Taste is a sensory function of the central nervous system. The receptor cells for taste in humans are found on the surface of the tongue, along the soft palate, and in the epithelium of the pharynx and epiglottis." (Wikipedia)
Cure Taste Impairments
Deirdre Layne | Modified on Aug 22, 2022
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Oil Pulling
Ayurveda advises oil gargling "to purify the taste-buds and the entire system", as explained by Dr Deepak Chopra in Perfect Health. According to this life science, the tongue is mapped by organ-locations -- that is, each section of the tongue is connected to the kidneys, lungs, spleen, liver, heart, pancreas, small intestines, stomach, colon, and spine.
Thus, an oil-mouth-massage soothes and stimulates the key meridians where taste meets organ. Simultaneously, as in any skin-massage, the inner skin and lining of the mouth, palate and tongue become warm and supple and the lubrication prevents dryness (the vatic effect).
In modern dietetics too, dryness is discussed. For example, lack of Vitamin A (retinal) causes the outer lining of the eyeball to dry and wrinkle, and affects vision.
And as any dietician would tell you, all oils contain 960 micrograms of vitamin A per 10 gm (the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A per adult is 600 micrograms). So, it's possible that oil gargling helps in reaching the required retinal to the eyeballs and keeps them elastic and smooth.
Likewise, the Ayurvedic 'purification of taste-buds' also has its equivalent in dietetics as 'antioxidants'. Oxidation literally means `the putrefaction of body-tissues'.
And oil-soluble vitamins, A, C, D, and E are antioxidants that protect and prevent the decaying process and help maintain the integral functioning of cell membranes. That's why, many people are ingesting vitamin E pills to stem 'aging' (oxidation).
(Durham, Nc, USA)
03/01/2012
★★★★★
I've only been oil pulling for three days, using sunflower oil for 20 minutes, but I've already noticed a marked improvement in my taste buds.
I've been eating oats for months and have regarded them as fairly tasteless. But on Day 2 they tasted better, and now on Day 3 this breakfast tasted delicious to me! All of my foods have tasted better, and the thing is, I'm eating them and realize how good they taste, THEN I remember/think "I wonder if this is from the OP?" I'm sure that oil pulling is making a big impact.I smoke pipe tobacco every night. I know I shouldn't but I enjoy the flavor too much to give it up. My smokes have tasted better as well. And in the morning, after waking with "smokers mouth", the OP gets rid of it. And from what I've experienced, the OP is more effective for restoring the taste buds than just laying off the tobacco for a week (which I've done but my buds were not restored as good as one morning with OP).
Big thumbs up for oil pulling for restoring taste buds!
Cold Showers
★★★★★
That's it! I am totally hooked on ice cold showers! I have often thought about doing it over the years but always put it off. Now I'm thinking , why did I wait so long? Bottom line...total rush, energy that lasts all day, sense of well being, physical and mental stimulation, heightened awareness, heightened senses such as smell, hearing and taste, positive outlook, strong immune system ( no more colds or allergies), great stress reducer.. .it keeps me an all round happy, healthy and fun loving guy. I would recommend it to anybody. After my morning cold shower I am totally invigorated and I actually want to jump in again during mid day for an added boost.
Kefir
★★★★★
I have had a loss of taste and smell, on and off for over 1-1/2 years because of Covid. Two things have helped me: first, a vibration plate. It engages your lymphatic system. Second, homemade kefir. I'm pretty astounded that I was able to taste my breakfast this morning! The only changes I've made lately is getting off all vitamin supplements and drinking my homemade kefir yesterday (just a few tablespoons) and today (about half a cup). Amazed!!
Loss of Taste
Hi, this is my first time at this site. I came across this site while googling my condition and am wondering if anyone can help resolve my problem.
I am a 48 year old Indian male, in good health with no major illnesses at all. I do suffer from a little hyperacidity but I cannot let go of spicy Indian food. I do take about 10 mg of Pepcid ( famotidine) for my hyperacidity as and when required. Since last 10-12 days, I have lost the taste of salt in my food. The taste of spice is also reduced. The food is still being cooked the same way it has been for the last 20 years yet I can taste the salt only if I sprinkle a lot more extra salt on the food. Strangely, this happens only with salty taste (and a little bit of spicy taste)and not with sweet or sour or bitter tasting foods. It constantly seems that my tongue is recovering from the effects of eating or drinking something real hot (burning). I used to gargle with mouthwash every night before sleep, but I have stopped doing that since last 5 days to eliminate the possiblility of this taste disturbance caused by the mouthwash.
How can I regain the taste of food? Please help.
