Forget Everything You Think You Know About Salt and MSG

The Real Story About Sodium

MSG, which is a flavor enhancer, can be used safely to replace table salt. It increases nutrient absorption.

Before I begin, let me say that I have serious concerns about the following story. Presumptive link There is a link between high blood pressure and sodium intake. To understand why, you can only look at the entire fakakta history American’s war against salt.

Imagine that, in 1904, six high-blood-pressure patients were discovered by a French team of doctors while they were resting between mock swordfights using baguettes.

“Mon Dieu! No wonder their blood pressure goes up like our mistresses’ bouffants! They like to put zee salt on zee bouef bourguignon!”

They committed the scientific sin by conflating causality with correlation. Let’s say you were looking at ten people who had put their victims to sleep with butternut squash. You noticed in their lives that at least one Kevin Bacon film had been viewed within the week. Then, you shouted: “Eureka!” And he claimed that watching Kevin Bacon films causes people to commit violent crime using a butternut.

It’s what the French researchers did. They planted the seeds. “salt is bad” seed.

A few decades later the salt phobia grew when Lewis Dahl, Brookhaven National Laboratory’s scientist, was released “unequivocal” Evidence that excessive salt can cause hypertension. This conclusion was reached after causing high blood pressure in rats with 500g sodium daily.

Let’s look at this in context. Today, the average American consumes 3.4 grams of sodium daily. Dahl’s rats were fed 2,380 Doritos, which would mean that the average American would have consumed 2,380 of those 1-ounce Doritos at the checkout. Every day. That’s without counting the sodium in salsa that you dip your chips in.

Studies that have been more scientifically sound have found mixed results on the role of sodium/salt in hypertension. While some studies support the conclusion, others argue that the link is not conclusive. Let’s not forget the anti-salt folks and agree that Americans need to reduce their sodium intake.

As a healthy and viable salt substitute, I recommend the well-known MSG (monosodium glucosemate).

MSG, What’s the Deal with Chinese Food?

I can understand your thoughts. MSG? That’s right. “toxin” This is how it happens “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.” It’s too bad that there isn’t one. This shaming label is based on a 1968 letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Robert Ho Man Kwok, a doctor, wrote about how he became sick after eating at Chinese restaurants. He complained of weakness and palpitations along with numbness in his extremities. All of these symptoms he blamed MSG.

Similar letters were received by the Journal, with additional complaints such as dizziness, chest and back pains.

The original letter was a hoax by someone who used an pseudonym. It was likely a guy who owned a tiny falafel shop located in China Town. He was tired that people were bypassing his shop for Egg Foo Yuung.

Soon after this charade, a study was published. “supported” MSG was deemed dangerous. The study involved the administration of MSG to rodents (newborn mice). It caused stunted growth and obesity in the rodents (newborn mice) and nerve damage in many areas of their developing brains. Okay, but I’m thinking the study was done by a descendant of Lewis Dahl – he of the 2,380 bags of Doritos fame – because it also involved unrealistic doses.

Furthermore, the large doses of these drugs were not given to the mice. Instead, the substances were injected into the mice’s abdomens. It is not the most effective way to determine if a substance is safe. I would bet that Kombucha, mother’s milk or anything else the elves consume in LOTR would be injected into the midsection of a creature.

Numerous studies have supported MSG’s use since. MSG is now widely used in South Asian cuisine due to its flavor. However, it has also been accepted in other parts of the world for its sodium-sparing and flavor-enhancing properties. It is known that high levels are harmless and can be eliminated by the body in a matter of hours.

There is no known case of Chinese Boob Syndrome.

MSG, a sodium salt from the amino acid glutamic acids, is the most abundant natural amino acid. It is found in meats, fish, poultry, hard cheeses, as well mushrooms. It is even found in breastmilk, and there have never been any cases of Chinese Boob Syndrome.

Kikunae Itoka, a Japanese chemical scientist, was the first to isolate the chemical. He observed that the flavor was distinct from all four basic tastes: salty, sweet, bitter, and salty. He called the flavor umami (Japanese: savory).

Ikeda discovered how to extract glutamate from seaweed, and then stabilize it with salt. He was granted a patent for this process in 1908. The product was sold under the name Ajinomoto. It is still in existence today, although it uses a different extraction process that involves sugar cane, beets, or molasses.

MSG isn’t supposed to add flavor or color to food. Instead, it changes the way our taste buds perceive flavors by adding the fifth flavor – umami. What is it worth? “flavor status” It has to do the fact there are some receptors on the tongue that MSG activates, and others that are solely stimulated by glutamate.

MSG can be added to food to enhance the flavor and enjoyment of meat and saltiness. It also contains about a third less sodium than table salt.

The “Salt Flip” Experiment

Although I had my reservations about the supposed iron-clad relationship of sodium and potassium, High blood pressureExcessive sodium is widely recognized as a contributing factor to other adverse health conditions, such stomach cancer, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and others.

It may be worth giving MSG a try instead of using table salt. This was the exact idea behind the “Salt Flip” The results of experiment were published in 2020.

