Alexandre Olmos, MD, on the color of your tongue: "If you notice it's white or has a thick coating, it could indicate an imbalance in your microbiota."

The appearance of the tongue can offer more information about one's health than is commonly thought. Alexandre Olmos , an internist and epigenetics specialist, has warned through his social media about the importance of observing this muscular organ, as it can be a useful tool for detecting digestive imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or immunological problems.

As the doctor explains, "Go to your mirror and look at your tongue. The tongue is one of the best ways to know what's going on inside your body." This visual analysis can be key to detecting everything from vitamin deficiencies to intestinal inflammation.

The appearance of the tongue matters more than you think

Olmos explained that one of the most common signs to look out for is the presence of a thick, white coating on the tongue. As she explains on her TikTok account, "If you notice that your tongue is white or has a thick coating, this may indicate an imbalance in your microbiota or digestive problems such as candidiasis or toxin buildup."

A cracked or very dry tongue can also indicate that something is wrong. In these cases, it could be a B vitamin deficiency or dehydration. Similarly, marks on the sides , similar to dental impressions, could be related to fluid retention or possible intestinal inflammation .

The doctor also mentioned that a very red tongue can be interpreted as a symptom of liver problems or iron deficiency . Although certain foods such as coffee, tea, or dishes containing turmeric can temporarily stain the tongue, persistent changes in color or texture should be considered warning signs.

A healthy tongue should be rounded, symmetrical, and light pink in color . In African, Asian, or Mediterranean populations, purple or brown pigmentation may be normal, as well as a slight whitish coating, which does not necessarily indicate an abnormality.