Nutritional Management of Taste Alterations

Nutritional management of treatment side effects:

There is more to nutrition during cancer and cancer therapy than getting enough calories and protein. The foods you choose also help you cope with side effects, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chewing and swallowing difficulties, and taste changes.

As each person''s individual medical profile and diagnosis is different, so is his/her reaction to treatment. Side effects may be severe, mild, or absent. Be sure to discuss with your cancer care team any/all possible side effects of treatment before the treatment begins.

Nutritional management of taste alterations:

Sometimes, cancer treatment causes temporary changes in the way foods taste. Some foods might taste like tin or taste bland, or have other unpleasant tastes. Taste changes can affect your appetite and desire for food. Use some of the suggestions below to make food taste more desirable:

• Eat with plastic utensils.
• Marinate meats with sweet marinades or sauces.
• Offer salty or unsalted foods.
• Serve food chilled rather than hot.
• If foods taste bland, use extra seasonings, spices, and flavorings. 
• Drink lemon-flavored drinks to stimulate saliva and taste.
• Keep the mouth clean with rinsing and brushing.
• If a metallic taste is a problem, use microwave for cooking rather than aluminum pots and pans.

Try to avoid the following:

• red meats
• chocolate
• coffee
• tea

Recipe to try if you are experiencing mouth sores or metallic taste:

Berry Berry Breakfast Bake

8 Servings

Prep: 10 minutes     Chill: 8 hours     Bake: 1 hour

8 slices white bread, cut into 1-inch pieces (6 cups)

1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), chilled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) rasberries, strawberries, and blueberries

8 eggs or 2 cups fat-free, cholesterol-free egg product

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup of maple syrup

Powdered sugar

1) Grease bottom and sides of rectangular baking dish 11 x 7 x 1 1/2 inches, with shortening. (If you have metallic taste, use glass baking dish.)

2) Spread half of the bread pieces evenly in baking dish. Top with cream cheese pieces. Sprinkle with raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Sprinkle remaining bread over berries.

3) Beat eggs and milk in medium bowl with fork or wire whisk until blended; pour over bread. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

4) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake in covered baking dish 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 25-30 minutes longer or until top is puffed and center is set. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup.