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Saturday, February 11, 2012

What Is Your Tongue Saying About Your Health?

What is Your Tongue Saying about Your Health?

The tongue is an important muscle that helps you  chew and swallow food, taste and speak. (the average tongue has apx. 9,000 taste buds!)  When it's healthy, your tongue should be slightly pink, moist, and fairly smooth. But, if your tongue is dry, coated, discolored or painful, it could be a sign of  a problem.

Tongue Problems to Watch Out For~

A change in the appearance or feeling of your tongue could be related to the tongue itself or another problem within your body. Some tongue changes are harmless while others may indicate certain health issues. Here are some common tongue problems, along with what they may be telling you.

   If the papillae, the small bumps that cover the surface of your tongue become enlarged and profuse, it can make the tongue appear "hairy looking." Most Doctors at this point would recommend antibiotics; I however, would choose to use natural antibiotics, such as Garlic, or Red Clover tea. Two to three garlic capsules a day and rinsing your mouth with red clover tea, 5 to 6 times a day, should clear up this problem quickly.

      Fissured Tongue: This is a condition in which deep grooves form on the tongue's surface. In fact, fissured tongue is an inherited trait that normally occurs in apx. 9 to 10 percent of the population.

  Geographic Tongue: Your tongue will have bright red patches on the top of it. The patches can change in size and location from day to day, and will also have a map-like, or "geographic" appearance.. There may also be some soreness or burning. This condition is harmless and usually goes away on its own in a few months (It can be a result of stress, hormonal changes, allergies and certain medications).

    Black Tongue: A black, coated tongue can result from an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast in the mouth, which then accumulate on the papillae and cause discoloration. This can usually be resolved by brushing your tongue with a toothbrush twice or three times per day. Rinsing your mouth with Aloe Vera Juice 2-3 times a day will also help. I do not recommend using Hydrogen Peroxide, which most doctors/dentists will prescribe.  I also recommend changing your tooth brush every week until this condition goes away, as bacteria, unfortunately, thrives on your tooth brush.

    Smooth, Pale Tongue: A smooth tongue can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin B-12 deficiency. It can also be an indicator of anemia.

   Enlarged/Swollen Tongue: A swollen tongue can be caused by a number of disorders, including strep infection, and hypothyroidism / hyperthyroidism. It can also be a minor side effect caused by a hangover or an allergic reaction to food or medication.

    Red Tongue: If your tongue is red, from dark magenta to dark, dark pink, it could be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, particularly that you may not be getting enough folic acid, vitamin B-12 or vitamin B3.

    White Tongue: A white coating on your tongue could mean that you are dehydrated. It can also be caused by smoking or drinking alcohol. A white coating can also be a sign of thrush, which is an infection of the mouth with the yeast Candida albicans. Candida can also be cured naturally, as opposed to antifungal medications, which can cause other health problems. Herbs such as Garlic, Oil of Oregano, and  Pau D' Arco are all natural antifungals.
 I also recommend the use of "Probiotics." This keeps your intestinal flora intact, and what goes on in your digestive system most definitely has an impact on what your tongue looks like. 

Lets Keep Your Tongue Healthy!
Brush your teeth after every meal. Floss at least once a day. I do not recommend "Tongue Scrapers" - I think they are harmful to your tongue. I also recommend "Natural Toothpastes" as opposed to anything with fluoride or chemicals in it. What you put in your body not only goes through your digestive system, but can go into your bloodstream as well. And fluoride, as you may know, is a toxin.
Notation:  There are many other vitamin/nutritional deficiencies that can cause tongue problems. 
~ So if you have any questions just ask me!
Thank you for taking the time to read this post! 
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1 comment:

  1. I look at my tongue every morning when I get up. I suffered for years with thrush and candida, so now I just keep a check on what my tongue looks like.

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