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"Doctor, I just like to sprinkle more MSG in my dishes, is that also wrong?" Aunt Li, a 57-year-old domestic helper, told the doctor in the hospital's waiting room with a hint of complaint and confusion. She came to the hospital because of her recent frequent fatigue.
After listening to this, Dr. Zhou did a lot of tests, and when the results came out, Dr. Zhou was indeed a little surprised: "Aunt Li, your sodium ion level is quite high, which has a lot to do with your frequent use of MSG. ”
Aunt Li was very surprised by this, she thought that MSG was just a condiment to make the dish more delicious, but she didn't expect it to have such a big side effect.
Dr. Chow continued, "The main ingredient in MSG is monosodium glutamate, and although it can increase the umami taste of food, excessive intake does lead to an increase in blood sodium levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, high-sodium diets have been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. ”
Dr. Chow also mentions some: "One teaspoon of MSG contains about 2,000 mg of sodium, which is almost the upper limit of the recommended intake. As a result, even what may seem like a small amount of usage is actually much exceeded. ”
After listening to Dr. Zhou's explanation, Auntie Li began to learn to use lemon juice, herbs and garlic to enhance the flavor of food, which are healthier options.
After a few months of adjusting her diet, Aunt Li's blood pressure has improved significantly, and the frequency of headaches has greatly decreased. She thanked Dr. Chow for her professional guidance and shared her experience in the community to help more people realize the dangers of excessive MSG intake.
At the next follow-up visit, Aunt Li said, "Dr. Zhou, I would like to ask, apart from using less MSG, what else can I do to reduce the risk of high sodium?"
"Reducing the intake of processed foods is a very effective way to reduce sodium intake. It is recommended that you choose fresh fruits and vegetables to help reduce the risk of heart disease. ”
Dr. Chow also advised Aunty Li to increase her water intake, as the right amount of water can help dilute sodium in the blood and excrete it in the urine, which is a simple and effective way to maintain a healthy sodium balance.
"Maintaining adequate water intake is especially important for health, especially for those who need to manage certain health conditions through dietary management," he explains. ”
"Moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, not only boosts your heart and lung fitness, but also helps you maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health," says Dr. Chow.
These activities are very effective in preventing and treating hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Later, Aunt Li's health improved a lot.
In a follow-up health talk, Aunt Li asked Dr. Zhou a question: "Dr. Zhou, I would like to know, apart from diet and exercise, is there any other way that can help me better manage my blood pressure?"
Dr. Chow replied, "Try meditation or yoga, and it's also important to get enough sleep, as sleep deprivation can also lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Overall, a comprehensive lifestyle modification, combined with appropriate medical monitoring and guidance, is the best strategy to manage blood pressure and improve quality of life. ”
Auntie Lee is deeply grateful for Dr Chow's advice and she has decided to continue to follow up on these recommendations and communicate with the doctor regularly to ensure that she can continue to maintain good health.
What do you think about MSG? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!