How to remove MSG effect and manage sensitivity

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies monosodium glutamate (MSG) as 'generally recognized as safe,' some individuals do report a collection of temporary and mild symptoms after consumption. For those who experience this sensitivity, understanding how to manage and reduce the effects of MSG is crucial for minimizing discomfort and regaining comfort quickly.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines effective short-term remedies and sustainable long-term strategies to alleviate MSG-related discomfort and manage food sensitivities for a more comfortable life.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is the most important step for flushing excess MSG and sodium from your system.
Rest is Key: Lie down and rest in a cool, well-ventilated place to help your body recover and manage mild discomfort.
Natural Soothers: Sip on ginger or peppermint tea to help calm nausea and aid digestion naturally.
Check Labels Carefully: Read food labels for hidden MSG sources like yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, and soy extracts.
Consider B6 Supplementation: Some studies suggest that Vitamin B6 may help process glutamate more effectively in sensitive individuals; consult your doctor.
When to Get Help: Seek immediate medical care for severe symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling.

Understanding MSG Sensitivity

For a small percentage of the population, consuming monosodium glutamate (MSG) can lead to a set of symptoms often referred to as the 'MSG Symptom Complex'. These reactions are not true allergies but rather a food intolerance, and they are typically mild and self-limiting. The intensity of symptoms can vary based on the amount consumed and whether it was eaten on an empty stomach. The good news is that most symptoms pass on their own within a few hours.

Common Symptoms of MSG Sensitivity

Headache
Flushing or sweating
Numbness or tingling
Muscle tightness
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Weakness

Immediate Actions to Alleviate MSG Effects

If you believe you have consumed too much MSG, your body needs support to process and recover. The following steps can provide immediate relief for mild symptoms.

Prioritize Hydration

Drinking plenty of water is the most important immediate step. Water helps flush the MSG and the high sodium content associated with many processed foods out of your system, which can shorten the duration of your symptoms. Consider adding an electrolyte solution to your water to help balance minerals.

Rest and Recover

Rest is essential for your body to process the food additive and recover. Lie down in a cool, well-ventilated place and take it easy for 15-20 minutes to manage discomfort. Avoid strenuous activity, which could worsen symptoms like flushing or sweating.

Utilize Natural Soothers

For nausea, a common symptom of MSG sensitivity, natural remedies can be very effective. Try sipping on a warm cup of ginger or peppermint tea. Ginger is well-known for its ability to calm digestive upset, while peppermint can help relax stomach muscles.

Over-the-Counter Symptom Relief

For specific symptoms, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help. For instance, a standard pain reliever can ease headaches, while anti-nausea medication can be helpful for digestive distress. Antihistamines can be used for more severe symptoms such as facial swelling or breathing difficulties, but you should always consult a medical professional for severe reactions.

Long-Term Management and Prevention

For those with recurring MSG sensitivity, the best long-term strategy involves prevention through careful dietary management.

Identify and Avoid Hidden MSG Sources

One of the most effective ways to avoid MSG effects is to reduce or eliminate your intake. MSG is often not labeled explicitly, especially when derived from other ingredients. Look out for these synonyms on food labels, especially in highly processed foods, bouillon, snack foods, and canned vegetables.

Hydrolyzed protein
Autolyzed yeast extract
Yeast extract
Soy extracts
Protein isolate
Glutamic acid
Soy sauce

Consider Vitamin B6 Supplementation

Research indicates a possible link between vitamin B6 deficiency and MSG sensitivity. Discuss potential vitamin B6 supplementation with your doctor.

Incorporate Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Some natural compounds and vitamins may offer protective effects against MSG-related issues, according to preclinical studies. Incorporating antioxidant vitamins (C, D, and E) and natural products like green tea and ginger into your diet may offer some protection.

Immediate Relief vs. Long-Term Management: A Comparison


Aspect	Immediate Relief Strategies	Long-Term Management Strategies
Goal	Alleviate current symptoms.	Prevent future reactions and reduce sensitivity.
Primary Action	Hydration and resting.	Careful dietary management.
Key Elements	Water, rest, herbal teas (ginger, peppermint), OTC meds.	Identifying hidden MSG sources, B6 supplementation, antioxidant-rich diet.
Reactivity	Reactive; addresses effects after consumption.	Proactive; reduces the likelihood of a reaction.
Duration	Short-term; provides comfort until symptoms subside.	Ongoing; requires sustained effort and vigilance.
Best For	Managing an unexpected MSG reaction.	People with diagnosed MSG sensitivity.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most MSG effects are mild, some individuals may experience more severe reactions that require professional medical care. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following severe symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Facial swelling or swelling of the throat
Chest pain or rapid heartbeat

In such cases, an allergist or healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment, such as antihistamines or, in rare severe cases, an epinephrine shot.

Conclusion

Understanding how to effectively address and remove the temporary effects of MSG involves both immediate symptom relief and long-term preventive measures. By prioritizing hydration, getting sufficient rest, and using simple natural remedies for mild reactions, you can find quick relief. For long-term management, the key is vigilant dietary awareness, focusing on identifying both explicit and hidden sources of MSG. Considering vitamin B6 and antioxidant intake may also help. As always, consult a medical professional for personalized advice, especially if you experience severe symptoms or have persistent sensitivity.

For more clinical research on MSG, see the findings compiled by the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG symptoms are usually mild and self-limiting, often resolving on their own within a few hours. The duration can depend on the amount consumed and individual sensitivity.

Yes, drinking plenty of water is a crucial immediate step. It aids in flushing MSG and the associated high sodium content from your body, which can shorten the duration of symptoms.

Hidden MSG is often found in processed foods. Besides explicit labeling, look for ingredients like yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, textured vegetable protein, and soy extracts.

True allergic reactions to MSG are not possible, as it is a food intolerance. While some individuals experience allergic-like symptoms, decades of research have not found a conclusive link to immune system allergies.

Some studies have shown promising results that Vitamin B6 supplementation may help sensitive individuals process glutamate more effectively, though more extensive research is needed. You should consult a doctor before starting any supplement.

Severe symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or swelling of the throat or face. These reactions require immediate emergency medical care.

MSG is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. While most people can consume normal amounts without issues, a small percentage of the population reports sensitivities and may need to avoid it.