•
•
•
•
•
Custards, pudding, or gelatin
Scrambled eggs
Oatmeal or cooked cereal
Pureed or mashed vegetables
Soups
Changes in Taste or Smell
Your sense of taste or smell may change
during your illness or treatment. Some
high-protein foods such as meat may
have a bitter or metallic taste. Other food
may not taste good to you. Changes
in taste and smell often improve after
treatment is complete.
Avoid these foods and liquids,
which can be irritating:
• Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, other
citrus fruits, and juices
• Tomato sauce or juice
• Spicy foods such as salsa, horseradish,
chili powder, cloves, and nutmeg
• Raw vegetables, granola, toast,
crackers, or other tough, coarse foods
• Hot food or liquid
• Alcoholic drinks
• Mouthwashes containing alcohol
Here are some things you can try:
• Choose and prepare food that looks
and smells good to you.
• Eat chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy
products, or mild-tasting fi sh.
• Marinate meat, chicken, or fi sh in
sweet fruit juices, sweet wine, Italian
dressing, or sweet-and-sour sauce.
• Use small amounts of seasonings such
as basil, oregano, or rosemary.
• Rinse your mouth with tea, ginger ale,
salted water, or water with baking
soda before eating to help clear your
taste buds. You may also want to suck
on a lemon wedge before a meal.
• If odors bother you, try serving food
at room temperature, turning on a
kitchen fan, covering food when
cooking, or cooking outdoors when
possible.
• Use plastic silverware.
• Visit your dentist to rule out dental
problems that may be affecting your
taste.
Other hints for a sore mouth or
throat:
•
•
•
•
•
Cook food until it is soft and tender.
Cut food into small pieces.
Use a straw to drink liquids.
Use a small spoon.
Eat food that is cold or at room
temperature.
• Drink warm bouillon or salty broth for
a sore throat.
• Rinse your mouth often with water
to remove food and bacteria and
promote healing.
• Gently rinse your mouth before and
after meals and at bedtime with:
— 1 teaspoon baking soda in 2 cups
of water OR
— 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking
soda, and 1 quart water
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