Loss of taste is just one of a handful of ways that chemotherapy can affect your sense of taste. For some people, food can taste metallic, bitter, or even too sweet.
Lack of Food Flavor Can Lead to Nutritional Deficiencies
Eating can be a challenge when undergoing chemotherapy. Perhaps you don't have an appetite or can't keep anything down, or food tastes different. You cannot allow these taste aversions and changes to prevent you from getting proper nutrition. Maintaining good nutrition is an important factor in your treatment success! Always be sure to inform your doctor of any side effects you are experiencing, including taste changes.When food has no flavor, it can be mentally difficult to chew and swallow. After a few days, it may feel impossible to not focus on the consistency or texture of foods, which you may find repulsive without flavor. This can lead to an aversion to certain foods or eating altogether, which can ultimately result in weight loss and malnourishment.
What's a patient to do? There are several ways of trying to increase the flavor of food or finding foods that may be more sensitive to your unresponsive palate. Throughout the course of millions of people undergoing chemo, some mighty creative ways have come about!
What To Do When Food Has No Flavor During Chemotherapy
Spices and herbs are a great way to add flavor to foods if you are experiencing loss of taste. Experiment with different spices and herbs in marinades and spice rubs for meats. Marinades and rubs are a great way to incorporate flavor into food. Don't forget sauces like barbecue sauce, teriyaki, and even ketchup to add a little flavor to your meal.Citrus fruits are great to eat on their own and also in cooking. Be careful if you have mouth sores, however. Citrus fruits and other acidic foods can aggravate them. If you do not suffer from mouth sores, try eating citrus fruits or drinking citrus fruit juices.
