and i'm kinda freaked..am i gonna be okay? sorry if this sounds silly to ask..i want meself back..the last thing i need right now is any kind of drug in my life. i've *got* to keep things simple. things are hard enough. my plate is full, dude..i appreciate any input.:) amy
Posted by damos on April 21, 2005, at 21:39:04
In reply to MSG nightmare, posted by alesta on April 21, 2005, at 20:42:42
Hi Amy,
I'm (seriously)allergic to MSG but I have found that the reaction does differ depending on the concentration (amount). Same thing occassionally happens with some preservatives and other additives. For me it's pretty normal to feel pretty ordinary the next day even from a minor reaction - pretty similar to how you describe. There is a very good chance that if you were already stressed out and maybe a little run-down that you're a little more sensitive than you'd otherwise be. If you're still not feeling better 2morrow I'd probably go see your GP.
Hope you're back to normalness again soon :-)
Damos
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 21, 2005, at 21:39:12
In reply to MSG nightmare, posted by alesta on April 21, 2005, at 20:42:42
I think stress can make you acutely sensitive to things that you may be able to overlook at other times. Last year Lar and I had some chinese food that was MSG laden and we both felt horrible from it, as you said I felt tingly, light headed, swollen, and agitated as well. I can't remember why Lar reccommended taurine, which I already had in the cupboard, (there is a chemical reason) but it worked brilliantly, I was astonished it was to the m.s.g. reaction what xanax is to anxiety.
But even if you don't try it, (it's good for stress anyway) you will be okay, it just feels really really awful I know.Good luck.
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 21, 2005, at 22:29:24
In reply to MSG nightmare, posted by alesta on April 21, 2005, at 20:42:42
> hello my lovelies, :)
> i just wanted to share my lovely dining experience of the other night. my mom and i went out for chinese. i have never had a reaction to MSG before, but that night i had the strangest reaction..i started getting a tingling feeling in my head, face, legs, my head felt 'swollen', things started to look and feel trippy (sensations were amplified..e.g. the ride home i felt like the car was flying practically). the worst part is that at the restaurant i became really 'smiley' and then all of a sudden just burst into uncontrollable tears all of a sudden. it felt like my face was contorting and i was being forced to cry..i mean i couldn't stop..i know i'm going through a lot of incredible stressors right now (and i feel i've been pretty tough lately), but i don't think that would cause me to become MSG-sensitive, would it? anyway, all day today i've felt very mentally slow and foggy and i'm kinda freaked..am i gonna be okay? sorry if this sounds silly to ask..i want meself back..the last thing i need right now is any kind of drug in my life. i've *got* to keep things simple. things are hard enough. my plate is full, dude..
>
> i appreciate any input.:) amySounds like a classic glutamate hypersensitivity reaction. Stress does predispose to it, so you have a combination of factors....stress + high dose = whammo!
There is a quick, safe, and easy solution, if you happen to have some of the amino acid called taurine handy.
Taurine shuts down glutamate.
A gram or two of taurine would have had you fixed up in ten minutes. Seriously.
The stuff is not very expensive, but I know you are not exactly floating in cash. Still, that is the immediate solution.
Taurine is available at body-builder-type health food shops, and a goodly number of regular health food/supplement type establishments. I got 300 mg (bulk) for something like $7 or $8 or something. I bet you would have given $7 to make that episode stop in its tracks, eh?
Glad to see you back, amester.
Lar
Posted by anastasia56 on April 22, 2005, at 0:46:47
In reply to MSG nightmare, posted by alesta on April 21, 2005, at 20:42:42
hi amy girl! long time, how are you other than the obvious here.
msg reactions can be scarey. i have no idea if those epi pens are appropriate for this situation.
you carry the epi pen in your purse for an emergency shot of adrenaline after having an allergic reaction to eating something. maybe for bee stings too?
i'd be curious to know if it helps msg issues.
ana
Posted by Sarah T. on April 22, 2005, at 3:15:33
In reply to MSG nightmare, posted by alesta on April 21, 2005, at 20:42:42
Hi. I don't each Chinese food very often. I used to eat it frequently, but I've had several bad experiences in recent years. When I was on Wellbutrin, a long time ago, I had severe reactions to MSG. Each time I had anything with MSG while I was on Wellbutrin, I was unable to sleep at all that night. I would also get a mild-to-moderate hypertensive reaction, with stiff neck, muscle rigidity and anxiety, which often lasted for the greater part of the following day. This also happened a few times when I ate a frozen dinner that had MSG in it.
