Modern medicine uses a very pinpointed approach and typically narrows its diagnostic efforts on the “troublesome spot.”
For example, if you go to the doctor reporting abdominal pain and diarrhea, you’ll likely get tests aimed at the gut, such as a lower GI series, ultrasound, colonoscopy or maybe a barium enema.
On the other hand, traditional medicine (which includes acupuncture and Ayurveda) looks at the entire body as a series of parts and systems that are inextricably joined and together orchestrate and represent the body’s functioning.
And if you were to go to a traditional practitioner with your gut issue, one of the first things they would do is ask to see your TONGUE!
Although this may sound strange, your tongue says a LOT about your health in ways you can’t even imagine!
Here are some examples of things you might see on your tongue, what they can mean in terms of your health, and how you can help:
Extremely red tongue
What it can mean: This can be a tongue inflammation called glossitis. Studies have shown that glossitis is a sign of nutritional deficiencies, most commonly B-complex vitamins (especially B3—niacin).
What you can do: Supplement with a complete, well-rounded multi like Super Core multi-vitamin and mineral formula to ensure you have health-supporting levels of the crucial B vitamins. Super Core also contains natural sources of anti-inflammatories which can help counteract the inflammation from glossitis!
Also, be sure to have a diet of wholesome real foods to help provide a variety of essential nutrients and help prevent deficiencies.
“Grand Canyon” or “geographic” tongue
What it can mean: A deficiency in B-complex vitamins (especially folic acid and B12) as well as zinc.
What you can do: Super Core fits the bill here too, as it provides the folic acid, B12 and zinc your body desperately needs.
But don’t forget about your diet too! Supplements are very important, but you need to support their efforts with a healthy diet.
Bald or pale tongue
What it can mean: Deficiencies of folic acid, vitamin B12, or vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
What you can do: Take Super Core to fill in the blanks with your folic acid, B12 and B2 needs, and have a healthy diet.
White-coated tongue
What it can mean: Candida (yeast) overgrowth in your intestinal tract.
What you can do: A full-spectrum, potent, multi-strain probiotic like Super Shield PLUS is a MUST! When yeasts have gotten the “upper hand” in your intestinal tract, it’s vital to help restore a healthier balance in your gut microbiome, and one of the best ways is to replenish your supply of “good guy microbes” so they can keep Candida under control.
It’s also crucial to limit your intake of refined carbs and sugar. Yeasts feed on these foods and can quickly multiply out of control. This creates a vicious cycle because the yeast can actually make you crave their food of choice—carbs and sugar—and the more of those you eat, the more you nourish the Candida!
Scalloped-edge tongue
What it can mean: You grind your teeth at night; temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues; a B12 deficiency or a low-functioning thyroid.
What you can do: Reduce stress if you grind; see a doctor to explore possibly getting a mouth guard to wear at night or to see if TMJ issues are a problem for you.
Also, if B12 is an issue, supplementation is wise for many people, because B12 is not always easily absorbed in the GI tract. Factors such as low stomach acid, antacid use, previous gastric surgery, Crohn’s disease and advanced age can all affect and reduce your ability to absorb B12.
For B12 supplementation, your best option is an oral spray like Hydroxaden 2.5.
Hydroxaden 2.5 is a convenient vitamin B spray that gives you a health-supporting 2.5 mg of B12 (in the high-quality forms ofhydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin). Just five spritzes under your tongue each day is all it takes.
Lastly, if you suspect your thyroid is in the tanker, (this is especially true if you are also having other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, hair loss or dry skin), see a doctor and get evaluated. Request a TRH Stimulation Test in addition to the standard TSH test.
Purple tongue
What it can mean: The most common cause of a purple tongue is staining from certain foods and beverages including grape juice, red wine, blueberries, beets or grape popsicles.
But if you haven’t had any of those foods, a purple tongue can also be a sign of vitamin B2 deficiency, poor blood circulation in the body or cancer of the tongue.
What you can do: If you suspect a circulation problem or possibly cancer, see a doctor immediately. But many times, the color may be related to vitamin B2 deficiency, which Super Core can help address.
And the scary one—black, hairy tongue
What it can mean: Although it’s a bit scary looking, a black hairy tongue is most commonly the result of taking antibiotics or a yeast infection.
What you can do: Limit your intake of refined carbs like I mentioned above to help deprive the yeast of their nutrient source.
Also, help beef up your microbiome (where 80 percent of your immune system resides) so that you can help lessen your chances of needing antibiotics to begin with! Super Shield PLUS is your ticket to restoring a healthier flora balance and supporting strong immune health.
What you’re aiming for—a healthy tongue!
The more you pay close attention to your tongue and what it might be trying to tell you, the more you will help turn your health around and have a healthy tongue as well!
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
