Traveling with MGS Sensitivity

Traveling with MSG sensitivity can be a challenge for many of us. Those pesky additives can really reak havoc on our bodies from migraine headaches to very unpleasant digestive reactions and so much more.  Here are some tips for all you travelers out there that need to avoid those MSG's in order to enjoy your vacation.

Over the years I have battled many migraines during and after traveling or even just having a great dinner with friends or family.  I can say first hand what a huge problem MSG's are and how they can ruin your vacation if you have a sensitivty to them like I do.  That is why I am sharing these tips to help make your vacation more pleasant and hopefully avoid spending part of your vacation couped up in your room.

Understand What MSGs Are 

MSG's are known by many names and appear on food labels under many different names so you need to be careful even when traveling within your own country.

It's a misconception that MSG's are only found in Chinese food it is common in a lot of processed foods and in a lot of restaurants. Ever wonder why you have that massive migraine after eating at your favorite restaurant well it might be what you are ordering at the restaurant. Even some wine has MSG's used as a preservative.

Avoid Consuming MSG's 

It is important to look at your food labels, ask your wait staff, and when unsure stick with organic salads with oil and vinegar dressings.  The wait staff may not know off the top of their head but they should be more than willing to go to the kitchen and ask the cook.  Some kitchens might be able to elimintate the MSG's from your favorite dish by simply removing the seasoning and add table salt instead.

Be Prepared When Consumption Occurs 

Always be prepared for the accidental mishap.  Always carry your migraine medication or medication for your digestive issues on your person.  The sooner you begin treatment the sooner you will start feeling better.  

I always have Migraine medication in my bag in addition to Advil. You never know when you may need it. You might consume something that triggers your sensitivity and then you are in big trouble especially if you are hours away from your medication.  Those hours could mean the difference between having relief now and having relief in 2-3 days.  Migrains are funny things once they set in it takes a lot to get rid of them.  Having digestive issues are no different, if you treat them quickly you will feel better sooner and your body wont loose as many fluids.  Therefore you can get back to enjoying your vacation.  

Also, always keep water on hand.  Staying well hydrated after consuming MSG's will help flush them out of your system.  You want to get them all out of your system as quickly as you can and drinking plenty of water will help.