Common conditions that place people at higher risk for neurological damage by MSG

Monosodium glutamate can penetrate the blood-brain barrier in any healthy, normal adult, but those that are particularly at risk are unborn children, youth, the elderly, and persons that have any of the following conditions, which disrupts the blood-brain barrier:

Stroke
Head injury
Hypertension
Diabetes
Brain surgery
Heat stroke
High fevers
Certain drugs
Multiple sclerosis
Severe hypoglycemia
Irradiation
Infections

How to avoid ingestion of BPA

BPA was first discovered by Patricia Hunt and other researches at a small school in the foothills of the Palouse called Washington State University.
While performing research on mice, their mousal subjects suddenly became sterile and were not getting pregnant. Upon investigation, the one thing that had changed in the study was that the water bottles and cages they were using were harshly scrubbed. They later found in subsequent studies of this phenomenon that a subtance called Bisphenol A, or BPA, had leached out from the water bottles and cages.

BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which results in obesity, breast cancer, neurological defects, disruption of the dopaminergic system, thyroid function, neuroblastoma, prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, changes in sexual behavior (all information found in Wikipedia), and chromosomal abnormalities. BPA can be found in plastic bottles with recycling numbers 7, 1, 2, and 5 (but different sources state different numbers), dental sealants, and linings of metal cans. The BPA leaches from the plastic when it is heated, such as when its microwaved or holds a hot food, and the amount that leaches increases as the plastic ages. BPA also enters food from the lining in metal cans when the food contents are high in fat or salt.

Scientists say 95% of Americans have BPA in them, and even small amounts, according to Patricia Hunt, are harmful because BPA acts as a hormone. So, it doesn't matter how low the dose. Most other countries have banned BPA, but the US has political hang-ups.

So, how to avoid BPA?

Here's a list I came up with:

1. Avoid plastics. Ditch the plastic containers for these glass ones:
and avoid microwaving your foods in plastic bowls or containers.

2. Ditch the plastic servings spoons for metal, or (to protect the tephlon in the pan) wooden (without varnishes).
3. Avoid canned foods, especially salty and fatty foods in metal cans, such as chili, vegetables, canned salmon or tuna, refried beans, soups or broths. BPA is absorbed into salty and fatty foods.

4. Eliminate foods purchased in a plastic containers with polycarbonate. (I'm going to have to write to WIC about this). Some contain BPA while others do not.






















5. Dental Sealants




tough luck :(

6. Throw out the old plastic cutting board and use a wood, stone, or glass one7. ...and the plastic sippy cups. Look for the sign "BPA free" on new bottles.8. ...and the old juice pitcher.
9. Look for bottles that say "BPA free." Most baby bottles, even at the dollar store, are available BPA free. Or, go with glass. (BPA is also in bottle nipples, pacifiers, and toys, however.) Also, look for this label on infant formula, as the lining of formula cans also may contain BPA.10. Avoid using the steamer basket and spoon that comes with the rice cooker? (Isn't a rice cooker wonderful for perfectly cooked rice?)
One reader of the Seattle times states: "The metal can food and drink industries have lost me as a consumer. I purchased a good quality modern design pressure cooker at PCC, and cook beans from scratch in about half an hour. I now buy my tomato paste and sauce, and any other 'canned' goods in glass jars, or I use fresh, frozen, or dried foods. I encourage anyone concerned about health to do the same."

According to one blog post comment, the following are safe:
"Teflon-coated cookware does not contain BPA. Silicone-impregnated parchment paper, silicone bakeware, and silicone (or polyurethane) spatulas do not contain BPA.
"Low-density polyethylene wraps and bags do not contain BPA. "Wax paper does not contain BPA. Opaque measuring utensils (high-density polyethylene) do not contain BPA, but hard transparent utensils may contain BPA if they are made of polycarbonate rather than acrylic.

"Basically, it's polycarbonate and epoxy. Other plastics do not contain BPA."

However, plastic wraps such as Reynolds can contain another hormone distrupter that leaches into the food called DEHA.

Read more about BPA:
How BPA affects chromosomes across three generations

Legislative news in Seattle Times

Washington State Magazine

Journal Sentinnel Online Watchdog Report

Environmental Working Group Consumer tips to avoid BPA exposure

The FDA is slowly taking steps to eliminate BPA. Until then... (in the concluding words of 60 Minutes on MSG) we're "on our own."

There are more hazards to plastics than just BPA. Please read about DEHP and DEHA, too.