Posted by Susan47 on April 22, 2005, at 7:16:27
In reply to MSG nightmare, posted by alesta on April 21, 2005, at 20:42:42
I had the same reaction to MSG once and it was really frightening, and embarrassing, really embarrassing, because I felt like a nutcase you know? You can't believe this is happening to you, it's totally weird but not bad enough for Emerg. Since then I always always check to make sure no msg. But still it's usually in the sauces. MSG seems like a really cheap cheat thing to do to food, so since then I've been biased against Chinese food to some extent...
Did you tell your doctor? Sorry your plate is full... you didn't need this experience to add to everything else.
Posted by AuntieMel on April 22, 2005, at 12:42:55
In reply to Re: MSG nightmare » alesta, posted by Larry Hoover on April 21, 2005, at 22:29:24
I've had problems with MSG for years. It's a real pain to be enjoying food and then feel like your head isn't attached to your body any more.
I have the same problem with lots of breakfast foods and with sulfides used in preserving dried fruits. Is there a tip for that, too?
Posted by PM80 on April 22, 2005, at 12:54:38
In reply to Thanks for the tip - Lar and Gabbi, posted by AuntieMel on April 22, 2005, at 12:42:55
A lot of people aer allergic to MSG. For those of you who live in the US, I used to work at P.F.Chang's and they do NOT use any MSG at all. So if you live in a big city in the US and like chinese food, P.F.Chang's is safe for people allergic to MSG. And their food is fabulous!
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 22, 2005, at 14:50:50
In reply to Thanks for the tip - Lar and Gabbi, posted by AuntieMel on April 22, 2005, at 12:42:55
> I've had problems with MSG for years. It's a real pain to be enjoying food and then feel like your head isn't attached to your body any more.
>
> I have the same problem with lots of breakfast foods and with sulfides used in preserving dried fruits. Is there a tip for that, too?Well I've never tried it with Sulfites, but when I had a mild allergic reaction to antibiotics and an ensuing panic attack because I felt I couldn't swallow I remembered Lar had told me about Niacinimide lessening allergic reactions, and calming. I was terrified, I had no phone, and didn't know whether I should go to a neighbors to call a cab to go to emergency-- so scary.
Anyway, I took two niacinimide tablets and crushed one under my tongue within 15 minutes I was fine. I'm one of those people who hears about miracle vitamins or herbs and thinks "why aren't they ever miraculous for me? This was a miracle. I ended up e-mailing Lar something gushy like "Thank God for you!" Now I take it whenever I feel like I might be having a reaction to something I've eaten.
What was my point? Oh yes, you can try niacinimide. It's not expensive either.
Of course you should take a B-complex sometime during the day as well or you can cause an imbalance.
Posted by Sarah T. on April 22, 2005, at 22:34:16
In reply to Re: Thanks for the tip - Lar and Gabbi » AuntieMel, posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 22, 2005, at 14:50:50
About ten years ago, "Sixty Minutes" or one of the other evening news magazine-type shows did a feature on MSG. They mentioned that many foods contain MSG, but MSG may not be listed in the ingredients. There are at least four other names that manufacturers will use for MSG. I'm trying to remember all of them. I do know that when the term "natural flavorings" is listed, that is often MSG. If I can dig up the other names, I'll post them.
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 22, 2005, at 22:59:01
In reply to MSG can masquerade under different names, posted by Sarah T. on April 22, 2005, at 22:34:16
Terms for products on labels that always contain MSG include any protein that is hydrolyzed, autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, glutamate, glutamic acid, gelatin, hydrolyzed soy protein, monosodium glutamate, monopotassium glutamate, sodium caseinate, textured protein, yeast nutrient, yeast extract, and yeast food.
Posted by Susan47 on April 23, 2005, at 12:49:54
In reply to Re: MSG can masquerade under different names, posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 22, 2005, at 22:59:01
God no wonder so many people have allergic reactions. That's in almost every packaged food isn't it? I do try to stay away from packaged food, but then so much of food is processed.
