January 30, 2015

Joe divides this Livestream into 2 portions.  He begins by discussing the importance of protecting yourself from the hidden dangers of flavor enhancers, designed to tickle taste buds, and are leading to brain pathology. Disease of the brain is being antagonized by components that are food additives that are used to enhance the taste of food.  The “excitotoxins” are found on labels with names like hydrolyzed proteins or vegetable protein isolates to name a few.  We know specific chemical compounds can affect and do damage to body, but the excitoxins are hidden from us.  Joe discusses that MSG was pulled from the market for use because it was found to cause many issues including migraines. But the hidden part of this problem is compounds similar to this are used in amounts just under the percentage needed to make it mandatory to be shown on label.  The FDA is aware of this practice and allows it. “The human food supply is a source of excitotoxins that can damage the brain in the young, as they are more vulnerable to these chemicals.”  Joe finishes the first half of this Livestream discussing Glutamate, which is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.  We do not need excessive amounts or it overloads receptors.  If consumed in foods it gets through the blood brain barrier  and overloads receptors.  This causes glutathione to drop, then excess glutamate is available to  damage and destroy cells.  These products are most common in chips, snacks and packaged crackers to name a few and are listed as hydrolyzed protein isolates which are chemically similar to MSG.

The second half of this Livestream, Joe discusses the Hypothalamus and it’s limited protection from the blood brain barrier.   This means MSG and its relatives can make it through this barrier and affect the hypothalamus.  Joe makes a shocking link to studies in animals that repeatedly show when animals are given these chemicals the following happens:

•  Shorter in stature
• Obesity
• Experience reproductive problems

This seems to be one of the reasons we have ALL of these problems (especially the fertility issues) in todays society.

Here is the link to the entire Livestream:

Ask The Pharmacist Livestream with Joe DiMatteo:  MSG and Excitotoxins

As always,

Be well,

Diane Silverman R.Ph.
Ask The Pharmacist Group, LLC