You may not think too much about your tongue when it comes to health. But when your doctor tells you to open your mouth and check your throat, he gets some basic information about your health by looking at your tongue. Chinese medicine teaches that the tongue can show all diseases of the body.

If you are not sure what is happening to your tongue, it is best to see an otolaryngologist. A normal pink tongue, with no tooth prints or discoloration, indicates proper salivary gland function, says acupuncturist Stuart Trotter.

The following nine changes may indicate health problems:

Change 1

The thin white surface of the tongue, visible tooth marks, and a few red spots: this appearance of the tongue indicates a lack of energy in the body that causes numbness, poor appetite, and excessive sweating.

Change 2

A thin yellow layer in the middle surrounded by a red residue on the surface of the tongue: this appearance of the tongue indicates digestive problems, dehydration, and skin diseases. All of this is manifested in the psyche, which is why people with such a tongue are usually indecisive.

Change 3

Fat white layer, swollen edges of the tongue: this appearance indicates unbalanced work of the digestive system and a tendency to accumulate water in the body. People with this condition often feel weak and lethargic.

Change 4

Purple spots on the surface: indicate circulatory system problems, so the person may have problems with varicose veins, heaviness in the legs, headaches, pain in the groin, and skin problems.

Change 5

A thin white layer with a red tip on the tongue: this condition reveals how the body is exposed to constant stress causing an unstable emotional state. Energy in the body accumulates in the nodes that cause inflammatory processes.

Change 6

Red tongue with thick yellow deposits in the middle: this is an indicator of fever, indicating possible urinary tract infections or skin problems. People with such problems are often angry and do not feel comfortable in their bodies.

Change 7

A thick white layer in the middle of the surface of a pale swollen tongue: an appearance that indicates an infection or inflammation associated with an autoimmune disease and a lack of vitamins and minerals. These conditions cause pale complexion, back pain, and a feeling that is often accompanied by panic.

Change 8

Cracks on the red surface of the tongue: indicate fungal infections in the body, followed by night sweats, necrosis, and irritation.

Change 9

Pale, plaque-free tongue, which indicates decreased blood flow to the body and anemia that can cause dizziness and fatigue. People with this condition suffer from a lack of concentration and memory. In addition, in women, this tongue is often a sign of possible hormonal imbalance.

Don’t be alarmed if you see some of these changes on your tongue. Any health condition should be verified by a doctor before you start treatment. 

We all have some processes in the body that we are not aware of. So maybe by simple check in the mirror, our tongue can give us some insight if we should go for a quick doctor check-up.