Helpful link:
http://www.chemocare.com/managing/taste_changes.asp
Things you can do to manage taste changes:
- Maintain good oral hygiene - brush your teeth before and after each meal.
- Choose and prepare foods that look and smell good to you.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Do not eat 1-2 hours before chemotherapy and up to 3 hours after therapy.
- Use plastic utensils if food tastes like metal.
- Eat mints (or sugar-free mints), chew gum (or sugar-free gum) or chew ice to mask the bitter or metallic taste.
- Substitute poultry, eggs, fish, peanut butter, beans and dairy products for red meats.
- Marinate meats in sweet fruit juices, wines, salad dressing, barbeque sauce, or sweet and sour sauces.
- Flavor foods with herbs, spices, sugar, lemon, and tasty sauces.
- Chilled or frozen food may be more acceptable than warm or hot food.
- Try tart foods such as oranges or lemonade (this may be painful if mouth sores are present).
- Avoid cigarette smoking.
- Eliminate bad odors.
- Eat in pleasant surroundings to better manage taste changes.
- Increase your fluid intake.
There is no one magic solution for taste changes that suits everyone. Finding foods that taste appealing may be a process of trial and error. Some people who experience taste changes avoid their favorite foods to prevent the possibility of spoiling them for the future.
There are no medications that address taste changes. However, some studies have suggested that deficiencies in zinc, copper, nickel, niacin and vitamin A may contribute to taste changes. Do not take more than 100% of the recommended daily allowance. Remember, you should discuss taking vitamins or any other "remedies" with your doctor before you begin.