I have a weakness of over-salting my popcorn when I go to the theater. Inevitably the salt (that butter-flavored super-fine kind) will cause my tongue to burn badly, like I'd just stuck it in a cup of boiling water. It will be extremely painful/sensitive for about 48 hours, and then the top layer of my tongue will literally peel off. This ONLY happens with popcorn salt, not table salt (perhaps because of the granules' fineness). Anyone know why popcorn salt would do that? My 2 theories are (1) a chemical burn of some sort thanks to additives in the salt; (2) the salt dissolves into my tongue tissue and then absorbs more water than it can hold, essentially causing my taste buds to rupture.
Looking for serious answers only, please.
2007-07-25 06:28:12 · 4 answers · asked by Ryan H 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
As an additional note, this has happened more than once so it's not "tainted" as suggested below.
2007-07-25 07:02:57 · update #1
It looks like you have a problem with lots of salt on the mucus membranes in your mouth - avoid it. I'm surprised that your cheeks don't have the same effects!
I believe # 2 is not far off
It is not so much a burn, it is just the the salt is causing the mucus membranes in your mouth the denature (disintegrate). The salt solution is so concentrated compared to the contents within the cells and the cells are susceptible to the penetrating power of the saline solution that there appears to be an osmotic effect which allows salt to enter the cells.
The cells then become inflamed and lyse leading to the burning feeling you are experiencing.
Of course, I am not an MD, and I am just making assumptions on my knowledge of chemistry, biology, and biochemistry - please see a physician to get it checked out for a proper answer.
2007-07-25 06:54:15 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The severity of your reaction seems unusual. If you do not have this problem with table salt, then it could well be that there is something added to your popcorn salt that is causing some kind of allergic type reaction. Like that butter flavoring for example. So the person who suggested your salt was "tainted" might just be right.
2007-07-25 07:44:54 · answer #2 · answered by Fly On The Wall 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are numerous types of salt; perhaps it is the quantity of salt? While salt is required to sustain life, only minute amounts are needed on a fairly regular basis. It is not needed daily. Absence of salt can cause health problems; too much can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and cause swelling of hands and feet, lead to heart attacks and strokes.
In other words, salt can cause serious health concerns; either don't salt your popcorn or lightly salt the popcorn. If the problem continues, see a doctor.
2007-07-25 06:38:28 · answer #3 · answered by Nothingusefullearnedinschool 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Rinse. Rinse. Rinse. Rinse. Rinse. A lot of unborn children would LOVE to be able to do that. It's a means of abortion.
2016-03-15 23:02:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please see a doctor, it may have been tainted. Or you are the one telling in advance of what to expect from the theater popcorn. either way, your story should be considered as worth investigating.
2007-07-25 06:31:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