How to Manage Taste Changes from Chemotherapy

Your life is in upheaval from chemotherapy. You may be experiencing hair loss, fatigue and nausea. And now, to top it all off, your food tastes terrible. It’s those chemotherapy drugs again, making another invasion into your life. Taste changes from chemotherapy are a typical and very normal side effect. Certain drugs do cause the symptoms but the benefit of taking these drugs far outweighs the annoying side effects. It’s important to note that any side effect, even taste changes, need to be discussed with your oncologist. Remember that your sense of taste may be different from day to day. However, many people completely recover their complete sense of taste after chemotherapy treatment is completed. Read on to learn how to manage taste changes from chemotherapy.

Things You'll Need

• Soft toothbrush
• Mild toothpaste
• Salt
• Baking soda

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Instructions

• 1

  First, discuss your taste changes with your doctor. He needs to document your side effects but also, your oncologist is often the most knowledgeable source of information on dealing with chemotherapy side effects. He may recommend a nutritionist or support group.

• 2

  Do not stop eating. Your body needs every bit of nutrition it can get while undergoing rigorous chemotherapy. Don’t decrease your caloric intake but rather, try to supplement your diet with foods that taste good. If you’re having trouble eating at all, contact your doctor immediately. You need to be taking vitamin supplements and getting some nutrition somehow.

• 3

  Practice careful dental hygiene. Purchase a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste and commit to brushing your teeth after every meal and before bedtime. Chemotherapy disrupts the chemical and bacteria balance in the mouth. This can aggravate taste buds. By keeping your mouth clean, your protecting yourself and possibly making every meal taste a little better.

• 4

  Rinse with cool water before every meal. Sometimes, a simple swish with water before eating will help make a meal taste somewhat normal.

• 5

  Rinse with a baking soda rinse. If a plain water rinse doesn’t help adjust your sense of taste, try mixing 1 tsp. of baking soda with a cup of water. Rinse for 30 seconds before a meal.

• 6

  Rinse with salt-water. If your taste buds are still getting no relief from water or baking sodas rinses, sprinkle a pinch of salt into a small cup of water. This salt-water combination is very similar to the normal rinsing fluids produced by your mouth. If this works temporarily, try repeating the rinse halfway through a meal. It’s a hassle but if it improves your sense of taste, it’s worth the effort. Carry a small mixture of rinse with you if you’re going out to dinner.

• 7

  Experiment with your foods and open your mind to variety. If food tastes bitter, go for sweeter tasting foods. If everything tastes sweet, aim to consume more acidic foods. Many chemo patients complain of a metallic taste during treatment. Try eating your meal with plastic utensils rather than flatware.

• 8

  Add some spices. Try cooking your foods with different spices to accommodate your taste changes. Or better yet, have someone make your meals for you.