Decoding your tongue

By Flora McCraith

Your tongue can tell you a lot about your general health. Do you know what it is telling you?

Your tongue helps you with all sorts of things from speaking, eating, chewing and tasting. However, did you know that it can also tell you about your general health? The colour, texture and moisture of your tongue can provide tell tale signs of what is going on inside your body which is why many doctors start a consultation by asking you to stick your tongue out. So stick out your tongue, say “aaah” and work out what the different tongue changes mean.


Red and inflamed

A red tongue is a sign of nutritional deficiencies particularly that you aren’t getting enough folic acid or vitamin B. Iron is essential for the formation of red blood cells and necessary for energy and B vitamins are needed for energy metabolism, cell growth and proper functioning of the nervous system. If there are ulcers it could indicate an immunity problem.


‘Furry’

If the small bumps that cover the surface of your tongue become enlarged and abundant, it can make the tongue appear hairy or furry. This can similarly happen when the mucous membranes have thickened which is the result of a fever and throat inflammations are often accompanied by this inflammation as is chronic gastritis and constipation.


Pale and swollen

When the tongue is large and pale in colour, and has tooth mark indentations along the sides, the body is generally in a weak state. When your body is dealing with a lack of iron, your blood doesn’t have the necessary oxygen-carrying capacity to keep the tissues red.

A swollen tongue can also mean fluid is being retained by the body, or that the kidneys or spleen are not functioning well. It can also be a minor side effect due to a hangover or an allergic reaction to food or medication.


Cracked

Fissured tongue is a harmless condition in which deep grooves form on the tongue's surface and is actually an inherited trait. Geographic tongue on the other hand is characterized by smooth, bright red patches on the top. These patches can change location and size, with soreness and burning in some cases. This is usually triggered by stress or hormonal changes. A thick, white or brown cracked tongue coating can signify constipation or obstruction of the bowels.


Yellowish

A yellow tint to the tongue indicates that you could have a fungal or bacterial infection. It could also be that you have a liver or gallbladder disturbance which should be checked out by a doctor. Gastric reflux could also be a possible cause of this colouration.


Raised red spots

A strawberry like effect on the tip of the tongue can be caused by hot drinks. However, red spots and bleeding gums indicates a lack of bioflavonoids which is found in vitamin C and helps to strengthen the tiny blood capillaries in the skin.


Purple

This could mean that you are suffering from high cholesterol which could result in heart problems. It can also indicate chronic bronchitis which cuts down the efficiency in bringing oxygen to the bloodstream. If your tongue continues to be purple it is best to consult your doctor.

-MSN