Loss of taste, smell can negatively impact health

Loss of taste and smell can, unfortunately, affect how well you nourish your body. For some individuals, age-related decline in these senses can be the culprit. For others, head injury or illnesses such as sinusitis, cancer, gingivitis, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease may be to blame.

Cigarette smoking and certain medications can also interfere with taste and smell.

Whatever the reason, those who suffer with these sensory changes are often left to struggle with eating. The process of eating may become quite stressful, often leaving individuals to simply lose a desire to eat — or eat well. This, in turn, can leave individuals malnourished and may lead to depression.

However, if you or someone you know struggles with this, there are some things you can do, nutritionally and otherwise, to try to improve the eating experience. Review these suggestions and be sure to discuss concerns with your primary care physician. (This is not an all-inclusive list:)

• If you smoke — quit! We all know cigarette smoking compromises health. Work with a health care professional to enable you to successfully give up the habit.

• Consider your medications. Consult your physician if you believe your medications are contributing to the situation.

• See your dentist regularly to ensure a healthy mouth. And brush your teeth regularly.

• Did you know your sense of taste is largely affected by your sense of smell? Try eating two different types of chocolate while holding your nose — can't taste the flavor differences, can you? And, yes, this dietitian just asked you to eat some chocolate. Make sure allergies or sinus disease is well

• Make sure you do not suffer from iron-deficiency (anemia) which can negatively impact taste. If you do, work with a dietitian or physician to get a healthy meal plan rich in iron and other important nutrients.

• Consider Miracle Fruit. This newcomer to the marketplace has been touted to improve one's taste. The little berry can surprisingly change sour flavors to sweet.
You may have heard about it in the media, as some people have parties just to experience the fruit's effects on taste. And, in fact, research is under way at Mount Sinai's Comprehensive Cancer Center to determine if Miracle Fruit could offer benefit to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. I have not heard of any negative side effects to consuming this fruit, though I would caution consumers to do their own research and use moderation if you decide to try it.

• Marinate foods like meats and vegetables in juice or wines and sweet flavored herbs like basil and mint.

• Flavor foods with citrus, herbs, spices and flavorful sauces like tangy vinaigrettes.

• Eat small, frequent meals. Finish meals with a mint candy.

• Prepare foods with a variety of colors and textures.

• Use potent toppings on food, such as toasted nuts, flavorful nut oils or olive oil, freshly grated Asiago or Romano cheeses, spicy salsas and fresh minced garlic. Try to avoid using too much salt or sugar.

• Consider supplement beverages if you find yourself losing your appetite and consuming less food. Work with a dietitian to get a good plan. If you are undernourished, your body is starving, which will in turn affect your mood and decrease the likelihood of your ability to keep yourself well.

• Consider a multivitamin/multimineral supplement if you think your diet is not well-balanced. B vitamins, iron and zinc are some key players in the sense of taste. More than 100 percent of the Daily Value is not usually recommended.

• Stay well hydrated. Drink at least eight to 10 cups of fluids per day. Water, juice and dairy beverages or dairy alternatives (i.e. soymilk) are best.

Best wishes to improving your eating experience.