The experiment consisted of three versions of the same recipe, one with normal salt and one with reduced salt. One was with MSG. The food was then rated on the overall taste and texture/mouthfeel.

The MSG versions were loved by consumers as much as the salted ones. They also liked them significantly more than the low salt versions. This led to the researchers concluding that:

“Flip offers a promising dietary sodium reduction strategy through the addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to reduced-salt, savory, better-for-you foods that does not compromise consumer acceptance of their sensory profile.”

MSG can be used instead of salting your food as Zeus does. By using MSG, you can reduce sodium intake.

MSG’s flavor-enhancing properties may mean that you have to use less MSG than you would table salt. This further reduces your sodium intake.

Another reason to add it is MSG To your spice rack. Glutamate receptors are found in the stomach. They activated by glutamate stimulate gut motility and increase enzyme secretions. This theoretically leads to better nutrient absorption.

T Nation earns money as an Amazon Associate for qualifying purchases Continue reading Learn more about our policy.

We are grateful for your article. I love salt. There are eight on my kitchen counter, plus one in the cabinet. I’ve had my hair and blood tested and it was found that my sodium level is very low. This is due to the fact I don’t eat out often and don’t buy pre-made/packaged food. MSG will be a part of my daily diet.

These articles are truly amazing.
This may explain why my blood pressure increases, and not decreases, when I lower my salt intake.
I don’t understand why the medical establishment is telling me to cut down on sodium and fat.
Salt is my favorite! I am careful to not overdo it when eating out or snacking on processed foods.

I do not claim to have the final answer. As you are, I suggest that we remain cautious until we have better answers.

The act of seeing an MSG Article on a cut makes me think of Chinese food whenever I visit the main page. It’s borderline torture.

Question from T Nationhttps://www.instagram.com/testosteronenation/”>Instagram:

“Great article, but I swear I get migraines from MSG. Any idea why?” – Rhonda C.

Umami goodness!

Patients with heart failure may experience an increase in cell volume and water retention, which can lead to death.

Here’s some information about aldosterone, its role in the regulation of electrolytes.

Although it’s uncommon, MSG can trigger migraines in some people who are predisposed.

This would be true. Thanks!

Some older medical advice was wrong. It’s also true that many of the things we believe today are incorrect. Sometimes, fats, salts and glutamate were wrongly criticized. It took a while for the dangers of smoking and too much sugar to be recognized. These are complicated topics that are difficult to simplify. Different people often need to do different tasks.

Salt can add a lot to the flavour of food. You can reduce salt intake and get used to eating a lower-salt diet. A diet that isn’t high in salt can be bland, even unappetizing. Although there is a relationship between salt and high blood pressure, it is less than one might expect from the physiology (considering just certain hormones and not others or the complexity and relevance of kidney physiology).

Don’t be too harsh on the Olde French. Salt was used to preserve food before refrigeration. This is especially true for fish and pork in French cuisine. They probably also ate lots of baguettes, and Kevin Bacon. I assume that salt cod and Pemmican aren’t major components of your diet.

However (1) if you can drink whenever you want, and feel thirsty if slightly dehydrated (2) you have healthy kidneys and urinate easily (3) you do not retain fluid for other reasons, such as heart or other organ failure, and (4) are not on medications which disrupt natural physiology (such as diuretic blood pressure medication)… then your body can usually deal with a salt load (eat nachos, feel thirsty, drink the Kool Aid, piss out salt, eat more nachos). With age, kidney function decreases (creatinine clearance). Salt restriction can be too restrictive and not necessary for everyone. However, some people need to limit their intake.

Glutamate, a natural amino acid (protein precursor) and an important neurotransmitter, is one of the most common. There are very few cases reported of headaches. Some of these cases include “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” These symptoms can be attributed to anxiety, rare sensitivities or racism. MSG adds both unami to “meatiness” It can be metabolized quickly and excreted in excess. I use it in my cooking and have not had anyone complain. Although I do keep it in the spice rack, I have not used it as a salt substitute. This is because I don’t feel the need for much salt reduction. It is a good idea. This might be especially helpful for those older and on meds. It was a great idea.

Other than that, eliminating trans fats from most food was a good step. It is important not to simplify. The idea that fatty dairy was bad was wrong, and that fats could be replaced with sugars in “healthy” products was a smart move. These ideas are outmoded and incorrect.

Sugars can still be enjoyed best at the beginning of the day, or during a workout. Although sugar is a popular sweetener, it can be enjoyed by many people, even though it was once a rare treat. The occasional binge can be okay, provided that it is very rare.

Another interesting column

These are solid observations and interesting thoughts. Thanks!

MSG is something I love. Glad to hear you are dispelling myths about it.

The following are some options to reduce your salt intake due kidney disease, etc. disodium ribonucleotides: A 98/1/1 mix of MSG, diodium guanylate and disodium inosinate MSG alone is not as potent at creating umami or salty flavors, but it has 4x the power of MSG.. These aren’t exotic ingredients. Splenda These nucleotides are used in the preparation of RNA/DNA. One reason nutritional yeast and Marmite The high concentration of nucleotides that are produced from RNA fragments in addition to natural glutamic acids gives these delicious nucleotides their strong flavor.