Survival Baking Soda Uses

I've also heard (and seen, on our daughter) that applying a copper penny to a bee sting for a minute or two will help.

How to dry pack grains

Learn how to dry pack at home using the PAW video series:

Long term food storage part 1
Long term food storage part 2
Long term food storage part 3
Long term food storage results

I have embedded "Part 2" of this series, but you'll have to click on the links to see the other tid-bits of this demonstration. I just love it when he pulls out this finished product with the mylar stuck tight to the grains after all the air had been sucked out by the oxygen absorber.

Also, the instructor endorses feed grains, but I believe animal feed and human feed may have different regulations imposed on them, and thus feed grain may have more chemicals; I don't know. I guess it depends on the usefulness of pesticides and herbicides for wheat that are restricted for human consumption.

Read more about dry pack canneries

Examples of products acceptable to dry pack are:

Rolled Oats
Dry beans
Whole grain wheat
Other unmilled grains
White sugar
Enriched macaroni
White rice
Dry milk

When properly packaged using oxygen absorbers, and if these products are 1. stored at a temperature below 75 degrees, 2. in a dry place (off the floor and not touching outside walls), 3. away from light, and 4. away from rodents and insects, these dry-packed products will last over 30 years.

Only certain foods are appropriate for dry packing. They must contain less than 10% moisture to prevent microbial growth, and be low in oil. Otherwise, botulism poisoning may result.

Products unnacceptable for dry pack storage include:

pearled barley
dried eggs
whole wheat flour
whole wheat pasta
any milled grains besides rolled oats
granola
nuts
brown rice
brown sugar
dried fruits and vegetables- must be dried enough inside and out to snap when bent.

Whole wheat flour and pasta, and brown rice, have nutritive oils in them that are good for nutrition but result in rancidity when dry packed. Also, due to the nutritive oils, they only have a normal shelf life of six months or so. (Supposedly)

MSG is a drug

Debby Anglesey writes in her book Battling the MSG Myth: A Survival Guide and cookbook,

• Dr. Schwartz, M.D., author of the book, In Bad Taste, The MSG Syndrome, spoke [at NoMSG conference] about MSG as a drug. He gave convincing reasons why MSG meets every requirement to be called a true drug. Only 1/10 gram swilled in the mouth with water will cause, in many people, immediate spreading excitation in the brain as cocaine will. It can immediately affect the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, and nerve cells in the mouth and tongue. When tested in vitro in the lab, MSG kills healthy cells. He said dosage amounts may have little to do with migraines, just the amount of direct contact to the MSG. He calls MSG the aphrodisiac of the mouth.
• Beneficial drugs have a defined therapeutic potential (like Tagamet for stomach distress). He reasons that since MSG has no therapeutic potential, it fits the standard toxic drug profile, and since it is not a food, it should be banned according to the law.

What is the Word of Wisdom?

I'm just putting the question out there, and I'm not sure there's an answer. Conventionally, its the concept that people for religious reasons "don't smoke and don't drink." Good enough. That's basically it.

Here's a copy of the Word of Wisdom in its inception in 1833. It also includes eating grains, fruits and vegetables, and meat sparingly, and the avoidance of "hot drinks," not excluding cocoa, but rather tea and coffee. It has since needed additions:

"With the appearance of cola drinks in the early 1900s, the Church was confronted with cold beverages containing caffeine, a harmful substance believed to make coffee and tea unacceptable. While no official Church position has been stated, leaders have counseled members to avoid caffeine and other addictive chemicals. (See Cola Drinks)

Church leaders universally caution against any use of such drugs as marijuana and cocaine and the abuse of prescription drugs. While none of these substances are mentioned specifically in the Word of Wisdom, the concept of the sanctity of the body and the deleterious effects of chemical substances on it have been emphasized as an extension of the Word of Wisdom." -Light Planet.com I would add that it means getting exercise, respecting our bodies, being free of addictions, and feeling good, so that we can better serve others and be more open to receive spiritual inspiration.

P H Y S I C A L H E A L T H

"'All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings . . . shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint' (D&C 89:18–20).

"The Lord has commanded you to take good care of your body. To do this, observe the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

"Never use tobacco products, such as cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, cigars, and pipe tobacco. They are very addictive and will damage your body and shorten your life. Also, do not drink coffee or tea, for these are addictive and harmful.

"Any form of alcohol is harmful to your body and spirit. Being under the influence of alcohol weakens your judgment and self-control and could lead you to break the law of chastity or other commandments. Drinking can lead to alcoholism, which destroys individuals and families.

