Interstitial Cystitis: Is MSG Hiding in Your Food?

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG as it is commonly called, is a food additive used around the world. MSG is a sodium based salt of the molecule glutamate which is used to "enhance the flavor" of a variety of manufactured products. People can even buy the product Accent or similar seasonings which can be used on food prepared at home. The flavor sensation that MSG imparts is described as umami, or a slightly metallic flavor that can take the place of some salt (sodium chloride) since sodium that is combined with glutamate provides a similar burst of flavor with less sodium. MSG is often found in snack foods, condiments, gravy and gravy mixes, sauces, ramen and other Asian foods, soups, stocks, as well as bouillon cubes and granules. Although MSG is considered safe in general, many people react negatively to MSG including migraine sufferers, some with gastrointestinal problems, and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder patients. Because of these reactions, many manufacturers in previous years had reduced the use of MSG in their products, even promoting MSG-free foods for people who want to avoid it. Lately, however, there is a renewed interest in promoting umami flavors in foods and the use of such products in the marketplace is on the rise again.

Most IC patients know that they should avoid monosodium glutamate/MSG, but often they do not know that MSG can be "hidden" in an ingredient list or that there are other, similar ingredients that manufacturers can use that may be just as bad for a painful bladder. Have you ever heard of "disodium glutamate??" How about "potassium glutamate?"  In order to fully avoid the effects of consuming MSG, you need to really read your labels. 

Here are some things to look for:

• MSG
• MSG Monohydrate
• Sodium Glutamate Monohydrate
• Monosodium Glutamate
• Disodium Glutamate
• Sodium 2-Aminopentanedioate
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
• Textured Protein
• Monopotassium Glutamate Monohydrate
• Monosodium Salt
• Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP)
• Yeast Extract
• Glutamate or Glutamic Acid
• L-Glutamic Acid Monohydrate
• Autolyzed Plant Protein
• Yeast Food or Nutrient (not just plain yeast)
• Glutamic Acid
• Sodium Caseinate
• Autolyzed Yeast
• Vegetable Protein Extract

Do you read labels when you shop? It may take some time at first, but don't worry! Eventually you will re-learn what foods you can stock in your pantry and refrigerator that are bladder-friendly!

            

   

Julie Beyer, MA, RDN

Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate

www.ic-diet.com  

Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well

For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: Confident Choices^®: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.

For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: Confident Choices^®: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder

For health care workers:  Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators