Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of MSG HeadacheCausesPreventionTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms of MSG Headache
Causes
Prevention
Treatment
An MSG headache is a headache that occurs after eating foods containing the common food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG). This symptom is part of what’s called MSG symptom complex, a broader set of symptoms that can occur with MSG consumption. These include sweating, facial pressure, and flushing.
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This article reviews the symptoms of an MSG headache, why they may occur, how to treat them, and how to prevent them.
What Is MSG?Monosodium glutamate (MSG)is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in the body and many foods, like cheese and tomatoes. MSG can also be produced through the fermentation of starch, sugar, or molasses and added to foods to enhance flavor.
What Is MSG?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in the body and many foods, like cheese and tomatoes. MSG can also be produced through the fermentation of starch, sugar, or molasses and added to foods to enhance flavor.
Most people with an MSG-related headache describe a tightening or even burning head sensation.People will also commonly notice muscle tenderness around their skull.
In people with a history ofmigraines, MSG can be a trigger. In this instance, people usually report a classic throbbing or pulsating headache.
An MSG-induced headache typically develops within 1 hour of consuming MSG and resolves within 72 hours of MSG consumption.Also, an MSG-induced headache has at least one of the following five characteristics:
Individuals with an intolerance to MSG may also experience a cluster of other symptoms that may include:
Why Does MSG Give You a Headache?
The mechanism behind why MSG may give you a headache is not fully understood and more research is needed. MSG is an excitatory amino acid that binds to NMDA receptors in the brain. This activation leads to the release of nitric oxide, which then leads to the dilation or widening of blood vessels around the skull.
A study published in the journalCephalalgiaalso found that people who consumed a high amount of MSG—such as a sugar-free soda containing 150mg/kg of MSG—had an increase in their blood pressure, although this was temporary.Chronic daily intake of high doses of MSG may also cause fatigue.
Can a Migraine Diet Help Prevent and Manage Symptoms?
For people who are sensitive to MSG, the only treatment is to avoid foods containing MSG. Foods that commonly contain added MSG are soy sauce, canned vegetables, soups, and processed meats.
Look for these terms:
When dining out, ask if the restaurant uses MSG ingredients.
What Is MSG Symptom Complex?
You can also try eating at least 1 cup of complex carbohydrates, such as rice or pasta, with any meal that may contain MSG since this may help to minimize its potential negative effects.
MSG-induced symptoms are typically not severe and subside on their own entirely within 72 hours.However, if you have mild symptoms do not appear to resolve or continue worsening after 48 hours, speak to your healthcare provider, as it may be something more serious.
To help you get rid of an MSG headache faster, drink only water, and a lot of it—at least half of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink at least 75 ounces of water. Adequate hydration will help your kidneys to process MSG and flush it from your system.
In addition, limit sodium intake until symptoms dissipate. Sodium promotes water retention and will make it harder for your body to release the MSG through urination.
A Word From Verywell
If you suspect MSG is aheadache or migraine triggerfor you, avoiding it is probably your best bet. Unlike other food sensitivities, it is unlikely that you can build up a tolerance for MSG. The best way to avoid MSG is to read food labels and inquire at restaurants if MSG has been added to any foods.
