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metabolism, synthesis of cortisol and other hormones. Doesn’t sound appealing, right? It has been shown that children who ingest MSG and its derivatives at a critical age in development will be more likely to be of short stature, obese, may suffer from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and suffer some degree of infertility. MSG was removed from infant formula yearsago in the 1960s, but pregnant women still can ingest foods containing these ingredients. In fact, Dr. Russell Blaylock, a prominent neurosurgeon and professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, wrote a comprehensive review of MSG, calling it an “excitotoxin.” He starts his book by stating, “What if someone were to tell you that a chemical added to food could cause brain damage in your children…?” Surprisingly, we find MSG and even worse hydrolyzed vegetable protein (MSG plus three other excitotoxins) and other forms of it in just about everything you can put in a package, box, or on a shelf at the grocery store. Food giants know that there is no way a pre-made packaged replica of something they mass produce and pack in a box is going to taste as great as the real deal, freshly prepared foods. So they fight back by sliding preservative-riddled chemicals into the products. Below is a list of other “MSG aliases” to be aware of from Dr. Blaylock’s research: Additives that ALWAYS contain MSG

• MSG Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
• Hydrolyzed Protein
• Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
• Plant Protein Extract
• Sodium Ca
• Calcium Caseinate
• Yeast Extract
• Textured Protein
• Autolyzed Yeast
• Hydrolyzed Oat Flour

Additives that FREQUENTLY contain MSG

• Malt Extract
• Malt Flavoring
• Bouillon
• Broth
• Stock
• Flavoring
• Natural Flavoring

Additives that MAY contain MSG/other Excitotoxins

• Carrageenan
• Enzymes
• Soy Protein Concentrate
• Soy Protein Isolate
• Whey Protein Concentrate

These excitotoxins have also been implicated in burdening the human brain to the point where it can contribute to long-term mental illness including Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s, to name a few. Fortunately, there are many natural vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements that can help protect the vital brain cells from further toxic load. The Skinny on Artificial Sweeteners A large part of the food industry is using artificial sweeteners to advertise to diabetics and others who are counting calories to lose weight. Ironically, these chemicals have been shown to be problematic as well. The human body always does best with a blend of completely natural sugars, carbohydrates and fat. The biochemistry mechanisms in the gut and liver quickly process these ingredients down major pathways without preamble, but what happens when a foreign substance comes down the pipe? Unfortunately, the artificial sweetener Nutrasweet® contains Aspartame, which can actually cause the same kind of harm as MSG. Aspartate and glutamate both can over stimulate sensitive neurons. Now, research in Italy has shown that long-term consumption in animals can increase risks for various cancers (leukemia, lymphoma and breast cancer). How can we possibly think this would be a good idea to place in our food? Compared to natural honey with all of its wonderful ingredients (digestive enzymes, antibacterial properties, etc.) and the fact that it’s naturally, not overly, sweet, artificial chemicals are to be avoided. Sucralose appears safer but no independent tests have been conducted to show safety. Xylitol, a natural birch sugar, is a better choice. It protects against tooth decay seen with other sweeteners and is widely used in Europe. Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol seen in fruits and a relative to natural glucose. It is less sweet tasting then glucose and also doesn’t cause tooth decay. Moderate amounts can have a laxative effect, so avoid it on days when you plan to be physically active—especially outdoors. Stevia is another natural plant sweetener that appears to have fewer side effects. It can be placed in beverages such as club soda to turn them into flavored beverages (i.e. make your own root beer). Some consumers don’t care for it because it has a unique flavor. Some companies are seeking approval to add Stevia into foods. Artificial Coloring How about artificial colorings? For the most part, colorings are placed in foods of little or no nutritional value—think soda pop and candy. It is important to mention that some children can become hyperactive when they eat densely artificially colored food products. Below is a list of common food dyes:

• Blue 1 & Blue 2
• Citrus Red 2
• Green 3
• Red 3 & Red 40
• Yellow 5 & Yellow 6

To Serve & Protect: Keep Your Brain & Body Safe After reading about all the chemicals we see in our foods, how can we trust that anything is safe? I haven’t even discussed Trans Fats, the genetic modification of foods, or the differences between organic vs. non-organic! There are tests such as Spectracell, which reveal how much antioxidant protection you carry and how much further protection you may need. Blood and urine testing such as NutrEval can reveal your exact Omega3 and Omega6 fat ratio, calculating an inflammation score and directly determining a Trans Fat index. Heavy metal exposure to mercury, lead, arsenic, cadium and other key minerals can cause serious symptoms that need to be corrected in the body. Detoxification of inflammation seen in the brain can prevent neurons from over excitation. Certain key supplements added to the diet such as high potency fish oils, NAC (N-Acetyl-LCysteine), CoQ10, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and Taurine can also be very helpful. Natural phosphatidyl serine (PTS) and cholines (PTC), Dimethyl amino ethanol (DMAE) and Hydergine can stabilize weakened brain cells. It is always best to have a rigorously proven test profile done prior to attempting to replenish your antioxidants, as too much in the body can be pro-oxidative. A health care professional can fine tune your choices guided specifically to treat disease susceptibility on an individual basis. Testing can be done once nutrients have started to further show reversal of deficiencies. Prevention of ingesting additional food additives, of course, is vital to improving health. As part of this article, we give you a portable shopping list that you can carry or post on the refrigerator. The more times you are exposed to the wording, the easier it will be to spot on the ingredient hit list. Try playing it safe by following one of my nutritionist’s credos: “Always shop in the periphery of the store where grocery staff have to replenish fresh foods that easily go bad. Avoid the middle of the store where all the dead food products are. Then hightail it outta there!” Don’t let food giants dictate your “chemical cuisine.” Good luck playing food detective; see you in the fresh food aisles. Dr. Gloria Hakkarainen, MD, FACOG, FASBP, FABAAM is an ob/gyn and also board certified in multiple disciplines and specializes in wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging, all with a focus on prevention. She practices at Palm Beach Weight & Wellness Centers in West Palm Beach.