MSG and Migraines: Something to Be Thankful For? on Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday, and I started out the day depressed.  It came on suddenly yesterday afternoon--I could almost tell you the exact hour. (That's unusual.) Didn't know why. Yes, there are some very sad things:  the death of my very good friend's dad yesterday (but after the depression had already begun), and other friends who have recently begun counseling and are going through some serious problems.  But, the depression didn't coincide with these events.  This morning, again, feeling hopeless and down. Why?


Then I realized that there was a connection:  I've spent most of the week with a migraine.  Moments when it wasn't winning, I would run around trying to get something done.  Today I googled migraines and MSG, because I have come to realize that most of my extreme headaches (I fortunately don't get them often) are triggered by something I ate containing this 3 letter torture-bringer, MSG (monosodium glutamate).  I have not been as diligent  as I should have been lately at keeping this horrendous ingredient out of my system, but I was wracking my brain to think of what I had eaten that could have triggered this depression.  Really paying the price this week with the migraines.


I was surprised to find through my online search that many natural foods which are considered healthy can trigger migraines:  citrus fruits, such as oranges and clementines, nuts (all kinds), and bananas:  guess what I've been eating quite a lot of lately?  Studies on MSG consumption have shown headaches to be a common reaction.  (Read this informative article on MSG for what other names it is called, and what foods you can eat safely.)  I am glad that I have the internet at times like this.  My searches have solved the mystery, on more than one occasion, as to what was causing my physical and emotional symptoms:  swollen lips, headaches/migraines, rashes, extreme emotions/crying--all of these were due to salicylates and MSG present in the foods I eat.


Though painful and difficult when I'm experiencing these symptoms, these trials cause me to go to the Lord.  He is always faithful to hear and help me when I cry out to Him, as He was this morning.  He points me to the answers which will help me.  He lets me know He is near.  He reminds me of Scriptures that will touch my heart, and strengthen my faith.  He encourages me.  Today, He did all that.  I was able to feel encouraged (a specific prayer request) and get going around the house accomplishing some necessary work.  Another answer to prayer was that Kelsey was feeling well enough, after 4 days of being sick, to do a little cooking--that is something that actually makes her feel better, and it allowed me to go through a large pile of papers which had accumulated--and that was a huge help to me.


I still have a dull headache. But, God helped me so much today, and I am so thankful that He is my Lord, Savior and Friend.  There is no other like Him.
To read other thankful hearts, visit Iris at Grace Alone--thanks, Iris, for hosting this month!
Related Article:  "Part 1: PMS and MSG: When the letters of your life don't spell happiness."
"Part 2: PMS and MSG--When the Letters of Your Life Don't Spell Happiness"