Your tongue might be trying to send you important health signals. That pink muscle in your mouth can reveal surprising clues about what’s happening inside your body.

Traditional medicine has long used tongue examination as a diagnostic tool, and modern science confirms many of these connections.

A pale tongue with no coating often signals poor circulation or anemia. People with this condition frequently experience dizziness, fatigue, and trouble concentrating. Women may also notice hormonal imbalances. If you spot cracks on a red tongue, your body might be fighting a fungal infection, often accompanied by sleep troubles and irritability.

Notice a thick white coating in the center? This could indicate vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune issues, potentially causing back pain and anxiety. A purple tongue sometimes appears in people with circulation problems, high cholesterol, or chronic bronchitis. That yellow layer in the middle? It often points to digestive troubles and dehydration affecting both body and mood.