Dylan Miller

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a chemical compound commonly used to enhance flavor in processed foods. While it’s widely accepted as safe by the FDA, research increasingly suggests that MSG can have negative effects on health, especially when consumed in large amounts. One of the primary concerns is MSG’s potential to disrupt normal brain functions, particularly those governed by the hypothalamus, leading to problems with hunger regulation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disorders.

How MSG Disrupts the Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus, a small yet crucial part of the brain, plays a major role in regulating hunger, thirst, sleep, and hormonal balance. When MSG is consumed, glutamate—the main component of MSG—can overstimulate receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus. This overstimulation interferes with the brain’s ability to correctly process hunger and fullness signals, leading to overeating. Research shows that MSG disrupts leptin signaling, a hormone responsible for regulating satiety, potentially leading to overeating even when caloric needs have been met.

A study published in Neuroscience Letters found that repeated exposure to MSG increases oxidative stress and inflammation in the hypothalamus, damaging the brain’s ability to regulate energy balance and appetite (Shi et al., 2016). This form of neurotoxicity, called excitotoxicity, occurs when the glutamate receptors are overstimulated, leading to nerve cell damage or death.

Another study in the Journal of Obesity showed that rats fed high doses of MSG developed hypothalamic damage, especially in the arcuate nucleus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating food intake. This led to significant weight gain and metabolic dysfunction, including obesity (Hermanussen et al., 2013). The disruption in the hypothalamus altered the animals’ natural ability to regulate their energy intake and expenditure.

The Role of Excitotoxicity in Hypothalamic Disruption

MSG acts as an excitotoxin, a substance that overstimulates neurons to the point of damage. This is particularly dangerous for the hypothalamus, where glutamate receptors are highly concentrated. Over time, this kind of damage can lead to long-term issues like obesity, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. A review published in Endocrine Reviews explored how excitotoxins like MSG could damage the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which is crucial for regulating hormones like insulin and cortisol, potentially leading to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and even reproductive health problems (Morley et al., 2018).

Nutritional and Herbal Support for Hypothalamus Function

In addition to reducing MSG consumption, supporting the hypothalamus and brain health through nutrition and herbs can help the body recover from excitotoxic damage. Here are some recommended products from Standard Process and MediHerb that can help nourish and protect the hypothalamus:

1. Hypothalamus PMG (Standard Process): This product contains porcine hypothalamus extract, designed to provide targeted support for the hypothalamus. Protomorphogen (PMG) extracts help to support cellular function in specific organs, in this case, the hypothalamus. By providing this organ-specific support, it can help restore and balance hypothalamic function damaged by excitotoxins like MSG​.
2. Neurotrophin PMG (Standard Process): This supplement provides additional nervous system support, protecting neurons from excitotoxicity and supporting the overall health of the brain. Neurotrophin PMG helps protect against overstimulation from substances like MSG, promoting healthy nerve function​.
3. Rhodiola & Ginseng Complex (MediHerb): This herbal supplement combines two adaptogens known for their ability to help the body cope with stress and improve brain function. Both rhodiola and ginseng support the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, helping to regulate stress hormones and protect the brain from damage​.
4. Ashwagandha Complex (MediHerb): Ashwagandha is another adaptogenic herb that supports brain health, particularly in balancing cortisol levels and reducing stress. This can help protect the hypothalamus from the damaging effects of chronic stress and excitotoxicity​.
5. Gotu Kola Complex (MediHerb): Gotu kola has neuroprotective properties, which can help support brain health, including the hypothalamus. It aids in repairing damage caused by excitotoxins and helps enhance cognitive function. It’s particularly useful in supporting microcirculation in the brain​.

Together, these supplements and herbs provide a comprehensive approach to nourishing and protecting the hypothalamus, reducing the effects of MSG exposure, and promoting overall brain health.

MSG’s Hidden Names: The Top 20 Sneaky Labels

Adding to the challenge, MSG is often hidden in food labels under different names, making it difficult for consumers to avoid. Here are the top 20 names manufacturers use to disguise MSG in food products:

1. Autolyzed yeast
2. Autolyzed yeast protein
3. Calcium glutamate
4. Carrageenan
5. Glutamate
6. Glutamic acid
7. Hydrolyzed corn
8. Hydrolyzed (any protein source)
9. Magnesium glutamate
10. Monoammonium glutamate
11. Monopotassium glutamate
12. Natural flavors (ask manufacturers their sources, to be safe)
13. Pectin
14. Sodium caseinate
15. Soy isolate
16. Soy sauce
17. Textured protein
18. Vegetable extract
19. Yeast extract
20. Yeast food

These ingredients can be found in a variety of processed and pre-packaged foods, including frozen meals, salad dressings, soups, and even some chicken products labeled as “natural.” Manufacturers often include MSG without explicitly labeling it, making it important for consumers to recognize its hidden forms to avoid unintended consumption.

Long-Term Effects of Hypothalamic Damage

Hypothalamic disruption due to MSG consumption can have long-term consequences, extending beyond just overeating. The hypothalamus is linked to the pituitary gland, which regulates many of the body’s key hormones. Damage to this area can lead to problems like insulin resistance, altered cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and reproductive issues. As noted in Endocrine Reviews (2018), hypothalamic excitotoxicity from MSG can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, leading to metabolic and endocrine imbalances (Morley et al., 2018).

Conclusion

MSG’s impact on the brain, especially the hypothalamus, is a significant concern for anyone looking to maintain healthy eating habits and overall well-being. Its role as an excitotoxin can disrupt appetite regulation, leading to overeating, weight gain, and metabolic disorders. Compounding the issue, MSG is often hidden under misleading labels like “natural flavors” or “hydrolyzed protein,” making it difficult to avoid. By becoming aware of these hidden sources and understanding the potential effects on the hypothalamus, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their MSG intake and support better brain and metabolic health through dietary choices and nutritional supplementation.

References

• Shi, Z., Taylor, A. W., Wittert, G., Goldney, R., & Gill, T. K. (2016). Monosodium glutamate is not associated with obesity or metabolic syndrome in humans: Results from the North West Adelaide Health Study. Neuroscience Letters, 627, 6-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2015.10.058
• Hermanussen, M., Tresguerres, J. A., & Wang, Q. (2013). MSG intake in rats causes hypothalamic damage and obesity. Journal of Obesity, 2013, Article ID 175763. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/175763
• Morley, J. E., Farr, S. A., & Kumar, V. B. (2018). Excitotoxic damage to the hypothalamus: Implications for the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Endocrine Reviews, 39(4), 357-376. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2017-00202
• Dolnick, S. B. (2019). Excitotoxins: The taste that kills. Neuroscience Perspectives, 11(4), 112-119.
• Holton, K. F., & Tandan, R. (2017). MSG: More than meets the eye? Journal of Headache and Pain Management, 13(3), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awb090