Any drug, chemical, or dangerous practice that is used to produce a sensation or “high” can destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These include hard drugs, prescription or over-the-counter medications that are abused, and household chemicals.

Never let Satan or others lead you to think that breaking the Word of Wisdom will make you happier or more attractive."-For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet p36

See Elder L. Tom Perry expound on the Word of Wisdom. I wondered about the words in the Word of Wisdom "In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days; I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation." Now, are the "conspiring men in the last days" really tobacco and beer companies, illegal drug pushers?

Those with family members that suffer from these addictions may say yes, these substances are destructive and do have very influential propaganda. Illegal drugs, over the top harm. However, I think it goes deeper... the consequences of beer and tobacco are quite widely known, but there's poisons all around in our food supply system, and pollutions being added to the system. We live in a day when people will lie for a buck, say a drug is safe just to get the 5 year profit before its pulled from the shelf, or in the case of MSG, say there's "no proven harm," and just stick with it as long as they can get away with it just to get people to eat more food. Same case with harmful pollutants. They can't get rid of it, so they put it in our water supply (fluoride) and irradiated food (radioactive cobalt-60 and cesium-137) and tell us the benefits of them to create a demand for pollution?

It all makes perfect sense when you watch the movie documentary "The Corporation." Its actually our fault as a country for making these legal entities the way they are. Its a broken system with immeasurable harm being done, and we're being propagandized to believe corporations are the basis of all we have that's good; to quote, "inevitable, indispensable, responsible for progress and the good way of life, remarkably efficient." We the People are responsible for making these "monsters" that need a leach.

Beans for dinner- oops!

I thought I had all the MSG out of my house. Did I not even read the label, or did having two different brands throw me off? The no-name brand was MSG-free while these babies have autolyzed yeast.

Think canned Taco Bell refried beans have got MSG? You betcha.

I love[-ed] Taco Bell. I mean, what healthier fast food, or any food, could you have than refried beans, lettuce, and tomato on a tortilla? But, I guess nothing's safe.

Try making refried beans from scratch, too.

Moderation in all things? Even useless drugs?

• The US Dept. Of Agriculture estimates that the average person in the United States eats a total of 4.7 lbs. of food per day.

Food producers put about .6% MSG in food to get that optimal flavor-enhancing effect. Multiply that by 4.7 lbs of food a day, and you get 14 grams of MSG daily in the diet. A 10 gram dose for a 110-pound person is comparable to the dosages in the labs giving brain damage to mice.

No one knows how little glutamic acid is needed to kill a single brain cell or to trigger an adverse reaction.

The amount of MSG varies from producer to producer; very high in fast food, salad dressings, soups, etc., and the amount of MSG producers add to our food has been doubling every ten years. In a soup, it may say "less than 2% of [the following MSG ingredients]", and if it has four MSG ingredients, it could actually have slightly less than 8% (I hope not!) MSG.

MSG has no positive affect for us, only that brain-stimulating taste sensation. Yet, it has a myriad of negative affects. I believe in moderation in white sugar, and oils and fats, but those are foods! Fats (not hydrogenated or olestra) are necessary for a woman to maintain her menstrual periods, all for brain function, etc. MSG does nothing good, but is an addicting substance with 50+ side affects, and produces very scary diseases like autism (in developing fetuses), alzheimer's, etc.

Those with MSG sensitivities can be sick for 3 days (I think, maybe months), and brain damage, which of course, is irreversible. So, I don't really think its a thing of moderation. Yet, its all around. What to do at potlucks, vacations, eating out, family get togethers, etc.?

Now, moderation- sure, moderate the following:
Homemade pudding doesn't call for sodium caseinateI've never seen a recipe for ice cream that called for carageenan,
and homemade chocolate syrup doesn't have Xanthan gum added to thicken and prevent separation, and
homemade granola doesn't have whey protein concentrate.

60 minutes

This video clip is a 1992 rebroadcast on monosodium glutamate that "60 Minutes" first aired in November 1991. Ironically, while the hair-dos, film quality, and clothing styles are out of date, after 18 years, the information in the video is up to date.

Why I'm trying not to eat MSG

But don't think that avoiding this college staple will keep you safe from MSG. Read more.

What are glutamates? What makes some glutamates "bad" for us?

