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hello. I’m Dr. Sangchul Hwang, a doctor who studies and treats autonomic nerves.Foods that worsen burning mouth symptoms! Today, I’ll tell you about persimmons, a seasonal fruit that I eat a lot these days. However, recently, there have been an increasing number of patients who come to the clinic with symptoms such as “burning mouth after eating,” “tingling on the tip of my tongue, and soreness when brushing my teeth.” Most people think I’m just sensitive, but there is an ingredient that should be suspected. It’s tannin.
What are tannins?
Tannins are polyphenols in the plant that are responsible for the astringency you feel when you eat persimmons.Once in the body, they can shrink the mucous membranes in your mouth and bind to proteins, which can sensitize them.This is why you may experience dry mouth, a sore tongue, or bloating after consuming persimmon tea, wine, or other beverages.
Real patient stories
“My mouth has been tingling lately and my tongue is constantly sore,” said a patient in a recent visit.
“I can barely eat anything that stings and irritates me, even when I brush my teeth.”When we took a closer look at her dietary habits, we found that she had been eating persimmons in season, one or two a day, for more than a week. This could be a cumulative irritation from the tannins, which don’t cause problems immediately after a day or two of eating them, but over time, they can irritate the mucous membranes, leading to a sensation of burning, dryness, pain, and mouth burning.
The Science of Tannins
Tannins can bind to proteins and minerals like iron, interfering with their absorption and irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa, which can lead to heartburn in indigestion and constipation. In fact, tannins have such a strong contractile force that they’re used as a natural medical glue, so you can imagine what they can do to the mucous membranes in your mouth.
Tannins also come in different flavors
Water-soluble tannins
It is highly soluble in water and relatively insensitive to heat.Boiling or soaking in water can reduce it to some extent.Representative foods are persimmon acorns some legumes.Persimmons are less irritating if frozen and thawed or ripened sufficiently.
Condensed tannins
It is resistant to heat and poorly soluble in water, and boiling or blanching does little to remove it.It binds strongly to mucous membranes and proteins, making it more susceptible to burning mouth burning stomach irritation heartburn.Food sources include red wine black tea green tea dark chocolate acorns aronia apple peel unripe bananas.If you’ve ever eaten a banana and felt a burning sensation in your mouth, this may be the cause.
How much tannin is safe to consume
Tannins have many benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.The problem is overconsumption and poor consumption habits. It can also worsen the symptoms of burning mouth, so those who suffer from this condition should be careful
5 Ways to Consume Tannins Safely
- Avoid unripe persimmons and underripe fruit and allow them to ripen before eating
- Use recipes like boil blanch poach and dip in water
- Avoid drinking persimmon tea coffee on an empty stomach
- Spacing at least 1-2 hours apart from iron products
- If your mouth is sore, check for cumulative intake
Tannins are a good thing in nature, but they should be consumed in moderation.Condensed tannins, in particular, are not easily removed by heat and can directly irritate the mucous membranes, leading to burning mouth pain and digestive distress.If you’re experiencing recurring tongue tingling or burning mouth symptoms, don’t take it lightly and take a look at your food habits.We hope this article has been helpful to those suffering from this uncomfortable condition.If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
