NJ
A 30-year-old member asked:
Why are msg's bad?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Irv Lohanswered
Cardiology 50 years experience
Bothersome, not bad: Msg is a flavor enhancer, hence its value to restaurants. The problem is that some people have exquisite sensitivity with palpitations, tingling, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, chest tightness. Can be pretty scary and last for a couple of hours, prompting visits to emergency departments, due to its mimicking a heart attack. Clearly to be avoided if demonstrated sensitivity.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Bennett Machanic commented
Neurology 53 years experience
I consider it potentially dangerous, and will explain in another answer
Apr 11, 2015
Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 53 years experience
FDA approved poison: MSG is an excitotoxin which can stimulate cells to the point of damage or death. There are potential cardiovascular risks in susceptible folks with prior heart disease and can affect glutamate receptors. I have seen ingestion trigger migraine headaches. I do NOT think it is safe, and the "taste stimulation" is certainly NOT worth it. Would avoid it at all times. Check food labeling.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
CA
A 23-year-old male asked:
Is msg bad for you?
2 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Albert Pizzoanswered
Family Medicine 61 years experience
MSG bad?: Yes. Msg is bad for most people. Many doctors believe msg causes inflammation reaction in the brain (see books by dr. Russel blaylock md--neurosurgeon).
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What exactly is msg and why is it bad for you?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Linda Gromkoanswered
Family Medicine 49 years experience
High salt content: Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer. It is very commonly used in asian cooking. When i was a little girl, we used it in traditional american cooking under the trade name, accent. I imagine the reason you are concerned is that it does have a fairly high content of sodium - which, in turn, can contribute to high blood pressure. Lgromkomd.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 13, 2019
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