Excitotoxins

When a food ingredient is 99 percent pure MSG it is called “monosodium glutamate” by the FDA and must be labeled as such. However, when a food product contains less than 99 percent MSG, the FDA doesn’t require that the MSG be identified. So it often appears on labels in various disguised forms, such as “hydrolyzed vegetable protein,” “spices” and “natural flavoring.” Here’s a quick list of potentially suspect ingredients to watch for (when in doubt, call the manufacturer to inquire).
* Ingredients that may contain 30 to 60 percent MSG: hydrolyzed vegetable protein; hydrolyzed protein; hydrolyzed plant protein; plant protein extract; sodium caseinate; calcium caseinate; yeast extract; textured protein; autolyzed yeast; hydrolyzed oat flour; Accent.
* Ingredients that may contain 12 to 40 percent MSG: malt extract; malt flavoring; bouillon; broth; stock; natural flavoring; natural beef or chicken flavoring; seasoning; spices.
* Ingredients that may contain some MSG: carrageenan; enzymes; soy protein concentrate; soy protein isolate; whey protein concentrate; some soymilk.
Sources:  In Bad Taste: The MSG Syndrome, by George R. Schwartz, MD.

Fizzy Drink Risk

In a study that followed 6,000 regular consumers of fizzy drinks, for four years, those who drank just one or more fizzy drinks each day were nearly 45 per cent more likely to develop obesity, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and high blood pressure.

If you know anyone with Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease…

Recent clinical trials on a natural flower extract establish that it can halt dementia and rejuvenate cognitive function.
This extract derived from the snowdrop, daffodil and spider lily has been traditionally used in Eastern Europe to treat a variety of ailments.
But latest research has shown its greatest promise lies with its beneficial effects for people suffering Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Researchers found that this natural extract works by blocking the action of cholinesterase – allowing for greater levels of acetylcholine – and boosts the production of new acetylcholine neurotransmitters in the brain.
And that means it has powerful potential to slow cognitive decline to a virtual standstill.

Dr Mercola posted a health tip

“Before taking any medication, ask yourself this fundamental question: do the benefits outweigh the risks?”
I thought of another you could ask, “Is there a food or herb that has the same or a similar action WITHOUT the down sides?” Or yet another, even better one, “What lifestyle change would I have to effect to not have the problem?” OR you could even go the whole hog and ask, “Am I willing to sacrifice my money and potentially my life to drug side effects by giving drug companies control over my health, or lack of it, or am I prepared to take responsibility for my own health and educate myself and alter my lifestyle to attain optimal health?”
I know, pretty heavy.
But you know what?
The people you leave behind think that your premature death is pretty heavy too.
Your call.