Table of contents:
- What exactly is MSG?
- What are the symptoms of most MSG?
- What caused chinese restaurant syndrome?
- How do you treat the symptoms of most MSG?
Never heard of the term chinese restaurant syndrome ? This term was first recognized in the 1960s, and refers to the collection of symptoms that a person experiences after consuming food from a Chinese food restaurant. These symptoms include headache, reddish skin, and sweating. Monosodium glutamate, aka MSG, is an ingredient thought to cause these symptoms. However, there are still not many scientific studies showing a link between MSG and these symptoms in humans.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration The (FDA) considers MSG to be a safe ingredient and most people can eat foods containing this ingredient without any problems. However, there are a small number of the population who can experience the adverse events resulting from consuming MSG.
What exactly is MSG?
MSG is an additional ingredient that is used as a flavoring. MSG has become an important ingredient in the food industry because it can reduce the use of fresh and quality ingredients without destroying the desired taste. MSG is produced by fermenting sugar syrup, flour, or sugar cane. This fermentation process is similar to the fermentation process used to make wine or yogurt.
What are the symptoms of most MSG?
A person may experience symptoms within two hours of consuming foods containing MSG. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- headache
- sweating
- flushed skin
- numbness or burning in the mouth
- numbness or burning in the throat
- nausea
- fatigue
In rare cases, some people may experience life-threatening symptoms similar to an allergic reaction. These symptoms include:
- chest pain
- rapid heart rate
- abnormal heart rate
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face
- swelling of the throat
Mild symptoms do not require specific treatment. However, you should immediately call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital if you experience serious symptoms.
What caused chinese restaurant syndrome ?
MSG is thought to be associated with symptoms on chinese restaurant syndrome . However, this has not been proven. If you feel sick after eating Chinese food or other foods that contain MSG, you probably have a sensitivity to MSG. Keep in mind, however, that natural foods may contain high levels of natural glutamate.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and your food consumption history to determine if you are really sensitive to MSG. If you experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, your doctor may check your heart rate with an EKG to analyze your heart rhythm and check if your airway is blocked.
How do you treat the symptoms of most MSG?
The handling of this case varies depending on the severity of the symptoms experienced. Mild symptoms usually don't require treatment. You can take medicine from a pharmacy to relieve your headache. Drinking several glasses of water can also help flush MSG in your system and shorten the duration of symptoms. For more severe symptoms, doctors can usually prescribe antihistamines to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling of the throat, and a fast heart rate.
If you experience chinese restaurant syndrome with severe symptoms, you should start avoiding foods containing MSG. Always read the ingredients of every food package you eat and ask the restaurant if they use MSG in their food. It's a good idea to avoid chinese food and other foods with high concentrations of MSG. You can consult a doctor or a nutritionist to plan your diet.
If your symptoms are still mild, you don't have to stop your current diet. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to eat foods that contain MSG. You may be able to reduce symptoms by limiting your consumption of foods containing MSG.
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