If you consume processed foods regularly, or eat out very often, it is very likely that you are feeding your body a substantial amount of MSG. And this amount might be a lot more than you are aware of. This is because MSG is added to many processed foods, in the guise of at least XX names.

Below are some of these names that food producers use to “disguise” their MSG and try to pass off as a healthier food product.

According to Dr Joseph Mercola and Author Bill Gottlieb, the following food ingredients always contain MSG:

• Monosodium glutamate
• Monopotassium glutamate
• Glutamate
• Glutamic acid
• Hydrolyzed protein
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
• Hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP)
• Autolyzed plant protein
• Textured protein
• Calcium caseinate
• Sodium caseinate
• Yeast food
• Yeast extract
• Yeast nutrient
• Autolyzed yeast
• Maltodextrins
• Hydrolyzed oat flour

And the following food ingredients often contain MSG:

• Malt extract
• Malt flavoring
• Malted barley (flavor)
• Barley malt
• Flavors, Flavoring(s)
• Natural flavoring(s)
• Natural chicken, beef or pork flavorings or seasonings
• Reaction flavors
• Caramel flavoring (coloring)
• Food seasonings
• Bouillon
• Broth
• Stock

But that is not all. There are actually more names that food producers use to confuse their customers.

So it seems like it is not easy to avoid MSG in your diet if you consume quite a bit of processed foods. And since many restaurants also use MSG in preparing their foods, you are likely to encounter more MSG when you eat out.

Don’t be fooled by those who claim that just a little bit of MSG won’t kill. You are probably taking in more than just a bit of MSG when you are not careful. This is because the amounts add up from different sources. And MSG can bring you neurotoxic side effects.

The best way of avoiding MSG is really to prepare your own meals using fresh ingredients (without using MSG, of course) as often as possible.

References
[1] Gottlieb, Bill. Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems. Rodale, 2000. Print.
[2] Mercola, Joseph, Dr., and Pearsall, Kendra, Dr. Take Control of Your Health. Schaumburg, IL: Mercola. com, 2007. Print.

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.