what does MSG do to your brain?

Answers:
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) 1995 report states that:No evidence exists to suggest that dietary MSG causes brain lesions or damages nerve cells in humans.
The body uses glutamate( an amino acid) as a nerve impulse transmitter in the brain and that there are glutamate-responsive tissues in other parts of the body, as well. Abnormal function of glutamate receptors has been linked with certain neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's chorea. Injections of glutamate in laboratory animals have resulted in damage to nerve cells in the brain. Consumption of glutamate in food, however, does not cause this effect. While people normally consume dietary glutamate in large amounts the body metabolizez glutamate efficiently.

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try google, wikipedia or ask.com

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Mono sodium glutamate(MSG) is the sodium of glutamate acid. It is commonly added to foods as a "flavor enhancer." Unlike salt or other seasonings, MSG does not alter the actual taste of food; instead it "enhances" taste by exciting and increasing the sensitivity of taste buds. It has a drug-like effect upon the flavor perception of the person who has ingested food or drink that contains MSG. MSG has no nutritional value, nor is it a preservative, as many people claim.Why do food companies use MSG? MSG does not effect the food, instead IT "TRICKS" YOUR BRAIN INTO THINKING THE FOOD YOU ARE EATING TASTES GOOD. Manufacturers can use inferior ingredients, and by adding MSG, mask the inferior quality and freshness of foods.

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An unknown percentage of the population may react to MSG and develop MSG symptom complex, a condition characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest
numbness in the back of the neck, radiating to the arms and back
tingling, warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms
facial pressure or tightness
chest pain
headache
nausea
rapid heartbeat
bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) in MSG-intolerant people with asthma
drowsiness
weakness.In otherwise healthy MSG-intolerant people, the MSG symptom complex tends to occur within one hour after consuming sure does mess with chemical balance of brain !!

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Don' know but it gives me a massive headache.

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the other answers are mainly correct, so just a quick addition. MSG interacts with the glutamine receptors in your central nervous system. Your body makes it's own glutamine which interacts with these receptors and this affects learning and memory. The stiff neck/headache side effects of MSG result from an overstimulation of these receptors.

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It makes me incredibly thirsty! I have no idea why. About one hour after I eat Chinese food, it seems I can't drink enough water.

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