Sometimes you get a little more than you bargained for with your kung-pao chicken or your sugar-free pudding. Namely, additives. For some people, these instigate headaches, allergy-like reactions or even heart palpitations.

If you think your food is messing with you, see if these ingredients are the culprits:

Sulfites: These sulfur-based additives are used mainly to prevent discoloration of light-colored vegetables and fruits, as well as to stop the growth of micro-organisms in fermented products such as wine. Some people have allergiclike reactions to them that can range from mild to life-threatening. Fortunately, if these are in foods or drinks, the label is required to tell you. Bring your magnifying glass, and you can stay away next time.

Aspartame: This no-calorie sweetener (also known as Nutra-Sweet) is associated with headaches in some people. Whether it limits the brain's ability to use certain vitamins, flavonoids and the mineral magnesium is yet to be nailed down.

MSG (monosodium glutamate): The flavor enhancer MSG has been used for years in restaurants -- especially in Chinese cuisine. A taste enhancer, it overstimulates certain receptors, so you sense salt and sweets more. But in some people, it is associated with problems including headaches, sweating, flushing, tingling around the lips and mouth, heart palpitations and even shortness of breath and nausea.

Check labels to eliminate these food additives, and see if that changes how you feel. Even better: Eat whole foods that don't contain additives at all. That, for sure, will help you feel and be younger.

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home.

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