Tongue Health: Our tongue is one of the most vital organs in our body. It allows us to sense taste, form words clearly, and aid in chewing and swallowing food. However, many often overlook this essential muscle when caring for their health. By the time they notice any changes in their tongue, it may already be too late. You’d be surprised to learn that your tongue can reveal many surprising things about your overall health. From nutritional deficiencies to poor blood circulation – there’s a lot this muscle can indicate. Nutritionist Sonia Narang recently took to Instagram to share five common tongue changes and what they could be signalling about your health. Intrigued to know what these signs are? Read on!
Also Read: Got A Dental Filling? 5 Foods You Should Abstain From For A Smooth Recovery
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Here Are 5 Signs Your Tongue May Be Signaling Health Issues And Easy Remedies:
1. White Coating
Does your tongue suddenly appear white in colour? Well, this could be a sign of bacterial growth on your tongue. Sonia explains that this sudden change may be due to poor oral hygiene, dehydration, and mouth breathing.
Solution: The nutritionist recommends incorporating ginger tea into your diet to address this issue. She says, “Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.” Additionally, ginger also stimulates the production of saliva, helping to flush out harmful bacteria from the tongue and mouth.
2. Red Dots
Another common tongue issue is the appearance of red dots. Don’t take it lightly, as this could indicate excess heat in the body. These dots may also result from consuming foods and beverages that are too hot.
Solution: Sonia suggests reducing red spots on the tongue by drinking rice water. According to her, rice water has cooling properties and can help reduce heat both on the tongue and in the digestive system.
3. Swelling
Did you know that swelling on your tongue could be a sign of an iron deficiency? Narang explains that a swollen tongue indicates an insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to the tongue, causing it to appear swollen.
Solution: You can relieve a swollen tongue by sipping beetroot-amla juice. Beetroot and amla together improve the body’s ability to produce red blood cells, increase haemoglobin levels, and replenish iron levels.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Bluish-Purple In Colour
Worried about your tongue suddenly turning bluish-purple in colour? This could be your body’s way of indicating blood stagnation and poor circulation. Additionally, it may also be due to poor oral hygiene and a vitamin B2 deficiency.
Solution: To address this issue, Sonia recommends drinking CCF tea, which stands for cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds. This tea helps reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, counteracting blood stagnation and aiding in more efficient oxygen delivery to tissues.
Also Read: Oral Care: 8 Foods Kids Must Avoid To Prevent Cavity
5. Geographic Tongue
If you notice red patches on your tongue that appear like a map, this could be a sign of a geographic tongue. Sonia explains that a geographic tongue may result from a family history or a deficiency of essential nutrients in your diet.
Solution: Drink aloe vera juice. The regenerative properties of aloe vera help heal tissues damaged by inflammation, smoothing out the irregular patches associated with a geographic tongue.
Watch the complete video below:
Now that you’re aware of these common tongue changes, address them as soon as you notice them to maintain your health.
