Canker sores are small ulcers inside the mouth that affect about 25% of people. They
are painful when they come in contact with foods. It is called “aphthous stomatitis” in medicine, and the exact cause is still unknown. However, hereditary, dental trauma, stress, gluten sensitivity, food allergies, acidic foods, and nutrient deficiencies could be participating factors.
In few studies, there have been links between gluten sensitivity and recurrent canker sores.
Canker sores cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
Nutritional Support:
Restricted Foods:
- Foods rich in gluten, for example, wheat and any food items containing wheat, couscous, kamut, spelt, oatmeal, barley, rye, semolina and triticale.
- Tomato and eggplants may make canker sores worse in some people.
- Salty foods.
- Processed foods.
- Sweets and added sugars.
- Foods that have been discovered to cause allergy in the person.
- Spicy foods.
Recommended Foods:
- Drinking plenty of water: at least 2 liters day, as dehydration hinders the healing of the ulcers.
- Chamomile tea has a soothing effect.
- Green leafy vegetables
- Foods rich in zinc: legumes, seeds, and sea foods.
- Foods rich in iron, especially red meat.
Recommended Supplements:
- Licorice in the form of DGL (de-glycyrrhizinated licorice): 200 – 300 mg tablet chewed before each meal and before bed. Licorice alleviates irritation and heals inflammation.
- Aloe Vera Juice: ½ cup twice a day. Aloe vera promotes healing the ulcers.
- Multivitamin: A highy quality product.
- Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
- Zinc: 50 to 100 mg a day. This mineral promotes healing and also it may prevent recurrent sores.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid: 2 grams a day. It is a powerful anti – inflammatory nutrient.
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day. It is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune system and fights inflammation.
