Improving Taste and Smell During Cancer Treatment: Quick Tips to Make Your Food More Enjoyable

Side effects of cancer treatment or of the cancer itself can include changes in taste or smell. Maybe you can’t taste food or it tastes “off.” Or your food may taste metallic, salty, or overly sweet. Sometimes, foods that used to smell good to you no longer do. Although you can’t prevent these problems, there are ways you can manage them. Try our tips to deal with taste or smell changes. 
Get more information at cancer.gov/nut....
Subscribe to our channel / @ncigov
Are you experiencing taste or smell changes during cancer treatment? Here are some tips to help you, from the National Cancer Institute.  
If you can’t taste food or have an 'off' taste, try foods with fruity, tart, or salty flavors.  Add marinades, herbs, spices, and sauces. 
For bitter, acidic, or metallic tastes, try sweet fruits or sugar-free candies. Don’t eat red meat. Don’t use metal containers and silverware.
To avoid a salty taste, cook with low-salt or salt-free products, use herbs and spices instead of salt, or add a pinch of sugar or honey.
For an overly sweet taste, eat vegetables instead of fruits, add water to sweet juices, add a pinch of salt to food, and try bland or sour foods.  
To manage changes in smell, avoid strong odors and choose foods that don’t need cooking, like sandwiches. Cook and eat in well-vented areas.