Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is one of the familiar spices in every family. However, whether it is safe to use MSG during pregnancy is a matter of controversy.
Like other spices such as salt, fish sauce, soy sauce ..., MSG is just a flavoring agent for dishes and has another name of sodium glutamate salt. Many people believe that using MSG during pregnancy can cause health problems while others say that the body always contains a certain amount of glutamate, so MSG does not cause many side effects. for body. So what is this problem really? Let's find out with aFamilyToday Health .
It is better for pregnant women not to overdo this spice in processing as well as limit eating foods containing too much MSG because it can harm the baby such as:
Placenta damage: Excessive use of MSG during pregnancy can damage the placenta, disrupt the baby's food supply and may expose your baby to pathogenic bacteria and free glutamate, substances can enter brain cells and confuse the brain.
Headaches: This can lead to migraines, affecting your eyesight and making you sensitive to sounds and light.
Insomnia : MSG can cause insomnia by stimulating brain cells, keeping you awake at night.
Over-stimulated Nerves: MSG can imbalance neurotransmitters, causing nerves to over-stimulate.
Heart problems: MSG can lead to heart rhythm disturbances, chest pain, and cardiac arrest.
Hypertension: MSG is a salt caused by a combination of sodium and glutamic acid. Therefore, consuming too much MSG can cause high blood pressure , which can lead to many other complications during pregnancy .
Allergies: If you were allergic to MSG before getting pregnant, it's best to stay away from it during pregnancy as symptoms can get worse. Some of the symptoms of allergy you may experience are headache, tingling, nausea, chest pain, sweating ...
Heartburn : This is one of the most common problems encountered by pregnant women. However, consuming monosodium glutamate during pregnancy can make this problem worse as the digestive system has to work harder to digest it.
Other health effects include numbness, fatigue, and thyroid problems .
There have been many studies done in rats showing MSG is linked to defects in the placenta, but studies in monkeys, an animal closely resembling humans, have found otherwise.
In addition, MSG is a natural ingredient found in many foods such as oysters, seafood, tomatoes and cheese. The human body can produce glutamate, which is also found in breast milk.
MSG is a salt form of glutamic acid. Therefore, if you use monosodium glutamate, you should season with less salt to ensure health. You can add monosodium glutamate before or during cooking. You should only add about half a teaspoon of MSG for about 0.5 kg of meat. Drink plenty of water after eating foods containing a lot of MSG as it will help reduce the MSG out. The most effective way to avoid MSG side effects is to limit MSG during pregnancy.
Currently, MSG is an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen of housewives. However, if you cook it at home, you can control the amount of MSG you add to your dishes. Usually, processed, canned and sold out foods are high in MSG. Therefore, please read the ingredients carefully before buying.
In short, is MSG during pregnancy safe? The answer is simple: If you had an allergy or sensitivity to MSG before pregnancy, you shouldn't take it. If you are not allergic, eating small amounts of MSG will not harm you or your baby. If you eat too much, you will face some serious problems. To ensure safety, it is best to consult your doctor before use to ensure your baby grows safely and healthy.
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