Keeping a diary of your headache symptoms and possible triggers can help you and your healthcare provider to pinpoint the causes of your headaches and develop the right treatment plan for you.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version).Cephalalgia. 2013;33(9):629-808. doi:10.1177/0333102413485658Baad-hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P.Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity.Cephalalgia. 2010;30(1):68-76. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.xFood & Drug Administration.Questions and answers on monosodium glutamate (MSG).National Headache Foundation.Monosodium glutamate (MSG).Popkin BM, D’anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.xAdditional ReadingBaad-Hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P.Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity.Cephalalgia.2010 Jan;30(1):68-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.x.Cleveland Clinic.Foods That Trigger Headaches. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9648-headaches-and-foodHeadache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 3rd Edition (beta version).Cephalalgia.2013;33(9):629-808. doi: 10.1177/0333102413485658Mayo Clinic.What Is MSG? Is It Bad For You?www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196National Headache Foundation.Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). headaches.org/2007/10/25/monosodium-glutamate-msg/National Headache Institute.MSG and Headaches: What Is the Relationship?nationalheadacheinstitute.com/blog/msg-and-headaches-relationship/Shimada A, Cairns BE, Vad N, et al.Headache and mechanical sensitization of human pericranial muscles after repeated intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG).J Headache Pain. 2013;14:2. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-2.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG).www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version).Cephalalgia. 2013;33(9):629-808. doi:10.1177/0333102413485658Baad-hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P.Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity.Cephalalgia. 2010;30(1):68-76. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.xFood & Drug Administration.Questions and answers on monosodium glutamate (MSG).National Headache Foundation.Monosodium glutamate (MSG).Popkin BM, D’anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.xAdditional ReadingBaad-Hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P.Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity.Cephalalgia.2010 Jan;30(1):68-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.x.Cleveland Clinic.Foods That Trigger Headaches. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9648-headaches-and-foodHeadache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 3rd Edition (beta version).Cephalalgia.2013;33(9):629-808. doi: 10.1177/0333102413485658Mayo Clinic.What Is MSG? Is It Bad For You?www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196National Headache Foundation.Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). headaches.org/2007/10/25/monosodium-glutamate-msg/National Headache Institute.MSG and Headaches: What Is the Relationship?nationalheadacheinstitute.com/blog/msg-and-headaches-relationship/Shimada A, Cairns BE, Vad N, et al.Headache and mechanical sensitization of human pericranial muscles after repeated intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG).J Headache Pain. 2013;14:2. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-2.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG).www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version).Cephalalgia. 2013;33(9):629-808. doi:10.1177/0333102413485658Baad-hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P.Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity.Cephalalgia. 2010;30(1):68-76. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.xFood & Drug Administration.Questions and answers on monosodium glutamate (MSG).National Headache Foundation.Monosodium glutamate (MSG).Popkin BM, D’anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x
Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version).Cephalalgia. 2013;33(9):629-808. doi:10.1177/0333102413485658
Baad-hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P.Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity.Cephalalgia. 2010;30(1):68-76. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.x
Food & Drug Administration.Questions and answers on monosodium glutamate (MSG).
National Headache Foundation.Monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Popkin BM, D’anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x
Baad-Hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P.Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity.Cephalalgia.2010 Jan;30(1):68-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.x.Cleveland Clinic.Foods That Trigger Headaches. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9648-headaches-and-foodHeadache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 3rd Edition (beta version).Cephalalgia.2013;33(9):629-808. doi: 10.1177/0333102413485658Mayo Clinic.What Is MSG? Is It Bad For You?www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196National Headache Foundation.Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). headaches.org/2007/10/25/monosodium-glutamate-msg/National Headache Institute.MSG and Headaches: What Is the Relationship?nationalheadacheinstitute.com/blog/msg-and-headaches-relationship/Shimada A, Cairns BE, Vad N, et al.Headache and mechanical sensitization of human pericranial muscles after repeated intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG).J Headache Pain. 2013;14:2. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-2.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG).www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg
Baad-Hansen L, Cairns B, Ernberg M, Svensson P.Effect of systemic monosodium glutamate (MSG) on headache and pericranial muscle sensitivity.Cephalalgia.2010 Jan;30(1):68-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01881.x.
Cleveland Clinic.Foods That Trigger Headaches. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9648-headaches-and-food
Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 3rd Edition (beta version).Cephalalgia.2013;33(9):629-808. doi: 10.1177/0333102413485658
Mayo Clinic.What Is MSG? Is It Bad For You?www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196
National Headache Foundation.Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). headaches.org/2007/10/25/monosodium-glutamate-msg/
National Headache Institute.MSG and Headaches: What Is the Relationship?nationalheadacheinstitute.com/blog/msg-and-headaches-relationship/
Shimada A, Cairns BE, Vad N, et al.Headache and mechanical sensitization of human pericranial muscles after repeated intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG).J Headache Pain. 2013;14:2. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-2.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG).www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg
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