(Hartford, Ct)
12/16/2014
(Tn)
02/28/2017
Just curious if you ever recovered from this? I have the same problem and I believe I have found it to be related to my Toothpaste which is for sensitive teeth. I'm on day two away from it and my salty taste seems to be coming back.
Lugol's Iodine
★★★★★
My daughter expressed that she was having a bad taste in her mouth. Tooth brushing and xylitol mouthwash were only temporary fixes.
I asked if it tasted like copper pennies. She was astonished and said yes. (I have heard of that symptom.)
My first sign of thyroid deficiency is mouth issues. (dry mouth for me.) So I decided to try iodine for her first.
I gave her 1 drop of 5% Lugol's in a few ounces of grape juice. The mouth taste has disappeared since beginning treatment.
I have stopped buying Iodoral due to expense and am using 5% Lugol's. 3-4 drops in 3 ounces of grape juice. It is barely detectable. 4 drops of 5% Lugol's is the equivalent of 2 12.5 mg Iodoral tablets.
~Mama to Many~
Metallic Taste
Metallic Taste
Hi. Since the last 3 months I have had a metal/zine? taste in my mouth. I take venlafaxine for depression/anxiety which I have been on 6 months now. I read brushing your tongue with salt and baking soda may get rid of it, I did this and the next morning my mouth was very very dry as and tasted massively of SALT. I never did this again. The following morning the roof of my mouth felt sore sensation and also my tongue. I have had the sore tongue/roof mouth now for 2 months, also the taste is still there.
I have been to dentist to see if it's my amalgam fillings but he says they're fine. My go thinks it my be my medication, my psychiatrist says it's my anxiety, panic I've suffered with for over 30 years on and off and never had this before ever.
Question is, what can I do??? Is there something I can try to neutralize my mouth/body?? Anything as the last thing I want to do is mess/change my medication unless necessary after trying something else.
(Battleground, Wash)
05/21/2013
I know what depression is like, firsthand. I also know that low magnesium will cause it and panic attacks... Calcium causes tightening and magnesium causes relaxing.... there are many types of magnesium ... Magnesium citrate changed my game, ... Now I'm winning. Healed my muscles, wrinkles, digestion, and fixed my hormone imbalance.
Drinking a glass of water half an hour before eating will also help the electrolytes in the brain which makes you feel GOOD! Love, Joy
(Battleground, Wa)
05/22/2013
Metallic Taste
For about a week I have had random minor dizzy spells, slightly upset stomach and a metallic taste in my mouth as if I am sucking on a penny. It's the metallic taste in mouth that is perplexing. I have excellent hygiene, taking no perscriptions or drugs. I associated the dizzy spells & upset stomach to a flu. Any body have any thoughts or suggestions I would love to know. Thank you, Sunshine
(Seattle, Wa - Usa)
02/11/2012
Hi Sunshine... Do you use a sensitive tooth toothpaste? I was having a terrible metal taste a while back, and googled "Sensodyne and metal taste" (or something similar, I forget exactly). I found a discussion group where people were saying it can be a side effect of the toothpaste.
I completely stopped using it for about a week, and the metal taste went away. My teeth started being sensitive again, so I use it now - but only one time of the two that I brush, and I am careful to only use a tiny bit. Darned chemicals in it really seem to help my teeth to not be sensitive.
Anyway, not sure on your other symptoms, but it might be worth checking into if you use that kind of toothpaste.... Or any kind really, if you use big globs of it like they show on the toothpaste commercials. If you read the instructions of the toothpaste box it will tell you to use the size of a small pea, and to contact poison control if ingested! Crazy, I know! That flouride is very nasty stuff. If I didn't have such sensitive teeth I would use only baking soda.
Good luck,
Carly :)
Salty Taste
When this began I thought our well water was contaminated (or that I was going crazy) but I've found threads on other forums about this, though I haven't been able to find any remedies. Twice this past winter I've had periods of an intensely salty taste - like my mouth is full of salt. Everything tastes salty, day after day. I don't feel unusually thirsty though.
What has gotten rid of it for me is stopping all the supplements I've been taking (vit C, D, vitex, turmeric, and a multivitamin). I'm currently slowly re-introducing these supplements to see if I can figure out if it is one of them causing the problem.
Has anyone else experienced this?? Does anyone know what causes it?
