Many persons sensitive to monosodium glutamate complain also of symptoms including rash
and inflammation. (See also the page on MSG and Rosacea.)
MSG is a nerve cell trigger. It is an excitatory neurotransmitter, which acts as a
chemical messenger to carry a signal from one nerve cell to the next. Recent research from Johns
Hopkins links nervous system overstimulation to the immune response. Immune
response includes the release of histamine and white blood cells. The immune
response allows the blood vessels to become "leaky" so that the white blood
cells can get to the site of the injury. This flood of fluid leaving the blood
vessels and entering the tissue is what we recognize as swelling.
Many researchers as mentioned recently in such magazines as Scientific American (June
2000) and the New Yorker, are recently concluding that inflammation is related to the
damage seen in Alzheimer's disease. It appears that those following a regimen
involving the use of anti-inflammatory supplements and medications are afforded some
protection from severe damage to the brain. The anti-inflammatory information right
now focuses on a few pharmaceutical products which inhibit inflammation. But,
aspirin also has some of these properties. And so do some simple household spices
which have been revered and used for centuries. These are rosemary, oregano, and
ginger.
It would seem that if inflammation would be a risk factor in Alzheimers disease, it may
be wise to avoid triggers of inflammation such as MSG.