Purple tongue symptoms, causes and treatments

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Philip Kelley
Purple tongue symptoms, causes and treatments

The purple tongue It is a discoloration that is produced by the presence of diseases or nutritional deficiencies, especially with a 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 that flows through it. It is usually pink or red in color.

A purple tongue is rare compared to other tongue discolorations. It can often precede the development of a blue tongue. Therefore, it must be carefully monitored in acute cases to take note of whether a higher definition of blue color is established.. 

Article index

  • 1 Symptoms of a purple tongue
  • 2 Causes
    • 2.1 Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency
  • 3 Treatment
    • 3.1 Central cyanosis
    • 3.2 Treatment
    • 3.3 High levels of bad cholesterol
    • 3.4 Natural options to reduce bad cholesterol
  • 4 References

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 negatively affects the air waves that carry oxygen into the bloodstream..

Also the purple color of the tongue can 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 not adding enough ingredients to your diet like garlic, ginger, and coriander..

When a purple tongue occurs, depending on what causes this color, there may be some symptoms that include pain, swelling, discharge, or bumps..

Causes

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency

Compared to other types of tongue discolorations, purple tongue is not common. It usually develops when a person is deficient in certain nutrients, particularly 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 it must be obtained 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 damaging effects of excess free radicals that could lead to 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 generally found in B-complex or multivitamin supplements. It is best taken during or between meals to allow better absorption. If oral supplements don't work, your doctor can give you this vitamin through injections..

Vitamin B overdose is unlikely because the body gets rid of it every day through urine. However, there is a possibility of toxicities if taken in exaggerated amounts, which could increase the chances of developing kidney stones..

Vitamin B2 could interact with the following medications: antipsychotic, antiepileptic, tricyclic antidepressant and tetracycline medications, among others.

Foods rich in vitamin B2 should be consumed. Some of the best food sources of vitamin B2 are:

  • Cheese
  • Yeast
  • Beef and lamb meat
  • 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 richest in vitamin B.

Important Reminder

Food and supplements should be stored out of direct sunlight to protect the vitamin B2 content. Instead of boiling or frying, you can steam food to preserve vitamin B2.

Central cyanosis

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 circulation has become slow..

There are different reasons why a person suffers from cyanosis, including heart or lung disease and hemoglobin (oxygen carrier) abnormalities, such as sulfhemoglobin..

In adults, the main cause is suffering from 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 must focus on the root cause to get rid of cyanosis and other symptoms. If you suffer from this condition, you should see 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 it, the body does not function properly. Cholesterol helps in the production of hormones, helps the liver in the production of bile and is part of the structure of the body's cells.

The problem occurs when there is an imbalance in your cholesterol profile. Which means it has more triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) compared to its high-density lipoproteins (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 blockage of your major blood vessels. This condition damages the heart and causes heart attacks or strokes..

Natural options to lower bad cholesterol

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that is present in our bodies. Play different roles, including converting food (carbohydrates) into energy.

Some researchers even say that it could help with heart disease, as it can prevent blood clots and increase cellular energy production..

Low levels of CoQ10 in the body are widely believed to be due to an increase in bad cholesterol. Statins 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 better absorption..

Never give this antioxidant to children under 18 years of age. The physician should always be consulted prior to supplementation to determine the correct dosage. The University of Maryland recommends a dose range of 30 to 200mg (for adults) of Coenzyme Q10 daily..

References

  1. Chris, D. (2016). Tongue Discoloration (White, Red, Purple, Blue, Yellow, Black). 2-24-2017, Recovered from Healthhype.com.
  2. Kate, T. (2016). Purple Tongue Causes. 2-25-2017, Recovered from wowremedies.com
  3. Heal Cure Editor. (2016). Purple Tongue Causes Including Spots, Under Tongue Veins & Bumps. 2-25-2017, Recovered from healcure.org.
  4. Health Grades Editor. (2015). Causes of Purple tongue. 2-25-2017, Recovered from rightdiagnosis.com.
  5. Marchione, V. (2016). Tongue color can reveal your health problems. 2-25-2017, Recovered from BelMarraHealth.com.

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