Source: www.ajinomoto.com

What complicates the war against MSG in getting it regulated by the FDA is that it is so confusing how glutamates formed, and how they can be safe to eat or harmful. I don't think the word "MSG" really should be used to refer what we're up against. While explaining to my husband that, sure, there's nothing wrong with pectin, in and of itself, yet even when no MSG is added to a product with pectin in it, pectin still produces "mirror image" glutamates and carcinogens in processing, as do all the other ingredients which are not harmful in and of themselves; but once they're an ingredient in a product and the product is processed, it produces free glutamtes. So, perhaps "free glutamates" is a better word for the antagonist than MSG, because even when MSG is not added, glutamates, the harmful substance in MSG (not the sodium) are spontaneously produced during processing, from innocent ingredients.

Another confusion is, yes, glutamates are essential for our functioning. However, we don't need to ingest them, as our body naturally produces glutamates. Additionally, glutamates are found naturally in protein or meats. But if we eat a natural turkey, the process by which glutamates enter our system is eons slower than the free glutamates in processed food (which processed glutamates subsequently flood our brain and excite our brain cells to the point of death.)

So, he wanted a chemical molecule of what exactly it is we're talking about, so here it is. But, yes, trying to explain what it is that we're trying to avoid is confusing!

How MSG causes obesity

In a 2006 interview, Dr. Russell Blaylock, a neurosurgeon, criticized the emphasis on controlling sugar and carbohydrates to combat obesity. He said, Yes, they, along with trans fats, add to the problem. But we should be aware that animals exposed to MSG prefer carbohydrates and sugar over protein rich foods. In comparison, our own appetites are out of control and so is metabolism due to leptin insensitivity and metabolic syndrome, both caused by excitotoxins in processed foods.Think the rat picture is from a study to see if MSG causes obesity? Wrong! That was already well-established by 1969. When researches want obese rats for studies, they commonly use MSG, and they are widely known with the nick-name "monosodium glutamate-induced obese mice".

MSG causes obesity in multiple ways.

1. It destroys cells in the area of the brain that control weight. Sorry, you know what they say about brain cells- once they're gone, they're gone.
2. MSG is an endocrine disruptor
3. MSG (and aspartame and foods with high glycemic index) creates an insulin affect, releasing insulin into the system which a) triggers fat storage and b) results in a hypoglycemic or low sugar state that makes people more hungry.
   
4. Children fed MSG while young tend to crave carbs the rest of their life.
   

What are all of the factors that contribute to the obesity epidemic? Here's a list found in the movie documentary Killer at Large. Obesity is very complex, and we still don't understand obesity. Here that? We need more research money to study obesity! I know its already widely studied, from nuerology departments to economics.

• genetic factors
• social factors
• diet
• exercise
• stress
• portion sizes
• low physical activity
• high fructose corn syrup
• quitting smoking
• eating disorders
• calorie dense foods
• school lunches
• technology
• fast food
• metabolic syndrome
• hyperthyroidism
• vending machines
• unregulated marketing
• sedentary lifestyle
• food additives
• lack of open spaces
• depression

I'd like to add to the list:
Leptin levels
BPA
heavy metal toxicity
pesticides
vitamin and mineral deficiencies which cause excess hunger
trans fats
rancid fats

I Just Love Wheat

I was wondering what nutrients we will be getting once we're grinding wheat regularly (like a home foodstorage program recommends) and eating it. Here is a link, and wheat is rich in magnesium, thiamine, niacin, and iron, which are so important. I feel bad for those with wheat allergies that have to miss out on these nutrients. Wheat has weak spots in providing folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, riboflavin, etc, so we'll need to keep researching those holes in our nutrition and fill them in. Take a look at wheat's nutrient content at nutrition data.com:

soft white wheat

hard white wheat

As a sidenote, Here's a "wow" video on nutrition and behavior: Professor Blaylock on Nutrition

Food Allergens: Sulfites

What is the difference between the glutamic acid found in protein and the potentially harmful manufactured glutamic acid we refer to as MSG?

The following article was written by Jack Samuels and may be found at http://www.truthinlabeling.org

Easy, Fluffy, Whole Wheat Bread

1 1/4 C water
1 T vinegar
1 T oil
1 tsp salt
2 3/4 C bread flour
1/4 C potato flakes
1/4 C gluten
1/4 C sugar
1 T yeast

Mix and knead the dough, allow to rise or 12-15 minutes. Let rise until double, 1- 1 1/2 hours. Place in greased bread pan and put in a warm place to rise. If you can get it to overflow the bread pan, by putting it in a warm but not hot oven, it will taste so good. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when lightly tapped. If using a bread machine, place ingredients in order as stated in bread machine manual.

