MSG

Written out as Monosodium Glutemate, msg is just an addicting, physically damaging processed chemical. Cheap and addicting are good for profits, but not good for people. There is plenty of internet reading regarding the dangers and effects of MSG and the related chemicals. MSG is just the most commonly used tag line. MSG can go by many names and variations that can go by different names, as well as similar chemicals; all of these are neurotoxins. The many possible symptoms can vary from person to person. However it is a neurotoxin in every individual, meaning it damages or kills the brain neuros in humans.
Generally speaking, it is bad for everyone but the effects for many are subtle or ignorable because it is something that has become "normal" to feel. For some, at some point in their life, they may begin to have headaches that they can't trace to a cause, Others may feel sick or even others label it as an allergic reaction. In others, unfortunately often in our unsuspecting children, the symptom or reactions are more intense than they are even in their own parents' bodies.

As an ingredient, MSG is mimmicing a taste family (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and the msg family is a kind of savory) this family includes Mushrooms, asparagus, and some seaweeds. You can add that "can't get enough of it taste" that Msg gives by using mushrooms, asparagas, or kelp powder in your foods. Even those that "don't like" these foods, will find they like what they were cooked in once they don't have a "mouthful" of it. So use dried mushroom powder or add chopped mushrooms at the very beginning of cook time, and/or add a sprinkling of kelp powder when you salt during cooking time and the most discerning of taste testers will be unlikely to turn away.

For an eye-opening moment, See these pages for lists of alternate names to avoid in the ingredients labels and foods that contain it without being listed.

For those who are highly sensitive, extra caution is needed. Nearly every soy product could cause reaction as well as other highly processed foods. For example, Gelatin (such as jello) is so highly processed that it can have a measure of neurotoxicity as well.

Also, companies, sadly, either ignorantly (such as those who unknowingly do so by using 'cheap' soy sauce) or when attempting to "hide" their use of msg use lesser known names or less potent versions such as Autolyzed Yeast Extract. These are not necessarily less damaging, but when asked if they "use msg" then they can say "no". :(