Why Does My Tongue Look White?

Understanding the Tongue and Its Significance in Reflecting Health Conditions

The tongue, being the softest part of our body and the primary organ for taste perception, also serves as a crucial indicator of our overall health status. Frequently, we observe a white substance coating the tongue, known as tongue fur. Changes in tongue color can stem from various causes, including lung diseases, chronic inflammation, spleen and stomach deficiency with cold, or internal dampness accumulation. Let's delve into the reasons behind the white coating on the tongue.

1. Respiratory Disorders

For individuals with a white tongue, respiratory issues such as infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia could be the underlying cause.

2. Internal Dampness Accumulation or Phlegm

Chronic conditions like chronic nephritis and asthma often lead to internal dampness, manifesting as a white tongue.

3. Chronic Inflammatory Infections

Chronic illnesses like pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic pyelonephritis can also contribute to the development of a white tongue coating.

4. Lung Deficiency

Persistent coughing, though not severe, could indicate lung deficiency, especially if accompanied by a white tongue. Increased coughing or shortness of breath upon movement warrants special attention.

5. Kidney Qi Deficiency

A white tongue accompanied by symptoms like low back pain, leg weakness, and fatigue may signify kidney qi deficiency. Strengthening kidney qi through supplements like Liuwei Dihuang Wan can help.

6. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency with Cold

Preference for cold foods and beverages, like watermelon, pears, crabs, iced drinks, and beer, can lead to spleen and stomach deficiency with cold, causing a white tongue coating, clear saliva expulsion, and cold extremities. Avoidance of cold foods is advised.

7. Common Cold with Wind-Cold Syndrome

Overexertion, inadequate rest, and exposure to cold winds can precipitate a wind-cold common cold, characterized by dizziness, headache, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and a white tongue. Consuming ginger tea with brown sugar and soaking feet in hot water can alleviate symptoms.

Understanding Tongue Fur

In traditional Chinese medicine, tongue fur refers to the thin, white, and moist layer covering the dorsal surface of a healthy person's tongue. It comprises desquamated keratinized epithelium, saliva, bacteria, food debris, and exuded white blood cells. Normal chewing, swallowing, and saliva production continually clear the tongue surface, leaving only a thin, even layer of fur. Illness, reduced food intake, or soft diets can decrease chewing and salivary secretion, leading to thicker tongue fur.