Question: My dentist says I have a "geographic tongue." What causes this? What can I do to cure it?
Dr. Blaylock's Answer:
This is a condition that gives the tongue a map-like, or geographic, appearance. It affects women more than men and has been linked to certain food allergies, hormonal changes, and B-type vitamin deficiencies. Some swear by taking zinc supplements and others a mixture of the B vitamins.
Zinc should be taken intermittently so as not to develop copper deficiency. A dose of 30 mg a day for three days with four days off in between would be reasonable. Do this for two months. If the condition improves, lower the dose to 15 mg.
Since food allergies sometimes accompany this condition, a comprehensive food allergy and food intolerance study — a simple blood test — might be in order. The Alcat lab has such a test and can be found here. Once you identify the food or foods, avoid them at all cost. It is not a dangerous condition, more of a nuisance.
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