MSG Sensitivity-Chinese Restaurant Syndrome

About This Condition

MSG sensitivity is a set of symptoms that may occur in some people after they consume monosodium glutamate (MSG). The syndrome was first described in 1968 as a triad of symptoms: “numbness at the back of the neck radiating to both arms and the back, general weakness and palpitations.”
MSG is used worldwide as a flavor enhancer. Although many restaurants now avoid the use of MSG, many still use significant amounts. The average person living in an industrialized country consumes about 0.3 to 1.0 gram of MSG per day. MSG is classified by the US Food and Drug Administration as “generally recognized as safe.” Indeed, many researchers have questioned the very existence of a true MSG-sensitivity reaction. Most clinical trials, including some double-blind trials, have failed to find any symptoms arising from consumption of MSG, even large amounts, when taken with food. However, clinical trials have found that MSG taken without food may cause symptoms, though rarely the classic “triad” described above.^{7, 8, 9} A large trial and a review of studies on MSG both suggested that large amounts of MSG given without food may elicit more symptoms than a placebo in people who believe they react adversely to MSG. However, persistent and serious effects from MSG consumption have not been consistently demonstrated.
People sensitive to MSG may also react to aspartame (NutraSweet).Symptoms

The symptoms of MSG sensitivity have commonly been described as headache, flushing, tingling, weakness, and stomachache. After eating meals prepared with MSG, people with MSG sensitivity may have migraine headache, visual disturbance, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tightness of the chest, skin rash, or sensitivity to light, noise, or smells.

 

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Infections (2)

This Condition

Infection is the result of invasion of the body by microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Not all microorganisms cause infections in the body, and exposure to a disease-causing microorganism does not always result in symptoms. The immune system plays a large role in determining the body’s ability to fight off infection.
Some examples of infection are common cold/sore throat, influenza, cough, recurrent ear infections, urinary tract infection, yeast infection, athlete’s foot, cold sores, HIV, shingles, and parasites.

Symptoms

Symptoms of infection include localized warmth, redness, swelling, discharge, foul-smelling odor, and pain to the touch. In more serious cases, symptoms may also include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Stress can depress the immune system, thus increasing the body’s susceptibility to infection. Coping effectively with stress is important.¹ Exercise increases natural killer cell activity, which may also help prevent infections.²

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Peptic Ulcers

About This Condition

Peptic ulcers are erosions or open sores in the mucous lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The term “peptic” distinguishes peptic ulcers from ulcerations that affect other parts of the body (e.g., diabetic leg ulcers).
Peptic ulcer should never be treated without proper diagnosis. They are usually caused by infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). People with peptic ulcer due to infection should discuss conventional treatment directed toward eradicating the organism—various combinations of antibiotics, acid blockers, and bismuth—with a medical doctor. Ulcers can also be caused or aggravated by stress, alcohol, smoking, and dietary factors.

Symptoms

Peptic ulcers are occasionally painless. However, the most common symptom is a dull ache in the upper abdomen that usually occurs two to three hours after a meal; the ache is relieved by eating. Other common symptoms include weight loss, bloating, belching, and nausea. Untreated, peptic ulcers often bleed and may cause sharp burning pain in the area of the stomach or just below it.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Aspirin and related drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),¹ alcohol,² coffee³ (including decaf),⁴ and tea⁵ can aggravate or interfere with the healing of peptic ulcers. Smoking is also known to slow ulcer healing.⁶ Whether or not an ulcer is caused by infection, people with peptic ulcer should avoid use of these substances.

Holistic Options

Emotional stress has been shown to increase acid production in the stomach.⁷ The reported association between stress and peptic ulcer might be attributable to a stress-induced increase in gastric acidity.^{8, 9} During the air raids of London in World War II, British physicians observed an increase of more than 50% in the incidence of ruptured peptic ulcers.^{10, 11} More recently, an increased incidence of bleeding stomach ulcers was seen in survivors of the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in Japan.¹² Whether stress reduction techniques or psychological counseling helps prevent ulcers or ulcer recurrence has not been adequately studied in medical trials.


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Peptic Ulcer

 Peptic ulcers can cause serious discomfort and damage to the digestive system if left untreated. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful

Ulcer pain? Undo the damage. Peptic ulcers can cause serious discomfort and damage to the digestive system if left untreated. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

• Avoid irritants Avoid smoking, aspirin and related drugs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), alcohol, coffee (including decaf), and tea to improve ulcer healing
• Fight recurrences with fiber Reduce the risk of new duodenal ulcers by getting enough fiber
• Give zinc a go Take 25 to 50 mg of this mineral a day to speed the repair of damaged tissue
• Get a checkup See a doctor to find out whether your ulcer is related to Helicobacter pylori infection

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