Strange ChangeSense of TasteAfter Age 40
When we talk about aging and getting older, the first things that come to mind are wrinkles, pain, and other problems.IndigestionHowever, there are other aspects of aging, one of which is the peculiar change in the sense of taste in individuals.
What is the Sense of Taste?
In previous articles on health and wellnessSelMagzWe thoroughly explained that the sense of taste is the body’s ability to perceive and understand the flavor of food, which is enabled by microscopic structures that detect complex compounds in food, allowing you to recognize the taste. These structures are located in the soft palate, cheeks, and throat.
How does the Sense of Taste Change with Age?
According to studies conducted on over 10,000 people, specialists have concluded that for some individuals, the sense of taste begins to change as they reach 40 years of age.
As age increases, the sense of taste gradually slows down due to changes in receptor cells, leading to shifts in flavor perception, primarily caused by a decrease in taste buds. Additionally, the shape of these cells changes, making it challenging to identify food components as before.Food ComponentsThe ability to identify food components diminishes.
The sense of smell plays a vital role in our sense of taste and enhances the enjoyment of food. As we age, our sense of smell declines, which consequently reduces taste perception.
Saliva is one of the substances that contribute to our sense of taste. With aging, saliva production decreases, altering the interaction between food value and taste receptor cells, resulting in diminished taste sensitivity.
Other Factors Affecting Taste Deterioration
Lifestyle habits and certain health issues can also lead to reduced taste sensation, including:
Dental Issues
Problems related to teeth, infections, or oral thrush can lead to decreased taste sensitivity.
Certain Medications
As people age, the usage of certain medications increases, impacting overall health, saliva levels, and taste perception. Medications likeBlood Pressure Medications,Antidepressantsor diuretics.
Acute Illness
Taste and smell can decline with acute illnesses like lung infections,Sinusitisand allergy sensitivities to pollution, smoking, and temperature changes.
Specific Health Issues
Autoimmune diseases can impact taste perception, such asDiabetesor inflammatory bowel disease, where inflammation affects taste receptor cells.
Smoking
Smokers generally have a diminished sense of taste, which worsens over time due to the destruction of taste cells in the mouth caused by smoking.
Cancer Treatments
Many cancer patients experience changes in their body, one of which is altered taste perception, especially afterChemotherapydue to the destruction of taste cells.
When taste changes or diminishes, individuals may find it harder to enjoy healthy foods, leading them to use excess salt or sugar to create flavor, which can trigger high blood pressure and diabetes issues.
Ways to Strengthen Your Sense of Taste
If your sense of taste has diminished or changed, consider the following strategies:
Hydration
This method can be very effective, especially if you have a dry mouth, as it helps to hydrate the mouth and increase saliva production. Consuming cucumber,StrawberriesandTomatoescan be quite effective.
Plate Presentation
If you find that flavors are indistinguishable, enhancing the presentation of your plate can increase your appetite for the food.
Flavor Enhancement
You can use spices, as long as they are healthy, to add better and more flavor to your meals.
Trying Foods with Different Textures
Diversifying food textures can stimulate saliva production while eating new foods, creating a better experience and allowing you to absorb more nutrients.
Temperature Changes
When you eat cold food, you may not notice its flavor. So, try to increase the temperature of the foods you consume to be more aware of their taste.
