MSG : The taste that kills! (Part 4)

As you can recall in part 1, the discovery of MSG adverse effects was demonstrated on retinas of animals. Since that discovery, many studies were conducted on the connection between excitotoxins and eye diseases. One of the most startling discoveries was that destruction caused by glaucoma, is not direct result of elevated pressure in the eyeball, but it was the build up of glutamate in the retina. There is evidence that by lowering the glutamate levels in the retina, we may be able to prevent loss of vision.

Now that we have excessive of glutamate in the eye causing damage to the retina, what about other eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract? Cataracts are the result of free radical damage of the proteins in the lens. Diabetics who drink large amount of aspartame-sweetened drinks are more likely to go blind. Aspartame is composed of the excitotoxin where part of the molecule structure is methanol. I will put up a post on aspartame soon.

Has anyone heard of gene called apoE4? People who has this gene, have higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease especially if one consume food high in excitotoxins. People with this gene do not have the same antioxidant protection as someone without the gene. It has been noted that the brains of Alzheimer's victims are severely deficient in many antioxidants including carotenoids, vitamin C, magnesium and glutathione. It may be that people with these antioxidant deficiencies early in life, especially if combined with free radical generating factors such as excessive iron, mercury, aluminum and MSG in their systems. 

I will post a topic about aluminum, lead and mercury toxicity in our environment hopefully when I got some time soon. All of us are exposed to these toxic metals almost everyday! From eating donuts to tooth filling,  processed cheese to soft drinks, etc. 

Let's discuss about how MSG can harm our heart. Most people would not have thought how these additives can cause heart diseases. First of all, high glutamate levels in the elderly would increase free radical generation in the heart muscle and the arteries supplying the heart. As I've mentioned in earlier post, these glutamate receptors are found in almost every organ in our body. 

As we age, most of us slow down. Some people slow down so much that they are barely moving or even spending time exercising. Muscles also become less efficient at removing glutamate in the body. As a result, a greater percentage of glutamate will remain in the blood, heart and most organs. As most people are deficient in antioxidants and malnutrition, this enables them in vulnerable 'zone'. 

I would want to say a few words to the society and whoever is reading this right now, remember this, "There is no treatment or medication which can overcome the effects of poor diet, inadequate nutrition, lack of exercise and unhealthy lifestyle". Imagine one day in a hospital, and the doctor tells you to your face, "You Have Cancer!". Wouldn't that thought frightens you? Prevention is better then cure. We only get to live once, why not live a quality healthy life and not suffer and die from a major life-threatening disease. Your choice, your life.