Summary
Dr. Berg explains that MSG (monosodium glutamate) can increase insulin levels by 300%, making it a hidden dietary threat for those managing blood sugar. MSG is not only found in Chinese food but is widespread in common packaged foods under disguised ingredient names. Reading labels carefully is essential to avoid unintentional exposure.
Key Takeaways
- MSG raises insulin by 300%, making it a significant hidden factor in insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation
- MSG is often not labeled as “MSG” — it appears under several alternative names on ingredient lists
- “Modified food starch” is one of the most common disguised names for MSG
- Other hidden names include hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed yeast, and hydrolyzed soy
- MSG is found in many unexpected everyday foods, not just Chinese restaurant cuisine
- Products like cottage cheese, crackers, and other packaged snacks commonly contain modified food starch
- Always read ingredient labels to identify and avoid these hidden sources
Details
MSG and Insulin
The core concern raised is that MSG triggers an insulin spike — specifically a 300% increase in insulin. This makes MSG a hidden contributor to elevated insulin levels even when someone believes they are eating low-sugar or otherwise “safe” foods.
Hidden Names for MSG
When scanning food labels, the following ingredient names may indicate the presence of MSG or MSG-like compounds:
- Modified food starch (also listed as modified corn starch)
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Hydrolyzed yeast
- Hydrolyzed soy
These names are used across a wide range of mainstream packaged products.
Where MSG Hides
Dr. Berg demonstrates that MSG-containing ingredients appear in foods people would not typically suspect, including:
- Cottage cheese
- Crackers and snack foods
- Various other common processed and packaged foods
The point emphasized is that MSG exposure is far broader than the stereotype of Chinese takeout. Many everyday grocery items contain modified food starch as a standard ingredient.
Practical Advice
The primary recommendation is straightforward: read ingredient labels on all packaged foods and avoid any product listing the above names. Because these additives are so widespread, vigilance at the label level is the main defense.