Besides using our tongues to communicate on a daily basis, do you know what else it can be useful for?  (And no, I’m not referring to that.)  Did you  know that our tongues speak to us through symptoms?   And yet for most of us, we are so blissfully unaware that there is much to be said about what goes on in our bodies simply from tongue observation.

Just as our individual biochemistry is unique, so too are our tongues.  Ideally, a healthy tongue should be pink, clean and covered in papillae which contain taste buds. What do you see when you stick your tongue out?  Is it being displayed with pride and affection when needed? Or are you too embarrassed by what others may see?  Is it coated? Yellow? Flabby? Scalloppy? Does it resemble a shiny red bald tire? Or do you see a mini Grand Canyon?

So much can be said about the nutritional status of  a person by looking at the tongue that it would be a crying shame if we continue to ignore the symptoms. So how do we get into the groove of tongue spotting?  Here is a list of tongue symptoms and indications to reacquaint you:

Coating – yellow or white, esp. in the back part

• Bacterial overgrowth. Digestive trouble.  Toxic residues of undigested and fermented or putrefied food linger in the intestinal tract.

Crack down the centre of tongue

• Depletion of B-complex vitamins

Extremely red and smooth tongue (red bald tire)

• Glossitis – inflammation and protein malnourishment; marginal nutritional deficiencies of several vitamins and nutrients.

Geographic (mini Grand Canyon)

• B12, B-complex deficiencies; allergies.

Tremor upon protrusion

• Heavy metals – esp. mercury; hyperthyroid.

Teeth impressions on the sides of the tongue (scalloped)

• Weak digestion and inadequate absorption of nutrients from the small intestine.
• Mouth irritants such as smoking.

Pimples on the tongue

• Poor digestion and presence of fermenting and putrefying food in both the small and large intestine.

Cracks on the tongue

• Signs of long-term intestinal trouble.  Food remains partially undigested which are subjected to bacterial putrefaction and, thereby, become a source of toxicity.
• Constant exposure of the intestinal wall to the toxins that these bacteria produce irritates and injures it.  The resulting lesions, scars, and hardening of the intestinal walls is then reflected by the cracks on the tongue.

What to do if your tongue is on the list

If you have spotted your tongue somewhere along the list above, do not despair.  Most of these symptoms can be alleviated with a change in diet and lifestyle, and proper nutrition.  Start by addressing your individual needs as indicated above.  In addition, the following will be helpful:

• Reduce your consumption of processed foods
• Increase your fibre intake with lots of fresh fruits and veggies
• Drink plenty of water
• Investigate food sensitivities with your primary health care provider
• Address any possible iron deficiency
• Supplement with zinc for better nutrient absorption
• Take probiotics to help with digestion

So congrats!  You’ve now completed your quick guide to Tongue Spotting 101!  Remember it’s never too late to love yourself, and caring for the body through your tongue is a good place to start.

Be healthy, be happy, be beautiful!

Martine ~ holistic nutritionista