(Castle Douglas, Scotland)
06/07/2010
(Honolulu, Hi)
05/31/2011
(Edmonton, Ab, Canada)
12/28/2011
I had a tooth pulled (lower molar) 3 months ago. Was given antibotics after. Had pain in the jaw which could not be explained. Given another round of antibotics, as told slight infection. One month after still had pain, the extraction site was reopened. Told there was nercosis of the bone, it was scraped and packed with clove oil for a few days. Jaw pain felt better. Few days later pain severe, told it was then dry socket. It was reopened at packed again with clove oil. Still have continous pain in jaw and feels as though tissue deep down is not healing. Looks good on examination (ie: socket is closing in). Had pain across bridge of nose and salty taste, went to physician told there is no sign of ear or nose infection. Over Christmas develped unbearable salty taste, pain in jaw. Dental clinics are closed for week. Got ahold of an the dentist on call for emergencies he called in another prescription for Clindamycin (3rd) and also previously had one for Flagyl. I'm not sure at this point whether it is an infection or not. Can't seem to get help. What would cause a severe salty taste (drink lots of fluid). Any ideas for cures, answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Have tired lots of water, zinc tablets, OTC sinus sprays, changed toothpaste....
Tamiflu Side-Effect
I am looking for a remedy for loss of sense of smell and taste. My friend female 45 lost her sense of smell and taste after using Tamiflu. She is diabetic and has high blood pressure. Does anyone have suggestions?? After this happen last Oct 2012 she researched the drug and found thousands have had this side effect. This is way I don't use drugs. Thanks for your consideration. Kristyne
(Denver, Colorado)
12/08/2013
Kristyne: Live ferments happen to be the most potent remedy. A nuclear reactor releases energy from an atom. Microbes do the same to nutrients. They change big pieces of matter into gases that pulsate at very high energies. An expert in California says that vitamin c from saurkraut has 20 times the potency as regular c. I make raw live ferments every day from whole cane, buckwheat, yellow and blue corn, and pinto bean flours, and dried fruits. They have to be organic. I make them with water kefir grains, the most potent microbes. I make a gallon a day.
(Arkansas)
12/10/2013
I happen to have Kombucha and Kefir. I prefer Kombucha for the taste but it causes bladder problems for me. Kefir, is my new addition. Tastes terrible! Tho I get a very nice carbonation. I just can't get past the taste! I use raisins (organic) and spring water. I think my house is a bit cold for them both as the Kombucha has s l o w e d tremedously and Kefir seems to be the same. So she can relieve her anosmia with Kefir?
I'm not sure if I can make it like yours. I have no idea how to. I make it with a dried fruit and spring water. Not milk Kefir. Or Should it be milk? How much and how often. Sorry real newby.
I'm new to earth clinic posts however I found it a year or so ago and have had amazing success with it's remedies. So thankful for you assistance. Kristyne
(Denver, Colorado)
12/11/2013
Kristyne: To improve the taste add water and sugar. Drink before too tart when sour not vinegary. I make mine with 1/2 flour and 1/2 sugar, a total of 60g per quart. The cells require fructose from sugar. Grains have some beneficial substances so I use both. They prefer low acidic fruits. Buckwheat has quercitin. Low doses of this when fermented turns on one of the longevity pathways. I add 3g of yucca powder. The resveratrol even at low doses when fermented turns on another longevity pathway. Together these two delicately poise cellular proteins. Buckwheat has phytates that neutralize the phytic acids in grains when the two are soaked together overnight. Sprouted flours can also be used. Kefir simultaneously nourishes the cells, detoxes the poisons, interferes with the pathogens, and improves digestion all thanks to the beneficial microbes. You can make small quantities of milk kefir with milk kefir grains and raw milk from pastured cows. You can get this type of milk at coops. This is good for oil soluable nutrients and whey. Too much of this gives me constipation. This is not for energy. Carbs are for fuel. I take 600g carbs daily. Andrew Kim and the 80/10/10ers recommend lots of atp from carbs. Low levels of carbs cause the cellular proteins to become unstructured. Solutes from the plasma enter the cell, the two mix together, and electricity plummets. This may be the cause of your friends high blood pressure, diabetes, and anosmia.
Kristyne: Loss of smell & taste is a classic symptom of Zinc deficiency. Zinc, like other minerals including Chromium are terribly inadequate in the modern diet, this is why it's very important to take a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement. The Tamaflu may be depleting minerals, but I don't know the side effects of that drug. It would be recommended to read extensive info on the side effects, much of which are included in an insert w/ the prescription. Also maybe call your pharmacist for any tips on reducing those bad side effects.
Zinc
Hello, my 17 year old daughter is complaining that she can no longer smell or taste her food. After doing a bit of research online I see that such problems can be linked to a zinc deficiency.
I have only zinc picolinate tablets 15mg at home. Would this be suitable and if so how many tablets a day? Thanks.
(Usa)
07/20/2018
Nine milligrams a day appears to be the recommended daily amount of zinc for teen girls. You might break the tablets in half and give one of the halves per day.
(Florida)
08/22/2022
Can you tell me the correct zinc dosage for 60 yr old adult? Fir loss of taste and smell. Thanks