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 23, 2005, at 13:21:06
In reply to Re: MSG can masquerade under different names » Gabbi-x-2, posted by Susan47 on April 23, 2005, at 12:49:54
Yeah, just about.. Hydrolyzed protein is used in so much, and to make it even more confusing for M.S.G if it's claimed it isn't used as a flavoring, it doesn't legally have to be listed. I mean, it's still in there isn't it?! What do I know though duh..
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 23, 2005, at 14:10:38
In reply to Re: MSG can masquerade under different names » Gabbi-x-2, posted by Susan47 on April 23, 2005, at 12:49:54
> God no wonder so many people have allergic reactions. That's in almost every packaged food isn't it? I do try to stay away from packaged food, but then so much of food is processed.
There are some simple keywords to look for.
Isolate.
Extract.
Concentrate (in the context of protein, or yeast).
Hydrolyzed.
Autolyzed.
Modified (anything to do with protein, e.g. modified milk ingredients).
Yeast anything.
Whey anything.Also, the terms "natural flavour" and "seasoning", when used without any other description, are legal descriptors for MSG.
Without taking things too far into the world of industrial food chemistry, food processors also intentionally process milk protein to create a fragment of that protein that is highly opiate-receptor active. That protein fragment is known as beta-casomorphin. That means the second casein-derived opiate agonist identified. Casein is the original milk protein in question.
The whole thing gets pretty scary.
Lar
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 23, 2005, at 15:40:37
In reply to Re: MSG can masquerade under different names » Susan47, posted by Larry Hoover on April 23, 2005, at 14:10:38
> > God no wonder so many people have allergic reactions. That's in almost every packaged food isn't it? I do try to stay away from packaged food, but then so much of food is processed.
>
> There are some simple keywords to look for.
> Isolate.
> Extract.
> Concentrate (in the context of protein, or yeast).
> Hydrolyzed.
> Autolyzed.
> Modified (anything to do with protein, e.g. modified milk ingredients).
> Yeast anything.
> Whey anything.Is there an echo in here : )
Posted by alesta on April 23, 2005, at 16:43:41
In reply to MSG nightmare, posted by alesta on April 21, 2005, at 20:42:42
hey guys!:)
thanks a lot for your responses, and it was *really* helpful to hear the numerous examples of msg reactions.
(oh, and i forgot to mention that i hadn't slept at all the night before..so sleep deprivation may have been a factor, too, possibly..)
well, while my msg 'hangover' is now long gone, i am still really surprised to find out how many things contain or potentially contain msg..that totally stinks! and when i found out that what MSG does is to trick you into thinking your food tastes good, i felt pretty darn pissed off. i can't believe i never checked out what this substance was before! and i wonder if the chinese put this cr#p in their food in their home country or not. sh@t, maybe i don't even like chinese food, but only think i do! (since they put so much of it in there..)
i have to get off the net for a little bit..i'll finish responses hopefully tonite or early tomorrow. you guys rock!! amy ;)
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 23, 2005, at 16:45:16
In reply to Re: MSG nightmare, posted by alesta on April 23, 2005, at 16:43:41
Sometimes you feel better just knowing what's happening and that it will go away don't you?
That's what I love about this board.
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 23, 2005, at 16:46:37
In reply to Re: MSG can masquerade under different names » Susan47, posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 23, 2005, at 13:21:06
> Yeah, just about.. Hydrolyzed protein is used in so much, and to make it even more confusing for M.S.G if it's claimed it's *used* as a flavoring, it doesn't legally have to be listed. I mean, it's still in there isn't it?! What do I know though duh..
Posted by alesta on April 23, 2005, at 23:06:39
In reply to Re: MSG nightmare, posted by anastasia56 on April 22, 2005, at 0:46:47
hello there, ana dearest,:)
it's always very lovely to hear from you, girl.:) i hope we never get put in separate rooms :(
<long time, how are you other than the obvious here.
i'm okay..depends on the day..a little down this evening..recently broke up w/ bf (you may have seen in other thread)..i'm at my mom's (which is stressful to me in and of itself, but she has really been wonderful), and she just left on a long vacation w/ my stepfather (aka pervert, but at least he's being nice to me now, too). so for the first time in a long time i am all alone in a house..nobody yelling at me, threatening me, etc. i can't wait to get my own place!! sorry..this is getting long and boring..i tend to ramble when i'm depressed.
