Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills

by Russell L. Blaylock, George R. Schwartz (Foreword by)

Ex•cí•to•tox•in: a substance added to foods and beverages that literally stimulates neurons to death, causing brain damage of varying degrees. Can be found in such ingredients as monosodium glutamate, aspartame (NutraSweet®), cysteine, hydrolyzed protein, and aspartic acid.

Citing over five hundred scientific studies, Excitotoxins explores the dangers of aspartame, MSG and other substances added to our food.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Nutrition, Science, Medicine, Self Help, Audiobook

297 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Dr. Blaylock is a board certified neurosurgeon, author and lecturer. He attended the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his general surgical internship and neurosurgical residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. During his residency he ran the neurology program for one year and did a fellowship in neurosurgery after his residency. For the past 25 years he has practiced neurosurgery in addition to having a nutritional practice. He recently retired from both practices to devote full time to nutritional studies and research.

During his residency training he worked with the eminent neurosurgeon, Dr. Ludwig Kempe. Together they developed the transcallosal removal of intraventricular tumors, which is still used today. Dr. Blaylock presented their cases utilizing this technique to the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. They also developed the ventriculolymphatic shunt in the treatment of hydrocephalus. In addition, they conducted neuroanatomical studies together with the aim of developing improved approaches in vascular intracranial surgery.

He has continued a close personal friendship with Dr. Kempe over the ensuing years, who at age 91 continues to study neuroanatomy, ornithology and is an editor of a major journal on medieval studies. Of special note, Dr. Kempe climbed the Himalayan mountains at age 87, a testament of his robust health and enduring love of adventure..

It was during his residency that Dr. Blaylock did much of the primary work on intraventricular monitoring of craniocerebral trauma patients, which was reported in the scientific literature. He also worked closely with Dr. Peter Jannetta during Dr. Jennetta’s early research on vascular compression of the cranial nerves as a cause of trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Dr. Blaylock was one of the first neurosurgeons to utilize high-intensity nutritional supplementation in craniocerebral trauma patients, which met with great success.


Dr. Blaylock has written and illustrated three books. The first book was on the subject of excitotoxins (Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills) and how they are related to diseases of the nervous system. His second book, Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life, covers the common basis of all diseases, nutritional protection against diseases of aging, protection against heavy metal toxicity, the fluoride debate, pesticide and herbicide toxicity, excitotoxin update, the vaccine controversy, protection against heart attacks and strokes and contains a new chapter on omega-3 fats. This book has been newly revised as an oversized paperback. His third book, Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients, was released in April, 2003 and discusses the ways to defeat cancer, enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and prevent complications associated with these treatments. In addition, he has written and illustrated three chapters in medical textbooks, written a booklet on nutritional protection against biological terrorism and written and illustrated a booklet on multiple sclerosis. He has written over 30 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals on a number of subjects.


Since the publication of his first book he has been a guest on numerous national and international syndicated radio programs and appeared on the 700 Club several times. He appeared on Nutritionally Living with Dr. Ward Bond. Presently, he is engaged in a monthly radio program discussing his book, Health and Nutrition Secrets on Raymond Francis’ program Beyond Health. The series will run for 12 months. He lectures widely to both lay and professional medical audiences on a variety of nutritional subjects.


Dr. Blaylock serves on the editorial staff of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association and is on the editorial staff of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, official journal of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. He serves on the ed

Reviews

[Shannon]

Very, very Goood!!! I am allergic to (MSG)a.k.a. Mono-sodium- glutimate. It is in so many different kinds of foods, not just chinese/japanese! This book opened my eyes about all the differenct excitotoxins that we pour into our bodies on a daily basis. This book will change your life and hopefully change the way you polute your body with toxins.

[Samantha Penrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting through this book. I felt like I was reading something intended for medical professionals.
In the introduction the author states that the book is "written mainly for the lay public, but also for those trained in medical science and biology". The first chapter is optional..."It is primarily for those unfamiliar with the central nervous system and the terms used to describe the various diseases and conditions associated with excitiotoxin damage". Needless to say, this "crash course in how the brain works" was very discouraging for me. I spent quite a bit of time reading and re-reading the 20 page chapter so that I felt I understood and retained most of it. (most)
I was able to cruise through some of the book, but most of it took a lot of thought and concentration to really comprehend what he was saying.
I think that it was worth the time and effort to get through it all, I'm glad that I read it. I have always avoided aspartame, and since reading this have been trying my best to avoid msg and msg containing ingredients (hydrolyzed vegetable and yeast extracts, etc). I am not worried that I will be struck dumb anytime soon, but I am certainly sold on the fact that these are substances that really shouldn't be added to our foods simply to improve taste and sales. The danger of the cumulative effects of exciting our brain cells to death seems to be a no brainer to me. (Pun intended)
A good read for those who like to distrust "the man"..
May be of special interest for those who are pregnant, nursing, have children, those who have experienced trauma to their brains (injuries, fevers, strokes, etc) and those who have neurological disorders that could be cause by or aggravated by the consumption of excitiotoxins.

