What You Need To Know About MSG Allergy

If you suspect that you have an MSG allergy, you need to look into the symptoms for MSG sensitivity and MSG allergies. MSG sensitivity is very common because of the nature and chemical composition of the substance. An allergic reaction can be attributed to other foods combined with MSG, or a reaction to MSG itself.

Because MSG is a common ingredient for many Chinese foods, reactions are sometimes referred to as Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. Of course, not all Chinese food contains MSG and this substance can be found in other types of food as well.

MSG is a substance that causes a reaction in nerve cells. The use of this stimulant affects the mouth and the brain. Most people respond to MSG with a stimulation of hunger, taste, and smell, which is why it is used. The down side to this stimulation is that it can also cause an allergic response because of the over stimulation of the nerve cells. Not only does it enhance flavors, but it can cause symptoms that can even be life threatening.

Symptoms can include a burning sensation on the neck, shoulders, torso, thighs, and arms. Other symptoms include numbness or pressure in the face, chest pain or palpitations, nausea, vomiting, head pain, flushing and sweating, and/or wheezing. Symptoms can be worse if the foods high in MSG are consumed on an empty stomach and in high doses.

Symptoms tend to show up within one half hour to one hour after eating food containing MSG, and symptoms usually dissipate within two or three hours. If reactions are severe, the first reaction can result in emergency medical treatment.

MSG can exacerbate allergies to other foods. Since the neuropathways are activated by MSG and nerve cells are stimulated to enhance the flavor of food, it can also cause an over stimulation to the reactions to food. If you generally have a mild reaction to a food, the combination of the food with MSG can create a greater allergic reaction.

If you believe that you could have an MSG allergy, you may want to see an allergist to have this confirmed.

Avoidance of this nonessential food additive is the best way to avoid problems with MSG reactions. It is very important to monitor your reactions and avoid the offending food because the most severe reactions can be deadly.