15/08/2021
Here’s a little tongue-twister of events. New research reveals that weightlifters have stronger tongue muscles, while runners have better tongue endurance. And actually, it does matter. Because tongue-strengthening exercises not only improve the ability to speak, articulate and swallow (Now, now take your head out the gutter), but they are crucial for “upper airway patency”. Big words, we know. Basically they enable you to keep your airways open when you sleep. You see, should the muscle fibres at the back of the tongue lack endurance, it raises the risk of mouth breathing and sleep apnea. And tongue strength, in the fibres toward the front of the tongue, are essential for swallowing. As we age, we lose tongue muscle strength which may lead to (dysphagia) difficulty swallowing. So the next time you’re about to stick your tongue out, REIMAGINE how important it is to sleep and swallow… and show it some love.
