Why does chinese food give me a headache?

Question

it does not matter where it comes from. i love chinese food it just always gives me a headache.

Answer 1

Many reasons:

A smoky restaurant?

Too many vegetables?

Too much salt?

Too much fat or meat?

Eating too much?

Psychological? Mass hysteria or self-fulfilling prophecy.

The MSG issue is kind of a myth where people believe it will happen so it happens.... therefore it's psychological mass hysteria and a self-fulliling prophecy (you only remember the times it happens, but not the times you don't get a headache.)

People eat foods with MSG all the time and don't get headaches (Doritos and other snacks, canned soups or packaged foods), but eat Chinese food people freak out.

According to this article, the MSG-headache issue (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome) has been disproven: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/dining...

Answer 2

I've noticed I get a headache every time I eat chinese food that is made with MSG.  Just a personal observation.  Places that don't use it, don't give me a headache :-)

Answer 3

I agree.  Check to see if the place you have it, uses MSG.

Answer 4

I agree that MSG (monosodium glutamate) may be the culprit but more and more Chinese restaurants no longer use MSG.  If the restaurant you're going to is "fast food" like, it probably does use MSG and you need to change places.  If it's a nice one, either ask if they use MSG, and if so ask them to not use it in yours, or it is something else.

It is NOT uncommon for people to have reactions to cuisine they are unfamiliar with or for which their systems aren't "tuned" (i.e. you're not used to it).  If you are ordering dishes that are very spicy but you don't a lot of spicy food, that can cause a problem.  Unusual spices may do this too.

Overall, though, I'd agree MSG is probably the culprit.

Answer 5

It could be the MSG. Some people, like me, are allergic to MSG.

Answer 6

msg!!!!

Answer 7

idk u tell me

Answer 8

your blood cant take chinese food then.

Answer 9

It is from the MSG - whatever is it in is not good.

Answer 10

Chinese food give you headache because they added monosodium glutamate (MSG) in it to enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes. MSG consists of a mixture of sodium and the amino acid glutamate. Together, they form a very powerful flavor enhancer, changing almost any food from bland to tasty. the larger the amount of MSG, the more likely it is that you will be sensitive to it and will develop symptoms, which can surface just minutes after ingesting MSG. And people with high blood pressure or those who must watch their sodium levels should limit their MSG intake as well. If your symptoms become really bothersome, consider consulting an allergist. Or try eliminating all MSG-containing foods from your diet for at least two weeks. This will take a bit of sleuthing. MSG goes by a variety of names and is hidden in many foods, making it difficult to avoid all the sources. It's sold in your grocery store under the brand name "Accent." On food labels, MSG is also listed as autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein or HVP, potassium glutamate, sodium caseinate, broth, natural flavorings, or simply flavorings.

If Chinese food is your favorite, don't be afraid to ask the chef to omit the MSG from your dishes.

Good luck!!

Answer 11

MSG.  Go eat at PF Changs, Panda Express, or Pei Wei.  They are national chains that do not have MSG in any of their food.  If you still have a headache I would advise cooking it at home or avoiding it all together.  But I bet if you go to one of the places I mentioned above that you will find you have no headache unless you drink too much beer or wine   :)

All the websites have a restaurant locator's so you can find the one closest to you.  Enjoy!