Contents
The salivary glands are part of the body’s digestive system. The main function of the glands is to secrete saliva to soften food in the mouth. Saliva moisturizes the oral mucosa, promotes swallowing of the food lump. In addition, saliva has bactericidal properties. In traditional medicine, for example, its action is used to combat certain skin problems.
In humans, in addition to a large number of small salivary glands, which are located in the mucous membrane of the tongue, palate, cheeks and lips, there are also large salivary glands: sublingual, submandibular and parotid.
This is interesting:
- An adult produces 1500-2000 ml of saliva per day.
- The composition of saliva and its amount depends on the state of the body, the type and smell of food.
- During sleep, the amount of saliva secreted is 8 to 10 times less than during wakefulness.
Healthy foods for the salivary glands
- Walnuts. Due to the content in them of a large amount of polyunsaturated acids, they improve the functioning of the salivary glands. In addition, they contain juglone, which is a good phytoncide.
- Chicken eggs. Eggs are a source of essential nutrients such as lutein. Thanks to him, the functions of the salivary glands are normalized.
- Dark chocolate. It is a good stimulant of salivation. It activates the glands, dilates blood vessels, and participates in providing them with oxygen.
- Carrot. Nourishes the salivary glands. Stimulates their cleansing activity. It is a source of provitamin A.
- Seaweed. Contains a large amount of iodine, thanks to which the prevention of inflammation of the salivary glands is carried out.
- Fatty fish. Fish, like nuts, is rich in fatty acids, which are essential for the normal functioning of the salivary glands.
- Chicken. It is rich in proteins, which are a source of B vitamins and selenium. In addition, it is a building material for the glandular structure.
- Apples. Contains pectins. Thanks to them, the cleansing function of the salivary glands is carried out. In addition, they contain such an irreplaceable element as potassium.
- Chicory. Strengthens blood circulation, and also improves metabolic processes in the salivary glands.
- Rosehip. Contains a large amount of natural vitamin C, which improves the functioning of the salivary glands.
General recommendations
The proper functioning of the salivary glands depends on the general state of health of the whole organism, and in particular, on the functioning of the digestive system. Problems with the liver, pancreas do not affect the salivary glands in the best way. In addition, parasites are dangerous for them. Excessive salivation for no apparent reason may indicate a malfunction in the work of this organ.
Therefore, the general improvement of the gastrointestinal tract (cleansing, diet and diet recommended by doctors) will help restore the impaired function of the salivary glands or will be an excellent prevention of various disorders.
Chewing food thoroughly also contributes to the proper functioning of the glands and the maintenance of their tone.
Folk remedies for cleaning and restoring the functions of the salivary glands
A good way to cleanse the salivary glands is to suck on refined vegetable oil. Due to this, toxins and salts are removed, as well as the expansion of the salivary ducts.
The oil is taken in the amount of 1 teaspoon and sucked for 15 minutes.
The oil will be thick at first, and then it will become liquid like water. When it reaches the desired consistency, it should be spat out. Do not swallow oil! After the procedure, rinse the mouth with water. The procedure can be performed in the morning or at night.
PS: The method is harmless, simple and effective. Sucking on oil every day significantly improves the condition of the whole body.
In case of inflammation of the salivary glands, treatment is carried out using the roots of forest raspberries and pine shoots. Traditional medicine also uses a calendula flower compress that is placed on the lower jaw.
Harmful products for the salivary glands
- Salt… Causes moisture retention in the body. As a result, destructive changes in the cells of the salivary glands occur.
- Sweet carbonated drinks, “crackers”, sausages and other products of long-term storage… Contain chemicals that can cause impaired salivation.
- Alcoholic drinks… They cause spasm of the salivary ducts, as a result of which congestion occurs in the glands.