The Purple tongue Is a discoloration that occurs due to the presence of diseases or nutritional deficiencies, especially with the lack of vitamin B2.
The human tongue is a muscular organ that lacks protective skin and therefore its color is largely dependent on the tissue that composes it, in addition to the blood flowing through it. It is usually pink or red.
A purple tongue is rare compared to other tongue discolorations. It can often precede the development of a blue tongue. Therefore, it should be carefully monitored in acute cases to take note of whether a greater definition of blue color is established.
Symptoms of a purple tongue
This discoloration could mean that fluids and blood are not circulating properly. This lack of circulation can quickly translate into lethargy and poor emotional health which in some cases can lead to depression .
A purple tongue is also seen in people with high cholesterol and subsequent heart problems, as well as in chronic bronchitis, which adversely affects the air waves that carry oxygen into the bloodstream.
Also the purple color of the tongue may indicate that there is too much sugar in the body which makes you feel tired and cold. This means that you are probably eating too much cold food and you do not add enough ingredients in the diet like garlic, ginger and the coriander .
When there is a purple tongue, depending on what causes this color, there may be some symptoms that include pain, swelling, flushing or bumps.
Causes and Treatment
Vitamin B2 deficiency (riboflavin)
Compared with other types of tongue discolorations, purple tongue is not common. It usually develops when a person is deficient in certain nutrients, in particular vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
Commonly, people who are at risk for vitamin B2 deficiency are alcoholics, vegetarians and the elderly due to poor diet.
Vitamin B2 is soluble in water. This means that the body does not store it, so you have to obtain it from external sources such as food and dietary supplements. Vitamin B2, along with other B vitamins, converts carbohydrates into energy (glucose) for the body.
As an antioxidant, it reduces the harmful effects of excess free radicals that could lead to a faster aging and cause various health problems, such as heart disease. It also promotes the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen.
Treatment
Vitamin B2 is usually found in B-complex supplements or multivitamins. It is best to take it during or between meals to allow better absorption. If oral supplements do not work, your doctor may give you this vitamin through injections.
Vitamin B overdose is unlikely because the body gets rid of it every day through the urine. However, there is a possibility of toxicities if taken in exaggerated amounts, which could increase the chances of developing kidney stones.
Vitamin B2 may interact with the following medications: antipsychotic medications, antiepileptics, tricyclic antidepressants and tetracycline, among others.
You should consume foods rich in vitamin B2. Some of the best sources of vitamin B2 foods are:
- cheese
- Yeast
- Beef and mutton
- Almonds
- Oily fish
- Whole grains
- Mushrooms
- Wheat germ
- Sesame seeds
- Wild rice
- Eggs
- Soy
- Dairy products (milk and yogurt)
You can also see the Foods richer in vitamin B .
Important Reminder
Supplements and foods should be stored away from direct sunlight to protect the vitamin B2 content. Instead of boiling or frying, you can cook steamed foods to conserve vitamin B2.
Central cyanosis
The blue-purple discoloration of the tongue could be a sign that you are experiencing central cyanosis. This condition occurs when the blood does not carry enough oxygen through the body or the circulation has become slow.
There are different reasons why a person suffers from cyanosis, including heart or lung disease and abnormalities of hemoglobin (oxygen carrier), such as sulfohemoglobin.
In adults, the primary cause is the suffering of severe respiratory diseases, such as severe asthma attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and severe pneumonia.
Treatment
Cyanosis is a symptom, not a disease. Therefore, treatment should focus on the root cause to get rid of cyanosis and other symptoms. If you suffer from this condition, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to get the proper diagnosis and correct medical treatment.
High levels of bad cholesterol
Cholesterol is not all bad. Without this, the body does not function properly. Cholesterol helps in the production of hormones, helps the liver in the production of bile and forms part of the structure of the body cells.
The problem occurs when there is an imbalance in your cholesterol profile. Which means you have more triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (LDL) compared to your high density lipoprotein (HDL).
In the United States, there are about 73.5 million adults who have high amounts of LDL. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are harmful. They can lead to clogging of your major blood vessels. This condition damages the heart and causes heart attacks or strokes.
Natural Options for Lowering Bad Cholesterol
The Coenzyme Q10 Is a potent antioxidant that is present in our bodies. It plays different roles, including converting foods (carbohydrates) into energy.
Some researchers even say that it could help with heart disease because it can prevent the formation of blood clots and increase the production of cellular energy.
It is widely believed that low levels of CoQ10 in the body are due to an increase in bad cholesterol. The Statins It can also reduce the amount of CoQ10 in the blood. Since there is a deficiency, the most logical solutions are proper diet and vitamin B2 supplements.
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble substance, so it should be taken with foods that contain a good amount of fat for a better absorption.
Never give this antioxidant to children under 18 years of age. Always consult your doctor before supplementation to determine the correct dose. The University of Maryland recommends a dose range of 30 to 200mg (for adults) of Coenzyme Q10 daily.
References
- Chris, D. (2016). Tongue Discoloration (White, Red, Purple, Blue, Yellow, Black). 24-2-2017, Retrieved from Healthhype.com.
- Kate, T. (2016). Purple Tongue Causes. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from wowremedies.com
- Heal Cure Editor. (2016). Purple Tongue Causes Including Spots, Under Tongue Veins & Bumps. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from healcure.org.
- Health Grades Editor. (2015). Causes of Purple tongue. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from rightdiagnosis.com.
- Marchione, V. (2016). Tongue color can reveal your health problems. 25-2-2017, Retrieved from BelMarraHealth.com.