Here's the recipe's source with video at everydayfoodstorage.net

Whole wheat bread without vital wheat gluten

1 Tbsp yeast
1 1/3 C warm water
3 C whole wheat flour
1/4 C sugar
1 tsp salt
1 egg

Doughnuts (or Cinnamon Rolls)

1 C sugar
1 C cooked, mashed potatoes
1 tsp salt
1/2 C+ 2 TB melted butter
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 C warm water
3 TB yeast (dissolved in the water)
1 C warm milk
7 C flour

Mix,and knead ingredients. If dough is stiff, add more warm milk to make a soft dough.
Let rise 1/2 hour. Roll out 3/4 inch thick and cut with donut cutter.
Fry in oil that sizzles when water drops into it. Medium-high temperature. (Don't let it get too hot, it can catch fire) (Don't let little ones help cook these). When donuts begin to get golden, turn them. When light golden on other side, take out and cool on paper towels. Can roll in sugar or dip in a glaze.

For cinnamon rolls:
Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. (4 tsp cinnamon and 1 c sugar).
Roll up like a jelly roll. Use dental floss to cut in 1/2 in thick rolls. Melt 1/4 Butter in jelly roll pan and sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar over melted butter. Place cinnamon rolls on pan. Let rise until double. Bake in 375 degree pre-heated oven for 15 minutes. While hot, spread with mixture of powdered sugar, 1-2 tsp frozen oj concentrate and a little water.

What's in the kitchen: sulfites

Some people are allergic to sulfites. The specific symptoms that result can vary considerably, from a severe anaphylactic reaction to asthma, abdominal symptoms, eczema, or headaches. It is added as a preservative to foods such as dried fruits and is also in medications. This is why doctors often ask for allergies to any medications. Sulfa drugs can intensify an MSG reaction.

What's in the kitchen: monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Even if there's no ingredient listed on the nutrition label with the name "monosodium glutamate," the product will still always contain monosodium glutamate (free glutamic acid) if it has:

• Glutamate (E 620)
• Glutamic acid (E 620)
• Monosodium glutamate (E 621)
• Monopotassium glutamate (E 622)
• Calcium glutamate (E 623)
• Monoammonium glutamate (E 624)
• Magnesium glutamate (E 625)
• Natrium glutamate
• Gelatin
• Calcium caseinate
• Sodium caseinate
• Textured protein
• anything "hydrolyzed"
• any hydrolyzed protein
• Yeast nutrient
• Yeast extract
• Yeast food
• Autolyzed yeast
• Vetsin or
• Ajinomoto

So, what's in my kitchen (with absolute certainty) of monosodium glutamate? Take a look:
Summary of MSG Ingredients (*ingredients in parentheses OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing):

-whipped topping
less than 2% sodium caseinate.
(less than 2% natural and artificial flavor, Xanthan and guar gums)
also contains hydrogenated vegetable oil, HFCS


-Family Canning Vanilla Pudding
sodium caseinate.
(maltodextrin, dextrose, soy lecithin, natural and artificial colors, xanthan gum)
also contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil


-Family Canning Chocolate Pudding
sodium caseinate.
also contains hydrogenated soybean oil, blue 1



-Family Canning Hot Cocoa
sodium caseinate.
(lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, carrageenan)
also contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil


-Stuffing Mix
hydrolyzed corn and soy protein, monosodium glutamate.
(dough conditioner, maltodextrin, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate)
also contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil, BHT


-Add Hamburger Lasagna
autolyzed yeast extract.
(enzymes, soy lecithin, natural flavors)
"No Artificial Ingredients or Preservatives. NO MSG Added."


-Red Beans and Rice Mix
yeast extract.
(malted barley flour, soy sauce, dextrose, natural and artificial flavors)


-Ranch Dressing
monosodium glutamate.
(less than 1% natural flavors, Xanthan gum, natural and artificial flavor, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate)


-Horseradish sauce
hydrolyzed soy protein, autolyzed yeast.
(Xanthan gum, artificial and natural flavors, citric acid)
also contains HFCS


-White Gravy Mix
hydrolyzed corn gluten and soy protein.
(disodium inosinate and guanylate)
also contains partially hydrogenated cottonseed and soy oil


-Onion soup mix
hydrolyzed soy protein, monosodium glutamate.
(maltodextrin, yeast extract, natural flavors, disodium inosinate and guanylate)
also contains partially hydrogenated cottonseed and/or soybean oil


-marshmallows
gelatin.
(dextrose)


