Foreword to Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills by Dr. Russell L. Blaylock There are some discoveries which come when the time is ripe; when science, understanding, and research come together to allow a new synthesis. For example, understanding aerodynamics would have had limited use, indeed, in the early 19th century since other components necessary for flight were undeveloped. In this context, Dr. Blaylock''s book is a remarkable achievement and the timing is right. The research, scientific understanding, and observation of disease, coupled with the increased use of neurological excitotoxins in our food supply have allowed Dr. Blaylock to create this cutting-edge synthesis.
Also gratifying is that Dr. Blaylock is a highly qualified professional. He is a practicing board certified neurosurgeon with a deep understanding of the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. He brings his credibility to this critical topic. When Dr. Blaylock writes of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer''s, Lou Gehrig''s (ALS), and others, his voice comes from one who has studied and treated these conditions and offers many years of experience. Thus, his is a voice which cannot be dismissed by those who seek financial gain from the use of excitotoxins and who show little or no concern for long-term damage to consumers. When Dr.
Blaylock shows how excitotoxins such as monosodium glutamate. Aspartic acid, aspartame (NutraSweet®), and others can affect the developing brain; we can see how our children are at risk. Is there a relationship between these deleterious substances in our foods and the diminution in educational test scores? Perhaps all the educational approaches to such societal problems are, very simply, "off-base." Scientific research has many receptors in the nervous system which can be affected by excitotoxins. In some cases, the excitation can lead to death of the nerve cells. The research correlation between these effects and the neurodegenerative disease are truly alarming. This is not the first time that toxic substances have been allowed entry into the human system, despite forewarnings. As a physician practicing for well over twenty years and with a special interest in toxicology, I have seen the effects of long term lead and mercury exposure in children resulting in neurological damage.
We have witnessed the pollution of Great Lake''s fish. I am frequently reminded of the trucks on beaches with innocent children following after the sprays, having been assured of the harmlessness. This was a widespread practice in the 1940''s and 1950''s to try to rid the beaches of insects. I have witnessed defective medical products such as medical devices and silicone breast implants creating serious medical problems having been assured by those with financial ties to the industry that they were safe. I believe we are witnessing a very similar event in the case of the excitotoxins. Our "watchdogs" have become industry "pussycats" and the "research" supposedly demonstrating safety is deeply flawed. What is even more disconcerting is that many researchers have demonstrated how these studies are flawed. Some educated people have advised caution in that they have said, "We don''t want to scare people, so tone it down.
" I ask them to read Dr. Blaylock''s remarkable and detailed book to see if they can still urge this caution. To them I ask, "Is it prudent to keep your voice low and scare nobody when poisoning is occurring on a day-to-day basis?" Certainly, if you know the airplane you are riding in is defective, it is the least prudent thing you can do not to bring it to attention. The future of many of our citizens can be affected in subtle yet deep ways and there are some who can be affected seriously on a day-to-day basis. Many of these substances added to foods can rightfully be called "poisons." What concerned parent would knowingly sprinkle poison on food destined for the metabolism of their children? Yet this is just what is now occurring. I believe the words of this expert, Dr. Blaylock, are correct.
Our society is spending billions of dollars more than is needed on long-term medical care for those with neurological diseases. What is the good of detailed "health reform" if toxic substances are not taken into account? Dr. Russell Blaylock has given us a unique and compelling work which literally can affect the health and wellbeing of millions of people as well as future generations. His is a voice not easily dismissed. Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills is a book which must be read and reread by the educated public, by researchers, by teachers and dieticians, members of PTA groups, industry representatives, and others concerned with the foods we are giving to our society. I take my hat off to Dr. Blaylock. He has gone from where I left off in my book, In Bad Taste: The MSG Syndrome .
He has provided the needed research underpinning as well as his unique perspective. In future years, his work Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills will be seen as a landmark work akin to the remarkable books by Rachel Carson published in the 1950''s. Will the lessons be heeded? We cannot know that yet. Certainly, the lessons of cigarette smoking have had limited effect on people''s behavior. Yet this book will be seen, regardless, as a milestone, a marker of our time. From this moment on, the word is out. All concerned people must spread the message far and wide. GEORGE R.
SCHWARTZ, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, author of In Bad Taste: The MSG Syndrome.