> msg reactions can be scarey. i have no idea if those epi pens are appropriate for this situation.
>
> you carry the epi pen in your purse for an emergency shot of adrenaline after having an allergic reaction to eating something. maybe for bee stings too?
>
> i'd be curious to know if it helps msg issues.i'm glad you brought this up. i did a little msg research earlier..actually, contrary to popular belief, the reaction to MSG we're referring to is a drug reaction (affects neurotransmitter), not an allergic reaction..so the epi pen would not be of use for this. (i think if someone is allergic to it they would break out in hives and/or their airway would close up or something maybe..i'd have to look that up..too lazy..)
how are YOU doing, miss thang? i see you've been playing on the swings as of late..i notice you didn't invite ME! (kidding, of course:-)) you know what that reminds me of? that lionel richie song "say you, say me". that song is soo pretty. the melody is gorgeous..oh dear, here i go rambling again..
amy:)
Posted by alesta on April 23, 2005, at 23:25:21
In reply to Re: MSG nightmare » alesta, posted by Susan47 on April 22, 2005, at 7:16:27
> I had the same reaction to MSG once and it was really frightening, and embarrassing, really embarrassing, because I felt like a nutcase you know?um, yeah, i know..the waitress came to the table right after i burst into tears..my mom and i didn't even try to explain, lol..and the waitress just walked away not saying anything..such fun..but actually i was more worried about my health than what the waitress was thinking..
<MSG seems like a really cheap cheat thing to do to food, so since then I've been biased against Chinese food to some extent...
OMG i totally hear you..i feel the exact same way.
> Did you tell your doctor?
i don't have one (i'm not on meds or anything).
<Sorry your plate is full... you didn't need this experience to add to everything else.
thank you, susan. that's kind of you to say.:)
amy :)
Posted by alesta on April 23, 2005, at 23:34:27
In reply to Re: MSG nightmare » alesta, posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 23, 2005, at 16:45:16
> Sometimes you feel better just knowing what's happening and that it will go away don't you?
>
> That's what I love about this board.hi sweet gabbi,:)
yes, i know, me too..whenever something happens that really, really upsets me and i can't handle it on my own i always bring it here..this place is great like that..amy :-)
Posted by Sarah T. on April 24, 2005, at 1:41:57
In reply to Re: MSG can masquerade under different names, posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 22, 2005, at 22:59:01
Thanks for the list, Gabbi. I'll probably never buy prepared/packaged food again! These days, if I eat food with MSG, I don't feel well, but I don't have the extreme reactions that I had when I was on Wellbutrin. I'd like to understand why Wellbutrin + MSG caused me to be 100% sleepless as well as hypertensive. Perhaps it was one of those pain-in-the-*rse liver enzyme problems again.
Posted by anastasia56 on April 24, 2005, at 1:43:07
In reply to Re: MSG nightmare » anastasia56, posted by alesta on April 23, 2005, at 23:06:39
oh amy, you sweet pea...of course you are invited to our party~! you will be the best at leading us in songs as we swing. you and i will have to teach the folks from nz/australia how to make s'mores. there was never any doubt in my mind that you would attend.
glad to hear you are out of that other. didn't sound like a good long term set-up for you. how fantastic to have the house to yourself for a while. you can use that peacefulness to meditate on what you next steps should be. obviously #1 is post on pb more frequently.
glad to see you girlfriend. don't forget to bring the hershey chocolates for the s'mores.
ana
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 24, 2005, at 4:01:08
In reply to Re: MSG can masquerade under different names » Gabbi-x-2, posted by Sarah T. on April 24, 2005, at 1:41:57
> Thanks for the list, Gabbi. I'll probably never buy prepared/packaged food again! These days, if I eat food with MSG, I don't feel well, but I don't have the extreme reactions that I had when I was on Wellbutrin. I'd like to understand why Wellbutrin + MSG caused me to be 100% sleepless as well as hypertensive. Perhaps it was one of those pain-in-the-*rse liver enzyme problems again.
It's so hard to tell, I guess I ask for a bit much, I mean they are after all altering brain chemistry which isn't exactly minor. But sometimes I just want to scream.. "Is there any part of me that these pills *don't* affect?"
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