Summary:
(Ed - My research, per the customer´s request, has been referenced at the bottom of the summary. No direct quotes have been used. Facts were checked. Is there any type of copyright I have to acknowledge?)
Canker Sores - A description and nutritional considerations in dealing with them.
References used: Prescription for Nutritional Healing - Balch
The Vitamin Bible - Earl Mindell

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Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
By Annetta Holmes

Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, can strike at any time. By having knowledge about the triggers that cause the sores to erupt then using a process of elimination one can deal with this irritating affliction.

Canker sores are painful, inflamed, suppurating lesions that can occur on the tongue, lips, gums and the inside of the cheeks. Sometimes preceded by itching or burning, they start as a red sore with a yellow border. The ulcer then becomes covered with a yellowish coat that includes bacteria and white blood cells.

Their size varies from tiny to that of a grape. Women are most heavily affected. The ulcers arrive suddenly and leave just as fast. Speculation still exists among authorities over whether mouth ulcers are contagious. Fever blisters (cold sores) are different to canker sores and often the two are confused. Canker does not form any type of blister.

Factors involved in canker sores are numerous. Crohn’s disease has occasionally produced canker sores as has allergies, poor dental hygiene, and depressed immune system, deficiencies in the B vitamins folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and hormonal imbalances. Stress is another major cause of these painful ulcers. When under stress, the nutritional needs of the body skyrocket. Work stress; coupled with inadequate meals and too many late nights catching up with chores can be enough to bring on an attack.

After the first attack of canker sores, nutrition should be examined and dietary changes made. A good diet is the corner stone when fighting canker. Choose nutritious foods – green leafy vegetables, salads with lots of raw onion (the sulphur in onions has powerful healing properties), yoghurt and other soured products – kefir, buttermilk and cottage cheese and supplement with a high quality B complex.

B vitamins work together. By just taking niacin or folic acid on their own, deficiencies amongst the B group are created. Other nutrients to consider are: vitamin C with bioflavonoids - supports the immune system and fights infection and vitamin A - improves healing times and protects mucous membranes.

There are several topical creams that can be used to alleviate the symptoms. Tea tree, dabbed neat onto sores assists in the healing. Dilute the tea tree – three drops to four ounces of water – to use as a mouth wash. However, if the body is creating these sores due to nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances then surface treatment will be insufficient to ward off future attacks.

Two other areas need to be looked at: The acid/alkaline balance and mineral deficiencies. A self-test can be taken to check the pH of the body and a hair analysis will determine mineral levels.

These painful mouth ulcers can be successfully treated. However, it is always important to consult with a Naturopath, Herbalist or Homeopath so a proper diagnosis can be made.

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Written by: Annetta Holmes
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