WHAT IS YOUR TONGUE TELLING YOU?

Poke it out and have a look - it may be hinting at wider health issues

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From stress levels and vitamin deficiencies to your risk of cancer, your tongue can reveal all sorts of things about your health. But could you spot if symptoms are caused by something serious, or just eating a hot meal too fast? Stand in front of a mirror, stick out your tongue, and check for these signs.

BURNING PAIN

A burning tongue is one of the lesser-known symptoms of the menopause, affecting around four in 10 women*. It's also often accompanied by a dry mouth and hypersensitivity. While less common, a burning tongue could also be a sign of lichen planus. 'This is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes - you might see purplish, itchy, flat bumps,' says Dr Jeff Foster from h3health.co.uk. Drinking too many fizzy or alcoholic drinks, over-brushing your tongue or overusing your mouthwash can also irritate the tissues and cause burning.

TREAT IT: Drink plenty of water and make sure you're eating a well-balanced diet. Speak to your GP if you think your burning tongue could be a sign of the menopause or lichen planus.

Ulcers