Canker sores also known as Aphthous ulcers, are
small but painful ulcers that may
appear on the tongue, lips, gums, or often the insides of the
cheeks. The canker sore starts as a red ulcerated spot with a yellowish
border. The ulcer then becomes covered by a yellowish
mixture of fluids, bacteria, and white blood cells. The development of
the sore may be preceded by a burning or tingling feeling. Canker
sores do not form the same type blisters as cold sores or fever
blisters. Canker
sores size will range from as small as a pinhead to as big as a
quarter. They may appear suddenly and also leave suddenly, normally
lasting between 4 to 20 days. There are some experts who believe that these painful
mouth ulcerations are contagious, but many disagree. Canker sores
affect females more than males. They may be triggered by any of a number
of factors, including poor dental hygiene, irritation from dental
work, food allergies, nutritional
deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, viral infection, a basic immune
problem or disease, trauma - like that caused by biting the inside
of the cheek or using a hard bristled toothbrush, stress,
or fatigue. They may result from
an abnormal immune response to normal bacteria in the person's mouth. Canker
sores may also be associated with Crohn's
disease, which affects the bowels. Deficiencies of iron, lysine,
vitamin B12, and folic acid have been linked to having or being
vulnerable to canker sores. Often people who get canker sores, especially if they get them
over and over again have nutritional problems with their diet.
In other words they are eating poorly and this will make them
more vulnerable to canker sores and getting sick. The
supplemental program suggested below should help to prevent
recurrences and promote healing of not only canker sores but
other health issues as well.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
B
vitamin complex |
10 |
the
B vitamin family is very important for the proper function of your brain and nervous system.
Supplements with natural vitamin B can help with ulceration
problems like canker sores. They also help with digestion and allergy, stress, depression, and many
other
problems. |
Niacin |
10 |
vitamin B3 deficiency
has been linked to mouth sores |
Pantothenic
acid |
10 |
vitamin B5 aids with
stress and required for proper adrenal function |
vitamin
B12 |
10 |
works
with folic acid to promote healing |
Folic Acid |
10 |
helps to correct
deficiencies and helps with healing |
Red
Clover |
9 |
herb that helps detoxify and good
for infections |
Dandelion |
9 |
herb that works with dandelion to
detoxify |
Licorice |
9 |
herb that promotes healing and
offers relief from pain |
Myrrh |
9 |
herb that helps stop inflammation
and soreness |
Bioflavonoids |
9 |
protects the body and helps to
moderate inflammatory responses by the body. Supplements made
from fruits and vegetables are a good source of bioflavonoids. |
Multivitamin and Mineral |
9 |
Balance of minerals
and vitamins is important for healing and also the prevention
of canker sores as well as good general health. |
vitamin
C |
9 |
fights infection and
helps the immune system. It works well with bioflavonoids. |
Garlic |
9 |
acts as a natural antibiotic |
Alfalfa |
9 |
herb with vitamin K useful for
canker sores |
vitamin
A |
8 |
helps healing, especially healing
of mucous membranes like those in the mouth. |
Carotenoids |
8 |
work with vitamin C |
Golden
Seal |
8 |
herb that helps immune system and
infection |
Zinc |
8 |
people with canker
sores problems may
not be getting enough zinc. Often a multi-vitamin
and mineral supplement
that contains this mineral. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|