[Sarah Suniga · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book provided adequate and fundamental information regarding excitotoxins to the point where I feel comfortable defining the terms for others. My main gripe is that it seems to be geared towards incitement and fear-based tactics to inform. The idea of neuronal death sounds extreme and direct lines cannot be made between excitotoxins and conditions such as Alzheimer's. The author doesn't try to build a model based on causality but the language used sometimes leads the reader to forget that fact. I got what I wanted from this book after just a few chapters, which is: Don't eat food created in a laboratory.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put down your Taco bell "taco" you paid 27 cents for and find out what your really putting in your body.For those intelligent enough to see past the veil of lies placed upon us all at birth, the answers are scary.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by Dr. Lorraine Day, this book tells you why you should avoid excitotoxins in your food. These include MSG (under its multitude of names) and aspartame (Nutrasweet). I keep a list of the excitotoxins permanently on my shopping list so I can read labels and make sure I'm not consuming any. Most processed foods contain excitotoxins, so it's best to eat natural foods. If you have an Audible membership, you can currently listen to this book for free. It does get technical in places, but it's worth understanding how damaging these food additives are.

This is a partial list of excitotoxins to avoid:

aspartame (Nutrasweet)
L-cysteine
aspartate
MSG (monosodium glutamate)
hydrolyzed vegetable protein
hydrolyzed protein
hydrolyzed plant protein
plant protein extract
sodium caseinate
calcium caseinate
yeast extract
textured protein
autolyzed yeast
hydrolyzed oat flour

Additives that frequently contain MSG:
malt extract
malt flavoring
bouillion
broth
stock
flavoring
natural flavoring
natural beef or chicken flavoring
seasoning (unspecified)
spices (unspecified)

Additives that may contain MSG or excitotoxins:
carrageenan
enzymes
soy protein concentrate
soy protein isolate
whey protein concentrate
Protease enzymes of various sources can release excitotoxin amino acids from food proteins

[Angie Libert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author says that the book is for the lay person, but the book is rather technical which was alright for me though, it just challenges me to think harder. :)

The book taught me about the various names of MSG and how its toxic effects will accumulate over time in the brain. He noted that MSG is especially toxic to unborn and young children because they do not have the fully protected blood brain barrier and there brain is still developing. He linked MSG toxicity to many degenerative brain diseases, such as alzheimers (yes, he believes that aluminum is an after affect of MSG toxicity) and Lou Gerhigs disease.

After reading his book I did discover online an hour long video recording of this doctor speeching. For someone interested in knowing more about MSG but not wanting to read this rather medical book, that might be an aption.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating. It admittedly lacks the hand of a good copyeditor, but otherwise it's an excellent balance of scientific evidence explained for the non-scientific reader. The author is a neurosurgeon who started investigating excitotoxic food additives following his father's bout with Alzheimer's disease. He lays out his evidence for the reader to examine and is more than willing to point out holes in the existing body of research. The fact that the FDA continues to support these additives in spite of the overwhelming body of scientific and clinical evidence of their destructiveness is sickening. As a side note, I also enjoyed learning a lot about how the brain works, not to mention its incredible powers to heal itself and function after irreversible damage.

[Laurel Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for all parents and those trying to conceive!

As MSG has become a dirty word with consumers, food manufacturers have changed the labeling to ingredients such as autolyzed/hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy protein isolate, or natural flavours. The reality is that all of these ingredients deliver the same harmful side effects as MSG itself. These substances pass through the placenta to developing children, and are known to cause acute symptoms of weakness, headaches, and muscle cramps while exciting brain cells to the point of killing them, leaving lesions on the brain.

Once you've read this book, triple check your cupboards because most packaged foods have these mystery ingredients in them, even your favorite 'health' foods.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opener, anyone interested in nutrition and especially all parents should read this one

[Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book very informative, worthwhile reading, but had to skim through much of it to get to the parts that were my reason for reading this and that interested me most. Yes, I believe that food additives are very harmful, some more than others. Aside from being harmful to our development, overall health and longevity, Aspartame and any other sweetener should be banned, in my opinion. This book only confirms it. So too, flavour enhancing food additives have no place in the foods we eat. No doubt that food without enhancment is no longer found to be flavourful enough to most; likewise, the food that is enhanced becomes so flavourful that we disregard our triggers for being "full". Aside from being harmful -- more than enough reasons to avoid foods with any additives.

Strangely however, I disagree with some of the author's claims regarding original MSG. Do we use too much? -- Absolutely. Should food manufacturers cut back? -- Absolutely. Does it cause dementia? -- Not convinced that in small doses this ingredient is as harmful. One need only look to the Asiatic countries where this ingredient was invented and is still generously used. Dementia not as prevalent there. Hmmmmm? Nonetheless, I believe that generally, we consume far too many harmful food additives. The ingredients list is my best friend, and I am vigilant to put back on the shelf that which has more chmistry than nutrition.

[Liaken · Rating 1 out of 5]

NOTE: This review is my opinion. In other words, it is a review that I wrote based on my encounter with the book. If you have a differing opinion, that is fine with me. But please use good manners in commenting on my review. Thank you.

