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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Treating Ailments Starts with Healthy Digestion

Q: Dear Elena: I am a Male, 73 years young and I have a long standing health problem. Every night for the last 16 months, I wake up and the tip of my tongue is burning. I am also very tired, hot, and have thick whitish bitter saliva in my mouth. I am getting angina pain lately too as I believe not having a restful sleep is making my heart complain! Periodically, in my lower inner jaw the skin gets bubbly and eventually peels off.

My family doctor and ear-nose-throat specialist say I am okay as I don't have any bleeding. I feel like I am not getting the help I need.

A: You may be suffering from what is known as a “Burning Mouth Syndrome”.

Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome include: burning sensation that may affect your tongue, lips, gums, palate, throat or whole mouth, a tingling or numb sensation, mouth pain that worsens as the day progresses, sensation of dry mouth, increased thirst, sore mouth, loss of taste or change in taste such as bitter or metallic taste developing.

Your symptoms may be made worse if you have mouth infection such as thrush or are suffering from nutritional deficiencies such as lack of curtain nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies such as lack of iron, zinc, folic acid or other components of B complex such as B12 or B6 can all play a role in developing the syndrome. Some medication such as ACE inhibitors often used in the treatment of high blood pressure may also be a cause. Excessive mouth irritation from over-use of mouthwash or having excessive amounts of acidic drinks may also cause your problem.

To start with I would do a thorough digestive tract assessment and cleansing. Make sure you have no other digestive issues and cleanse your bowel. Unfriendly bowel bacteria often cause symptoms of acidity. Thick saliva in the mouth is a good indication that your digestion is compromised. I frequently put patients on a diet without red meat for at least 4 weeks. Also, you should include a lot of fresh vegetable juices, especially using dark green veggies. They will help detoxify your GI tract and provide an alkaline environment for your gut. Cut out all acidic foods especially citrus fruits; avoid things containing any forms of vinegar as well. For liver cleansing, I often recommend herbal formulas containing turmeric, artichoke and milk thistle. By stimulating bile flow you will also neutralize any excessive acid production in your stomach. Take a daily dose of Lactobacilli acidophilus and Bifidus mix to repopulate your gut. Always remember that treatment of most ailments always starts with treating your gut.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist