Why does the tongue turn bitter when it hurts? & bull; hello healthy

When you are sick, you may feel that whatever food or drink you eat tastes bad in your mouth. Indeed, people who are sick will usually complain of a bitter tongue condition which results in eating and drinking times not appetizing.

Even though when you are sick, you need a lot of nutritional intake through food and drink. Why is tongue bitter when you are sick? What is the reason and how to get rid of it? Here comes the full answer.

Why does the tongue taste bitter when you are sick?

In a study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity in 2015, experts found that your sense of taste will be more sensitive to bitter taste when you are sick.

You will usually get sick when your body is inflamed or infected, be it an influenza virus infection, streptococcal bacterial infection that causes strep throat, or various other infections. When experiencing inflammation or infection, the levels of certain proteins in the body will increase.

This type of protein is known in the medical world as TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) . Apart from people suffering from infection or inflammation, this protein is also found in people with autoimmune diseases. This is because these proteins are needed by the immune system to fight various diseases that attack you.

Increased protein levels TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) causes disturbance to your sense of taste, namely the tongue. This protein activates the cells responsible for tasting bitter tastes. So whatever you eat or drink will taste even more bitter than usual.

Apart from being caused by diseases that cause inflammation and infection, the sensation of a bitter mouth and tongue can also be caused by various other conditions. Disorders of the oral cavity and teeth, digestive system disorders, and hormonal imbalances can generally be the cause of a bitter tongue that is commonly felt by many circles.

1. Tooth disease

The emergence of dental disease is caused by inappropriate dental care, one of which is laziness to brush your teeth regularly. Ignoring this recommendation will certainly increase bacterial, viral and fungal infections in the oral cavity which can cause conditions, such as cavities (caries), inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), to gum infections (periodontitis).

2.Dry mouth (xerostomia)

Dry mouth conditions (xerostomia) are triggered by reduced saliva production from the salivary glands. This facilitates the development of bacteria in the mouth. In addition to dry mouth, you may also feel a sticky sensation in it.

Xerostomia can be caused by the side effects of certain drugs or therapies, body disorders, to smoking and drinking alcohol which can also cause the mouth and tongue to taste bitter.

3. Gastric acid

Do you have acid reflux? Known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this is a condition that occurs when stomach acid leaks and flows back up into the esophagus. This causes the sensation of a bitter mouth accompanied by bad breath.

4. Pregnancy and menopause

Pregnant women during the 1st trimester generally complain of a bitter taste that arises in the mouth and tongue so that they don't have an appetite. This sensation is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the body of pregnant women which will gradually improve during the pregnancy process until later in childbirth.

Women who enter the menopause phase also have the potential to experience a bitter tongue due to reduced levels of the hormone estrogen in the body. This is also influenced by other conditions, such as burning mouth syndrome in women during the menopause phase.

What's the reason you don't have an appetite when you're sick?

A bitter tongue makes the food and drinks consumed taste bitter so that appetite is lost when sick. The loss of appetite is also triggered by the production of a type of protein in the body called cytokines.

Together with protein TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) , cytokines are responsible for fighting various types of diseases that attack the body. However, cytokines also have side effects, namely reducing appetite.

In addition, loss of appetite when sick is affected by how your body functions. When you eat a lot as usual, it means your digestive system has to work hard to reduce and absorb food.

In fact, the body requires a lot of energy to fight disease. So, when you are sick your body absorbs the energy your immune system needs. As a result, your digestive system weakens and you don't feel the urge to eat as usual.

How to deal with a bitter tongue?

Even though your appetite is lost because your tongue tastes bitter, you still need a variety of nutritional intake so that your body is stronger against disease. In order to increase your appetite, there are several natural ways to deal with a bitter mouth that you can pay attention to below.

1. Eat frequently in small portions

No need to force yourself to finish a large portion of your food. Try to reduce the portion of your food to half or a quarter of the normal portion. However, within a few hours you can continue eating again.

To get adequate nutritional intake, you can also eat smaller portions more than three times a day. That way, your digestion won't work too hard every time you eat a meal. In addition, you also don't have to endure the bitter taste for too long when eating.

2. Eat nutritious foods

Even if you don't eat a lot, make sure that the nutrients your body needs, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, are still sufficient. So, multiply nutritious foods such as chicken, beef, vegetables, and fruits. Instead of eating a lot but with unbalanced nutrition, it's better to dense every food and drink you have with important nutrients.

3. Add spices

Because your tongue becomes bitter, you can enhance the taste of food with natural spices. Apart from adding to the taste of food, spices are also nutritious as a type of food ingredient to increase appetite.

You can try adding ginger, pepper, and cinnamon in dishes such as soups and stews. In addition, you can also brew tea with ginger and cinnamon as an alternative to plain water, because ginger can reduce the bitter tongue sensation you experience.

4. Eat oranges

In addition, you can eat fruits such as oranges, lemons, or grapefruit red (grapefruit). Apart from its fresh taste, this type of food for a bitter tongue can trigger the production of saliva. Saliva will help your mouth clean the bitter taste on your tongue. You can eat it straight or squeeze the juice so it is easier for the body to digest.

Apart from reducing the bitter taste on the tongue, you also need to address the main cause of this uncomfortable sensation. If the problem is related to oral and dental health, it is advisable to take proper care, namely brushing your teeth properly, flossing , and use mouthwash.

Meanwhile, if the bitter tongue comes from other health problems, you should immediately consult and check with a doctor.