British ultra-endurance athlete Ross Edgley has challenged his body in extreme ways, and one surprising result of his swimming efforts affected his tongue. During a podcast episode with Andrew Huberman on October 26, the athlete talked about how his challenges resulted in his tongue “falling off.” When asked about this, Edgley confirmed that it indeed happened. This revelation alarmed some viewers, with one suggesting it could be time for him to consult a doctor.
Edgley, known for his long-distance swimming that promotes ocean conservation, shared details about his experience during the Great British Swim, where he aimed to swim around the entire coastline of Great Britain in 2018. This remarkable achievement made him the first person to complete such a swim. He started his journey in Margate, covering roughly 1,792 miles over 157 days. Edgley swam several hours each day and would return to a support boat to eat and rest before continuing from the same spot. His body faced multiple challenges like cold temperatures, jellyfish stings, prolonged saltwater exposure, and chafing from his wetsuit.
When discussing his tongue issue, Edgley humorously mentioned the cause, stating it was due to extended exposure to saltwater, which he explained can draw moisture from the tongue. He recalled a moment about a week into his swim when he saw a delicious vegetable soup his team was enjoying. However, when he looked at his own bowl, he noticed something alarming and asked the captain about it. The captain then pointed out that what he saw was not meat but part of his tongue.
This condition, referred to as “salt mouth” by endurance swimmers, involves the buildup of salt in the mouth and throat, leading to irritation and discomfort. A study published in the BMJ outlines that this condition can cause symptoms like a swollen tongue and trouble tasting food, impacting the swimmer’s ability to eat effectively. Edgley did not delve into the precise medical reasons for the tissue loss he experienced, although it is known that saltwater can cause mouth irritation.
During the podcast, Edgley also provided advice for anyone who might face a similar issue, suggesting that using coconut oil can help maintain moisture in the mouth. He noted that his tongue did eventually heal.
What are your thoughts on Edgley’s extreme swimming experiences and the impact it had on his health?
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