Taste changes from cancer treatment

Getting enough calories when food doesn't taste or smell very good to you

• Keep your mouth clean.

  Brush your teeth, and rinse your mouth.

• Use a mouth rinse made with baking soda.

  Stir together 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of baking soda, and 4 cups of water. Use a small amount to rinse your mouth 4 to 6 times each day. Spit out the rinse. Don't swallow it.

• Try new or bland foods.

  Sometimes it's easier to eat foods that you're not used to. And bland foods may be easier to tolerate if foods don't taste the way they usually do.

• Try using plastic utensils if food tastes metallic.

  Using plastic forks, knives, and spoons can help if metal utensils leave a metallic taste in your mouth.

• Try eating smaller amounts of foods more often during the day.

  It may help to eat in the mornings or at times of the day when you feel better.

• Use mints or lemon if your mouth isn't sore.

  Suck on mints (sugar free) or lemon-flavored candies, or add lemon to your food. This can help freshen up your mouth. If your mouth is sore, try soft, frozen fruits.

• Try cool or cold foods.

  Foods that are served cool, cold, or refrigerated have less taste and aroma. They often are easier to eat.

• Avoid the smell of food cooking.

  Ask someone else to cook for you in another room. Wait a short time before you eat so some of the smells go away. If the smell of foods like onions, cabbage, broccoli, or fish bothers you, try to avoid them, at least for a while.