-Chicken Bouillon
hydrolyzed corn protein, autolyzed yeast extract.
(disodium inosinate and disodium gunaylate)
also contains partially hydrogenated soy oil "No MSG Added (Contains naturally occuring glutamates)"


-Beef Bouillon
hydrolyzed soy protein, monosodium glutamate.
(natural flavors)
also contains partially hydrogenated soybean and/or cottonseed oil


-Seasoned Bread crumbs
monosodium glutamate.
(soy lecithin)
also contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oil shortening


-Turkey gravy mix
monosodium glutamate.
natural and artificial flavors



-Au Jus mix
hydrolyzed soy protein and corn gluten, autolyzed yeast extract.
(disodium guanylate, maltodextrin, dextrose, natural and artificial flavors, disodium inosinate)
also contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil


-Hollandiase mix
hydrolyzed soy protein, autolyzed yeast extract.
(maltodextrin, dextrose, citric acid, cellulose gum, disodium inosinate)


-Alfredo sauce mix
sodium caseinate, autolyzed yeast extract.
(soy lecithin, dextrose, maltodextrin, disodium inosinate)
also contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil


-sugar free gelatin
gelatin.
(maltodextrin)
also contains aspartame


-Top Ramen seasoning mix
hydrolyzed soy, corn and wheat protein, monosdium glutamate, autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed wheat gluten.
(maltodextrin, soy sauce powder, disodium guanylate and inosinate)


-canned Chili
2% or less textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed corn protein, hydrolyzed soy protein.
(2% or less flavorings, citric acid)



-Vegetable with beef stock soup
less than 2% monsodium glutamate, hydrolyzed corn, soy and wheat proteins.
(dextrose, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, citric acid)
also contains high fructose corn syrup


-cream of chicken
less than 2% hydrolyzed soy, corn, wheat gluten proteins, autolyzed yeast, natural flavor, monosodium glutamate, autolyzed yeast extract.
(broth, less than 2% soy protein concentrate, disodium inosinate and guanylate, dextrose)


-cream of celery
soy protein concentrate, monosodium glutamate, autolyzed yeast extract.
(dextrose, maltodextrin, natural flavlor, soy lecithin)



-Chicken Noodle
less than 2% hydrolyzed corn and soy proteins, yeast extract.
(less than 2% soy protein isolate, soy lecithin)
"No MSG Added"


-Fish crackers
less than 2% autolyzed yeast extract.
also contains less than 2% red 3, blue 1



-Reduced sodium chicken gumbo
less than 1% corn and soy proteins (hydrolyzed), yeast extract.
(chicken broth, less than 1% natural flavor, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, soy protein isolate, citric acid)
"No MSG Added"


-Savory beef barley vegetable soup
less than 2% corn and soy proteins (hydrolyzed), yeast extract.
(citric acid, natural flavor)
"No MSG Added"


-yogurt
gelatin.
also contains food dyes


-Cup of noodles
monosodium glutamate, hydrolyzed soy, corn and wheat protein, autolyzed yeast extract.
(maltodextrin, citric acid, natural flavors, disodium guanylate, disodium isonate)


Furthermore, the following ingredients OFTEN contain free glutamic acid or create MSG during processing:

whey protein concentrate
soy sauce

enzymes

pectin

carageenan

citric acid

And

• Natural pork flavoring
• Bouillon and Broth
• Natural beef flavoring
• Stock
• Whey protein
• Whey protein isolate
• Flavor(s) & Flavoring(s)
• Natural flavor(s) & flavoring(s)
• Maltodextrin
• Natural chicken flavoring
• Ultra-pasteurized
• Barley malt
• Protease
• Protease enzymes
• Anything enzyme modified
• Enzymes anything
• Malt extract
• Malt flavoring
• Soy protein isolate
• Soy sauce extract
• Soy protein
• Soy protein concentrate
• Anything protein fortified
• Anything fermented
• Seasonings (the word "seasonings")

Get a printable list of MSG foods to avoid here.

Finally, here's an appendix with even more ingredients that contain lower doses of MSG.

(*You will note there are lots of cans of tomato sauce and stewed tomatoes in the photo above. I read recently in the book "Battling the MSG Myth" (see my bookshelf in my widgets) that Muir Glen products are free of any adverse affects in glutamate sensitive people)

What's in the kitchen: Is there anything left?

