What a thoughtful sister! This is a great question. MSG (monosodium glutamate) does contain sodium, so it's worth being mindful of when managing a sodium restriction with PAH.
The good news is that MSG contains about 12% sodium, compared to table salt which is about 39% sodium. This means MSG delivers less sodium per unit Show Full Answer
What a thoughtful sister! This is a great question. MSG (monosodium glutamate) does contain sodium, so it's worth being mindful of when managing a sodium restriction with PAH.
The good news is that MSG contains about 12% sodium, compared to table salt which is about 39% sodium. This means MSG delivers less sodium per unit of flavor, so smaller amounts can be used to season food effectively.
However, sodium is sodium — and it all adds up. With PAH, keeping sodium intake low is important because excess sodium causes fluid retention, which puts extra strain on the right side of the heart and can worsen symptoms like swelling and shortness of breath. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check total sodium in the chili, including any from MSG, canned ingredients, or other seasonings
- Aim to stay under 1,500–2,000 mg of sodium per day, as recommended for people with PAH
- Talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian — they can give personalized guidance on whether MSG fits within your specific sodium limits
The safest step is to loop in your care team so they can help you and your sister find the right balance. It's wonderful that she's cooking for you! 💛
July 21
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