Taste Again: Tips for Enjoying Food During Cancer Treatment

How to Enjoy Food Again When Cancer Treatment Changes the Way Things Taste

Going through cancer treatment is tough enough, but when your favorite foods start tasting off, it can make things even harder. It makes it challenging for patients to maintain proper nutrition. These taste changes, known as dysgeusia, can make food taste metallic, bitter, or just plain weird. Understanding these changes and finding ways to adapt can help patients enjoy their meals and support their overall health during treatment.

Why Does Food Taste Different?

Taste changes during cancer treatment are primarily caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain medications. These treatments can damage taste buds, reduce saliva production, or alter the way the brain interprets taste signals (Stanford Health Care, 2024). As a result, foods that once tasted delicious may now seem bland, bitter, or even unpleasant.

According to a study published in Cancer Treatment Reviews, taste alterations affect approximately 50% to 75% of cancer patients undergoing treatment (Cancer Treatment Reviews, 2021). This underscores the importance of addressing taste changes to help patients maintain their nutritional intake and quality of life.

Tips to Make Food Taste Bette

1. Enhance Flavors: Adding herbs, spices, and marinades can help improve the flavor of foods. Try using lemon juice, vinegar, or soy sauce to add a tangy or savory kick, which might make meals more appealing (National Cancer Institute, 2024).

   
   

2. Experiment with Food Temperatures: Some patients find that cold or room temperature foods are more tolerable than hot foods. Chilled fruits, smoothies, or cold salads might be more enjoyable (National Cancer Institute, 2024).

   
   

3. Focus on Texture: If taste is compromised, texture can become an important factor in meal satisfaction. Creamy soups, smoothies, and soft foods like mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs may be easier to eat (National Cancer Institute, 2024).

   
   

4. Use Plastic Utensils: If you experience a metallic taste, switching to plastic utensils can help reduce this sensation (National Cancer Institute, 2024).

   
   

5. Stay Hydrated: Keeping your mouth moist can help with taste issues. Sipping water, chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking on ice chips can be beneficial (National Cancer Institute, 2024).

Eating Well During Treatment

Maintaining proper nutrition during cancer treatment is crucial. The American Cancer Society recommends small, frequent meals to help manage appetite changes and ensure consistent nutrient intake (American Cancer Society, n.d.). Incorporating high-protein foods, such as eggs, nuts, and lean meats, can help maintain muscle mass and strength, which are important during cancer treatment (American Cancer Society, n.d.).

Get Some Extra Help

A registered dietitian (RD) specializing in oncology nutrition can provide personalized advice to manage taste changes. They can help tailor a meal plan that meets nutritional needs while accommodating altered taste preferences. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, working with an RD can improve dietary adherence and overall treatment outcomes for cancer patients (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020).

The Bottom Line

Taste changes during cancer treatment are a common challenge, but they don't have to diminish your enjoyment of food. By experimenting with flavors, textures, and temperatures, and by consulting with healthcare professionals, you can find ways to make meals more enjoyable. Prioritizing nutrition is essential for supporting your body through treatment, and with the right strategies, you can continue to nourish yourself while navigating these changes.

References:

• Stanford Health Care. "Taste Changes During Cancer Treatment: Nutrition Facts." Accessed August 2024. Stanford Health Care.

• National Cancer Institute. "Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®)–Patient Version." Accessed August 2024. National Cancer Institute.

• Cancer Treatment Reviews. (2021). Taste alterations and nutritional status in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

• American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Nutrition for people with cancer.

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2020). Oncology nutrition: A guide for cancer patients.