Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Bryan:
I was doing research lately for a friend with painful inflammation. We found that a LOT of processed foods now are containing 'natural flavors' - but in fact, this is 100% glutamic acid (as in MSG). We see this amino acid as seriously increasing pain signals. By eliminating foods containing that on the label, AND also eliminating foods naturally high in glutamic acid (such as miso, marmite, brewer's yeast, etc.), my friend notice a substantial reduction in the pain.
Some of the MSG related sites discussed how people with fibromyalgia are doing MSG free diets. I am interested in knowing whether people with fibromyalgia are also aware of 'natural flavors', how the food industry is camouflaging MSG as 'natural flavor', whether they have eliminated these processed foods from their diets, and whether they have had similar positive effects in pain management.
The issue goes far beyond MSG ... but yes, MSG and Aspartame (NutraSweet) and other excitotoxic chemicals and many food additives, preservatives, and other chemicals both cause and exacerbate autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia among them.
Anyone who wishes to REVERSE (not treat or manage) an autoimmune disease should visit the website of my dear friend Jill Harrington (www.LupusRecoveryDiet.com). Jill lived right here in Mill Valley years ago when she wrote her book of the same name, The Lupus Recovery Diet. I helped her with some of the writing/editing back then. While the book's title is specific to Lupus, the principles she shares (based on her own personal experience and that of countless others all over the world) also work to reverse many other conditions caused by consuming processed foods. Check out her 3:44 introductory video on that page. Here is an excerpt from the text directly below the video:My name is Jill Harrington, and I recovered from systemic lupus over thirteen years ago … by changing the foods I eat.
This specific dietary program didn’t just help me, it’s worked for many people. Yet, you’ve probably been told that diet has nothing to do with lupus. Eventually after years of being lupus free, I decided to write a book and share my story with you.I want you to know that just by making simple diet changes, MANY people HAVE successfully overcome autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus, discoid lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
And here is an excerpt from her welcome letter when I joined her email group years ago:Hello, I am so glad that you've asked for more information on "The Lupus Recovery Diet". This book is for anyone that is seeking information on how you can recover from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or related diseases through your diet and lifestyle. You heard that correctly, both clinical experiences and laboratory studies have shown that diet can have a significant impact on autoimmune disease. I'm not talking about supplements or herbal remedies - just the foods you eat and the sleep you get. Many people suspect that food can flare or trigger their disease, but they don't know which foods or what to do about it.
Seriously ... these diseases can be a thing of the past, in a few short weeks. Here is a testimonial I saved from one of Jill's e-newsletters:"Dear Jill, I was diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia and I had pains in my muscles and body, tenderness in my skin where it would hurt if anyone touched me, chronic fatigue, fevers, heart palputations, arthritis in my fingers, hands, wrists and elbows. Since I have been doing the Lupus Recovery Diet, I only felt those kinds of pains when I cheated. I'm finding that I can eat some things that other people with lupus may not be able to eat. I do eat meat sometimes without a problem but it has to be organic meat and I usually only eat chicken and fish but not too often, I mainly eat vegetarian. I forgot to tell you about my kidney. I had the lupus nephrotic syndrome as well. The doctor said once the protein loss is under 3 then I won't have the disease anymore. The last time they checked, it was 2.8 coming down from 9. They said that the numbers should be 0 but the numbers keep going down every time I see the doctor. I just wanted to thank you for your help Jill because when I first was diagnosed with lupus and I told my friends, everyone kept telling me that they had a family member who died from lupus. I think they should have kept that to themselves though. But when I saw that you got well from it, I knew there was hope for me and well, I am well now. Thanks again Jill for all of your help." Jackie Moreno Valley, California
As for "Natural Flavors" .... this is just one of many benign-sounding ingredients that contain MSG. There are dozens of others ... here is one list from Mercola.com (https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/11/09/msg.aspx):
Most are aware that MSG is something that is wise to avoid due to its negative health effects. Most are not aware that MSG is added to most infant formulas. Soy formulas in particular are loaded with MSG. This table displays some hidden sources of MSG:
These ingredients ALWAYS contain MSG:
| Glutamate | Glutamic acid | Monosodium glutamate |
| Textured protein | Hydrolyzed protein | Monopotassium glutamate |
| Calcium caseinate | Sodium caseinate | Gelatin |
| Yeast extract | Yeast food | Autolyzed yeast |
These ingredients OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing: | Flavors & Flavorings | Seasonings | Natural flavors and flavorings |
| Natural pork flavoring | Natural beef flavoring | Natural chicken flavoring |
| Soy sauce | Soy protein isolate | Soy protein |
| Bouillon | Stock | Broth |
| Malt extract | Malt flavoring | Barley malt |
| Whey protein | Carrageenan |
|
| Pectin | Enzymes | Protease |
| Corn starch | Citric acid | Powdered milk |
| anything Protein fortified | anything Enzyme modified | anything Ultra-pasteurized |
Some unexpected sources of MSG: | Salad dressings | Frozen meals | Packaged and restaurant soups |
| Cheese | Reduced fat milk | Chewing gum |
| Ice cream | Cookies | Vitamin enriched foods |
| Beverages | Candy | Cigarettes |
| Medications | I.V. Materials | Supplements, particularly minerals |
Laurie Masters, freelance editor
Precision Revision
"I turn what you wrote into what you meant!"
www.GreenSongPress.org
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