Taste, Smell, and Appetite Changes

Frequently, during cancer or cancer treatment, taste, smell and appetite can change. Many types of chemotherapy result in temporary damage to taste buds, resulting in changes in flavor of familiar foods. For some, this results in a metallic, bitter, or other uncomfortable flavor. Others report changes in smell, so that the smell of the cooking of food will result in nausea, or the aroma of food is no longer appealing. These can result in appetite changes, leading to weight loss. Surgery and radiation therapy, as well as the cancer itself, can also lead to changes in taste, smell and appetite.

It is imperative to discuss changes in taste, smell, appetite, or your weight with your oncologist or other health care provider, and possibly with a certified oncology dietician as well. Mouth pain, oral ulcers (mouth sores), discomfort with swallowing, constipation, medications, or a variety of other causes can also read to changes in appetite and possibly weight loss. These conditions should be treated or addressed.

Be sure to take excellent care of your mouth and teeth during all phases of cancer and cancer treatment. Oral health is a critical component of whole health. If using traditional toothpaste burns or is uncomfortable, you can change flavors, or make your own using coconut oil and baking soda.

Put a toothpaste amount of coconut oil onto your toothpaste, then dip into a small jar or bowl of baking soda, wet slightly and brush normally.