Also known as sodium glutamate, monosodium glutamate is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, a nonessential amino acid. Monosodium glutamate is used an additive in foods, commonly to serve as taste enhancer and, as such, is an important ingredient of Chinese cuisine. Although monosodium glutamate is safe for consumption in small amounts, if consumed in greater amounts, it may lead to various ailments.
Some people are found intolerant to even minimal amounts of monosodium glutamate. Such people are invariably allergic to this salt and are unable to eat any foods that contain it. The most common symptoms of monosodium glutamate allergy are as follows:
Since monosodium glutamate is not an allergen, the body does not form antibodies against it. Monosodium glutamate contains free glutamic acid, which serves as a neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitters functions to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain and mouth. Neurotransmitters may also stimulate your sense of smell and taste, and may also regulate hunger. In certain individuals, the salt may overexcite the nervous system and may cause the histamine level to rise by 150 percent. This enhanced level of histamine in the body leads to various symptoms of allergy.
Remedies for Monosodium Glutamate allergy: In order to avoid or moderate the symptoms of a monosodium glutamate, you could try the following:
To avoid the allergy simply do not consume the salt even in minimal amounts. Avoid all foods that contain monosodium glutamate, especially Chinese food that is high in monosodium glutamate.
To moderate the symptoms of the allergy, you can increase your consumption of foods that are high in vitamin A. These foods include beet, radish, cod, cheese, eggs, sweet potato, capsicum, spinach, broccoli, apricot, mango and green chili. You could also increase your intake of foods that are rich in vitamin B, such as berries, sweet corn, brown rice, yeast, milk, peas, soya beans, butter and poultry. Vitamin C is also know to be effective in moderating the symptoms; try eating more citrus fruits as well as kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower, and papaya. Eating foods rich in pantothenic acid, glucosamine, and quercitin is also helpful. Essentially, eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals will help.
Primarily, make it a point to not eat foods that are cooked without your supervision as even a bit of monosodium glutamate may trigger an allergic reaction. If the symptoms or allergy persists, it is best to consult a doctor.