Well, is there anything else left in my kitchen after searching for aspartame, nitrites, BHT/BHA, hydrogenated fats, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and BPA? Here's the list:

• No lard tortilla chips
• 100% all-natural peanut butter
• Canned fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges)
• Oil (vegetable, olive)
  
• canned salmon (may have BHT leaching due to salt)
  
• tomato paste
• FAMILY CANNING carrots ("no sulfite added"), wheat, soup mix, rolled oats, dry pinto beans
• Frozen orange juice
• 100% pure (store-bought) syrup
• mustard
• eggs
• milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
• bar of dark chocolate
• dry garbanzo, pinto, black, kidney, small red, navy, and lima beans
• pearled barley, dry lentils, and split peas
• unenriched* pasta (whole wheat macaroni, fettuccine, spaghetti, rotelle)
• Rice
• Grains (rolled oats, cracked wheat, grits, cornmeal, flour, wheat, flax, wheat germ, Maseca flour, whole oats, oat bran)
• Sugar (powdered, brown, white)
• baking powder/soda
• honey
• butter (the one without natural flavoring)
  
• vinegar (apple, distilled white)
  
• dried herbs
  
• molasses
• nuts (pecan, walnut, cashew, almond)

(That's not to say any of these haven't been sprayed with herbicides and/or pesticides)

Think there's food problems in other countries? I think we've got one right here! A shortage of real food on the market, and an abundance of psuedo-food. I guess my friends that baulk at eating processed foods were right.

Looking at this list, how many people on any given day (do you think) are eating a clean diet that doesn't cause cancer, obesity, heart problems, and/or neurodegenerative disease?

*enriched and vitamin enriched foods have been found have sufficient MSG to be MSG-reaction triggers in highly sensitive people

(Wondering why I don't have any fruits or vegetables listed? Click here.)

These Videos are Great

I hope you don't pass up these videos. I know I'm a geek, but I love soaking these up. Dates... FHE... free time... well...

CBN.com

This is a series meant to spur public interest in MSG, aired on The Christian Broadcasting Network.
Part 1
Part 2a
Part 2b
Part 3
Part 4

"No MSG added" is a lie

Its illegal, but not regulated, to state "No MSG" on a label for foods that contain hidden MSG. If it is suspected that MSG is in a product that says "No MSG," the producer may be contacted directly, or the FDA has a number to call: (800)332-4010. For meat, the USDA is (800)535-4555. If it feels like the company is lying about claims of no MSG, the Federal Trade Comission's number is (800)872-8723.

In preparing for my years' supply of food storage, which is a task I've looked more deeply into this year, I thought maybe I'd look into the quality of my items. I knew in the back of my mind I probably shouldn't be using cream of chicken soup; I mean the slimy mess that comes out of the can can't be all that good for you. I'm not sure exactly what it was I was cautious of; BPA in the can, hydrogenated fats, I don't know. (I'm also looking into getting a good chili recipe and canning my own chili to avoid BPA.)

I found this great food storage recipe to replace cream of chicken soup that's got to be so much healthier (click here) at foodstoragemadeeasy.net. The three ingredients to this recipe are white bean flour, water, and chicken bouillon, and viola! Use it in place of cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and milk in recipes. I don't have a grinder so I just cook and mash my beans kind of like refried beans and then mix it in.

So, I figured we'd up our fiber and reduce our monosodium glutamate intake by using this bean recipe; except, the brand of bouillon I had bought also has monosodium glutamate in it. Uggh! Maybe I'd have to make a special trip to the Food Co-op to go get it MSG free.

But, no! Lo and behold, we had No MSG added Herbox Chicken Bouillon right at WinCo. I was so happy, and snatched it up and figured the cost of throwing away my old contaminated one would be well worth the health benefits.

Come to find out, on the day of cooking: I had googled MSG and researched it and I was making my first MSG-free Shepherd's pie, and I read the back of my MSG-free Herbox, and find it has "hydrolyzed corn protein, autolyzed yeast extract, whey powder, disodium isonate, and disodium guanylate", which all mean MSG. They can still advertise there's no MSG added under the FDA. I was devastated, but put in my own ingredients from its safe ingredient list (dehydrated onion, garlic powder and salt) and the Shepherd's Pie turned out fine.

It doesn't stop there, though. My kids went to grandma's for a week (yea!) which meant more time for foodstorage planning and cleaning the house (yea for me, boo for Ben). They came home and my daughter says "chicken noodle soup is yummy." We're all glad when our kids like eating something, right, so I go to the store and stock up on four cans. Then I read the back and notice it has monosodium glutamate right in it. I went back into the store for a second round of groceries including a bag of flour and four cans of soup. I read all the labels, and Campbell's, Hy-top, everyone was full of monosodium glutamate. :(. Then, music starts singing and a light shines from heaven and I see Progresso soup. Huge advertisement right on the label that this soup is safe.