Hmm. I think there is a lot to be said for what's in this book, but it is written in alarmist fashion which damages its credibility. It also needed stronger editing. It switches back and forth between painfully obvious analogies and hiding out in the technical jargon. Ultimately, it didn't have enough purpose or readability for me to finish it. (And what's with the sloppy cover?)

[Lucas Gili · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book written about MSG (monosodium glutamate) and how it is being used in so many foods nowadays, across the board it has become industry standard to enhance taste of foods and this is a book written from a scientific perspective on how it damages the brain and the author gives his theory that MSG could be being used to dumb down the population and how research that exposed MSG to be dangerous has been suppressed and hidden, to give a brief synopsis. The author was a neurosurgeon which adds a lot of weight.

Since reading it I have gone to lengths and still take measures to minimize my MSG intake.

[Michelle Borders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the technical aspect of the book, easy to double check the science of what is in the book. I have read many other books on the subject, but, this is the best. Over the years, when I try to tell people about the dangers of artificial sweeteners and MSG, I am usually met with blank stares, or polite nodding of the head and passed off as the crazy conspiracy theorist, this book has facts and sources to back them up.

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit scary - stay away from aspertame, msg and hydrolized vegetable protein!!!! Seriously!!!!

I don't know if I'll finish this one. I'm finding it a difficult read - very scientific with lots of details.

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative read, with chilling implications about the destructive power of excititoxins in the human body, but the author spent so much time making this book into a primer on brain function that he nearly lost his own point.

[C.A. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my patients told me about this book, and I saw that it was free with my audible membership. It's definitely the sort of book I should have read rather than listened to -- a lot of the dense concepts go right over my head when I'm listening and trying to do something else at the same time. But every now and then I'd stop and email myself a note to research a topic more thoroughly. The concept of blood brain barrier disruption due to excitotoxins such as MSG, glutamate generally, and aspartame is explained in reference to various neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, ALS, autism, Alzheimer's, and others. Blaylock is very naturally minded, which I love, and focuses on removing the problem, as well as mitigating the effects once they're there. I might even get the ebook version and read this again.

[Sanna Ditolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read or listen to it! I’m a RN who worked critical care and then when into pharma and medical device quality and safety. I knew the corruption that happened on that end, I had no idea what was happening on the food side of things. The author does a great job explaining how things work for those who do not have any healthcare background. Just fantastic. I wish there was a more recent book on what’s happening today.

[Marius Bancila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book from which I have learned so many things about the brain, the body and the things that make us sick. After reading this book, I made significant changes in my diet.

[Bryce Axelrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to learn the history behind MSG and science of excitotoxicity.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my husband's life; he's struggled with ADD all his life, and once he cut out excitotoxins, it revolutionized the way he was able to handle his ADD. 5 STARS!!!

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really know what to expect when I began reading this book other than I was pretty sure it would be a boring read I'd have to trudge through. Surprisingly, I found myself drawn in and wanting to learn more about excitotoxins such as MSG and aspartate and what effects they have on the human brain. Dr. Blaylock did a good job at linking these substances to diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, ALS and Alzheimer's Disease.

One thing that bothered me throughout the book is that there are numerous misspelled words and wrong use of words such as 'effect' for 'affect' throughout the book. The editing could've been better, but the information presented was excellent and the material was well cited.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is soooooo much information in this book....very necessary information that more people (everyone) needs to become aware of....but not an easy read for a non-science major who is reading 6 or more books at a time....lol... bottom line...msg and other excitotoxins do kill and they shouldn't be in our food!

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't get to read this as thoroughly as I wanted. I might have to check it back out sometime.

A couple interesting points: hypoglycemia can cause similar damage to the brain as does a stroke. The prescribed diet of choice for the hypoglycemic is: high protein/low carb, but Matt Stone and Blaylock say it's high complex carb/low fat.

[Tina Zellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the brain and nervous system. Discussed the effects of MSG, Aspartame and hydrolyzed vegetable protein on the brain in relation specifically to Alzheimer's, ALS, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Small discussion with regards to developing brians, seizures, headaches, etc.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of medical jargon and difficult to read. The purpose is more to inform medical practitioners of the dangers about excitotoxins than it is to provide information on how to recover from exposure. Advice seems to be that it is just best to avoid them.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total research book. After I read it I stopped buying certain foods because it scared me so much. Now that a couple of years have passed I've relaxed but still buy organic milk and don't buy cheesy covered chips (loaded with msg) for the house, except for parties.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book, even though it is a bit scientific and 'dry'. I am allergic to MSG and am working my way out of a major sugar/sweets addiction, so it's handy information so that I can make some other changes alongside drastically cutting down on sweets.

[Chrisl · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a more medical perspective on the problems caused by excitotoxins, perhaps Philpott.
Brain Allergies Brain Allergie

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up on this book. Too many other books to read. It was dauntingly scientific and dense. The bits of information I got from skimming through were good. It looks like it's a very thorough exploration of the topic. Takeaway - avoid MSG and aspartame like the plague!

[Anna]

Way too technical for this reader. Premise was good; introduction said what needed to be said. Excitotoxins kill. Also a little dated by now, 17 years later. There are a lot of more readable tomes available on the subject of nutrition for the lay person.