Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hi hackers,

it seems to be a common symptom of fasting or carb restriction, nevertheless it's really annoying - this white fuzzy tongue.

I really like the benefits of ketone bodies and eat lots of ketogenic coconut oil and limit my carb consumption to less than 80g per day. But whenever I do that my tongue gets this white coating.

Is it somehow possible to be in ketosis and have a normal pink tongue? And what's actually causing this condition? I read somewhere that it might be fungi thriving on ketones, any experiences?

Thanks :)

flag	asked Mar 18 2012 at 20:01 Thomy 3,134●2●5●20

Hi Thomy. I have that sometimes too. It's called oral thrush and I believe it is often associated with candida/gut flora. I too was surprised that it didn't go away when I started eating paleo. – OptimusPrimal Mar 19 2012 at 4:35

Hi, but whenever I up my carb intake it instantly disappeares, I guess that makes candida unlikely. – Thomy Mar 19 2012 at 6:53

I have it too. I have a high carb intake though. NO idea why I get it!! – nick Apr 17 2012 at 13:09

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Classic symptom of ketosis. Scrape your tongue. (p.s. thrush is generally painful and you will note white patches in other parts of the mouth not just the tongue.) – Shari Bambino Jul 4 at 18:17

Happy Now · Answer 1 · 2012-07-04 04:10:33Z UTC

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Yes it is candida, but you might have better luck fighting it with an anti-candida diet that doesn't contain much, if any coconut oil, and skimming along just out of ketosis. Coconut oil won't help with the candida once it has gone systemic because the little bastards actually thrive on ketones. Paul Jaminet has what looks like some pretty good advice on this in his book and on his website "Perfect Health Diet".

answered Jul 4 at 4:10

Happy Now
25.8k●13●68

	Although, I wonder if localized, something like oil pulling would get you the benefit of the caprylic acid to directly act on the candida, without creating ketones in your body because you wouldn't be swallowing it? – Happy Now Jul 4 at 6:44
	I have that book, will re-read that section. I guess I'll remove coconut oil for now to see if it will help. – raydawg Jul 5 at 10:36
	Actually, I don't see a specific section on candida in his book (am reading the kindle version) - I do see 3 references for it, but not much other than saying that a ketogenic diet will kill'em off. Can you point me at the chapter? – raydawg Jul 5 at 16:46
	This thread might help while I'm tracking down the quote. paleohacks.com/questions/73435/… – Happy Now Jul 5 at 21:22
	It is on this podcast: perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/08/… – Happy Now Jul 5 at 21:24

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Nat · Answer 2 · 2012-07-04 03:52:15Z UTC

Yes, it is from candida but if you can stand to cut out the carbs and all sugars until your tongue gets pink, you can likely rid your body of the overgrowth of candida. Do some research though. You can use coconut oil, due to the caprylic acid, which is great at fighting this systemic issue (which you evidently use already). Also, you can use Apple Cider Vinegar, which, as far as I have learned, increases your enzymes and makes your body more alkaline, thus a decrease in yeast. Also, to replenish your natural flora, you can use probiotics and even prebiotics. Good luck.

Ketosis and fuzzy tongue?

2 Answers