file.newsgroup.med.58799 Maven / Gradle / Ivy
From: [email protected] (Alex Milshteyn)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
In article [email protected] writes:
>
>
>I wouldn't call it a double-blind, but one local restaurant's soup
>provokes an impressive migraine headache for my wife -- that one
>take-out and no other...
Nothing unisual.
Quote:
"
Chinese Restaurant Syndrome (CRS):
a transient syndrome, associated with arterial dilatation, due to ingestion
of monosodium glutamate, which is used liberally in seasoning chinese
food; it is characterized by throbbing of the head, lightheadedness,
tightness of the jaw, neck and shoulders, and bachache.
"
End quote.
Source: Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 27th edition, 1988, W.B. Saunders, p 1632.
This was known long ago. Brain produces and uses some MSG naturally,
but not in doses it is served at some chinese places.
Having said that, i might add, that in MHO, MSG does not enhance
flavor enoughf for me to miss it. When I go to chinese places,
I order food without MSG. Goos places will do it for you.
A prerequisite for such a service would be a waiter, capable of
understanding, what you want.
Good Luck.
am
--
Alexander M. Milshteyn M.D.
CIPR, MGH in Boston, MA. (617)724-9507 Vox (617)726-7830 Fax