ACTIVE

We offer a full spectrum of treatments and therapies to address most aches and pains associated with an active

• Manual Medicine such as Chiropractic, Active Release Technique (ART), Deep Tissue Laser Therapy, Fascial Distortion and many other techniques

• Solutions for Myofascial Pain, Tendonitis, Bursitis, Plantar Fasciitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, sprains/strains, trigger points and other musculoskeletal problems

• Dr. Jeremy Jessop has over a decade of experience dealing with sports injuries, is master certified in ART, and is an Ironman himself

Hidden Msg

You’ve all heard that you need to avoid MSG, a flavor enhancer used in Asian cuisines. But did you know there are many forms of hidden MSG?

MSG is monosodium glutamate, one monosodium molecule added to the amino acid glutamic acid, which occurs naturally in many foods.

Glutamate is also an excitatory neurotransmitter for which we have receptors in our gut and brain.

Normal healthy livers can break down amino acids that build up in the body; however, glutamic acid (glutamate) is more difficult to absorb and eliminate.

Excess glutamate causes neurons to fire as soon as it hits the receptors on the tongue, leading to neurotoxicity and systemic inflammation. Hello, addiction and cravings!

So how is excess glutamate ending up in our foods, and how can we spot hidden MSG?

Simply put, protein processing! The hydrolysis and protein processing results in unbound glutamate, aka MSG.

Even if it says “No MSG” you still have to be vigilant. The FDA does not require MSG to be labeled unless the ingredient itself is 99 percent MSG.

In addition to any product that lists glutamic acid or glutamate, you also have to look out for the following hidden MSG:

• Yeast Extract, nutrient, or food

• A nything hydrolyzed

• A nything protein: textured protein, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, etc.

• C alcium or sodium caseinate

• Gelatin

• Vetsin

• Ajinomoto

And the following products that contain or produce MSG:

• C arrageenan (E 407)

• Maltodextrin

• Citric acid, citrate(E 330)

• A ny flavors or flavoring

• Barley malt or malt extract

• Pectin (E 440)

• Soy sauce or extract

• Seasonings

• Bouillon

• Anything ultra-pasteurized

• Anything enzyme modified

• Anything containing enzymes

Seed Oils

Some fats are anti-inflammatory, like Omega-3 fatty acids, and others are inflammatory, like Omega-6 fatty acids. Our Omega-6:3 ratio is supposed to be 1:1; however, in America, it’s more like 40:1.

Seed oils were introduced in the 1920s as a cheaper option and as a means of getting rid of excess from processing cotton and other plants. Unfortunately, the introduction just so happens to coincide with the rise in coronary artery disease, obesity, and autoimmunity. These oils also oxidize at high heat, causing internal inflammation of the brain and body.

I recommend avoiding the following seed oils:

• Corn

• C anola

• Cottonseed

• Soy

• Sunflower

• Safflower

• Grapeseed

• Ricebran

• Rapeseed

• Vegetable

• Peanut

Instead, try cooking with and using products containing the following oils/fats:

High heat: ghee, grass-fed tallow, grass-fed butter, unrefined virgin coconut oil

Little to no heat: Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, hazelnut oil, and macadamia oil

This doesn’t mean limiting all of these items all of the time. It just means being more mindful when shopping and eating out.

The key takeaways should be:

• Focus on eating whole foods!

• Choose processed foods with five ingredients or less.

• Read your labels and shop at places like Sprouts and Thrive Market for better options!

Audrey Stimpson is a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor specializing in ADHD, autism, autoimmune, hormonal imbalances, and gut-brain health. For more info on optimizing nutrition, reach out to Audrey via email at audrey@audreystimpson.com, social media at @audreystimpson, and via website at audreystimpson.com.

By Lauren Dia, MS, RDN, LDN