It threw me for a loop when it says in small print "*Except that which occurs naturally in yeast extract and hydrolyzed vegetable protein" I tried to comprehend. "'Naturally'... They've got to know what they're talking about. It must be okay. They say right on the can NO MSG." But as you'll learn from the truth in labeling campaign and this list here (click here), hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and yeast extract are MSG. I know it may be a little confusing at this point, but its just one of the biggest food scams ever that the FDA is mistakenly causing.

CBN.com: part 2a

How to find MSG in the food label

The FDA has been petitioned by very educated and well informed people to acknowledge that MSG is a danger in our foods (this petition is very interesting, and you may read it here). However, the food industry loves to use this ingredient (its getting into more and more foods each year that used to be safe, by food manufacturers that either only care about our money or are ignorant), and it has over 40 different names. Glutamate is found naturally in our food, but when glutamate is synthesized and added to our food, it has carcinogens and mirror image molecules in it, which of course cause cancer and creates more toxins than our brains can handle, which results in irreversible brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases. Also, when its processed, its broken down, instead of ingested slowly as occurs from ingesting healthy ("normal") foods, which then floods our brains and excites our neurons to the point of death. (See more here). MSG is a drug, not a flavor enhancer or spice; its an excitotoxin and its neurotoxic. Pregnant women, children under 3, and anyone that doesn't want Alzheimer's or Parkinson's shouldn't be eating MSG.

So, what to do? Get a list of MSG ingredient names, print it off right away, and post it to your fridge! But, still, best of luck in trying to avoid it. Click here for your own MSG ingredient names list to print and refer to in the grocery store and at home.

CBN.com: part 2b

CBN.com: part 3

CBN.com: part 4

Excitotoxin book review

Dr. Vincent Bellonzi

Watch Dr. Vince Bellonzi, D.C, C.C.N. talk about MSG and aspartate in this video.

Recipes

I've started my own homemade recipes, and I'd like to share how to make homemade

• granola and granola bars
  
• mayonnaise
• yogurt
• cream cheese
• applesauce
  
• ice cream
• pizza crust
  
• bread
• flour or corn tortillas (sopapillas, chips)
• salsa
  
• pitas
• hummus
  
• Italian tomato sauce
• salad dressing
• taco seasoning
  
• pudding
• doughnuts
  
• refried beans
• hollandaise, white sauce
• chocolate topping
• smoothies
• frosting
  
• substitute for cream of chicken soup
• Chili recipes
• a variety of soups
  
• enchilada sauce
• bagels
  
• breakfast cereals
• jam without pectin or gelatin
• how to get good quality flour
• popcorn
  
• stuffing
  

(You may already be an expert at some of these)

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not completely cook out of foods

I decided to make my first recipes using wine while I was pregnant. I was assured by a friend and my mom (both don't drink) that it cooks right out. Well, seeing how I was pregnant, that was the dumbest time to try that, eh? I wanted to be sure of how long it takes for it to cook out. Guess what I found when I googled it?

"A study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Data Laboratory calculated the percentage of alcohol remaining in a dish based on various cooking methods. The results are as follows:

Preparation Method	Percent of Alcohol Retained
alcohol added to boiling liquid & removed from heat	85%
alcohol flamed	75%
no heat, stored overnight	70%
baked, 25 minutes, alcohol not stirred into mixture	45%
baked/simmered, alcohol stirred into mixture:
15 minutes	40%
30 minutes	35%
1 hour	25%
1.5 hours	20%
2 hours	10%
2.5 hours	5%

This is a well-published study, but its still almost "common knowledge" that alcohol "cooks right out." http://www.ochef.com/165.htm. This is important for recovering alcoholics to keep in mind.

There are many substitutions for wine in recipes. See:
Alcohol substitutions in recipes.
Yahoo! Answers I
Yahoo Answers II
I think, for people like me who don't even drink wine, what's the point of putting it in a recipe if you're not attached to it, and therefore its not going to make it "delicious" to you?

wine contains sulfites

MSG-informative websites

Truthinlabeling.org is a good source to learn about MSG and the politics behind it. However, their web design is very confusing, and its not what I think is very user friendly. The reading is pretty heavy, too. But its been the most informative for me. It has links to other websites on the topic.