Alpha-gal allergy[1] can produce an allergic reaction to red meat and dairy, but there are other causes that can affect taste, including cancer treatments, zinc deficiency, dry mouth, pregnancy, and over 250 different drugs[2].

People with cacosmia often feel as though they can smell something offensive, when in fact no such substance is present. When the sense of smell, or olfactory system, is not working correctly, a person can perceive even pleasant odors to be foul smelling.

If you have, you may have experienced phantosmia—the medical name for a smell hallucination. Phantosmia odors are often foul; some people smell feces or sewage, others describe smelling smoke or chemicals. These episodes can be sparked by a loud noise or change in the flow of air entering your nostrils.

Food sits too long in the stomach and small intestine, fermenting and giving many of the symptoms of bloating, burping, a sense of fullness, early satiety. End result – you don’t tolerate meat. Oh, and eating on the run or in a rush = less digestive secretions too, because it puts you in fight or flight mode.

Cancer treatment

1. Try cold foods, which may be easier to taste than hot foods.
2. Drink plenty of fluids.
3. Brush your teeth before and after eating.
4. Ask your doctor to recommend products that may help with dry mouth.
5. Mints, gum, and using plastic utensils instead of metal can help with temporary metallic taste.

Although you can’t reverse age-related loss of taste and smell, some causes of impaired taste and smell are treatable. For example, your doctor might adjust your medications if they’re contributing to the problem. Many nasal and sinus conditions and dental problems can be treated as well.

What is loss of taste? Loss of taste is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), salivary gland infection, sinusitis, poor dental hygiene, or even certain medicines. The medical term for a complete loss of taste is ageusia. A partial loss of taste is called dysgeusia.

Staying hydrated According to Evan Reiter, M.D., an otolaryngologist at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Eye & Ear Specialty Center in Richmond, dry mouth — whether due to medication or simply dehydration — can adversely affect your sense of taste.

How is anosmia treated?

1. decongestants.
2. antihistamines.
3. steroid nasal sprays.
4. antibiotics, for bacterial infections.
5. reducing exposure to nasal irritants and allergens.
6. cessation of smoking.

Other commonly used medications that can cause taste and flavor difficulties are allopurinol, captopril, enalapril, nitroglycerin, diltiazem, dipyridamole, nifedipine, hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, lithium, lovastatin, and levodopa.

Other cardiovascular drugs that have been reported to alter taste include statins, clopidogrel (Plavix), and various beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and rhythm-controlling drugs (see list).

6 Outdated High Blood Pressure Medications You Should Consider Upgrading

• Atenolol.
• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
• Terazosin (Hytrin) and Prazosin (Minipress)
• Hydralazine (Apresoline)
• Clonidine (Catapres)

Safe medications to use include methyldopa and potentially some diuretics and beta-blockers, including labetalol.

Thiazide diuretics generally have fewer side effects than the others. This is especially true when they’re prescribed in the low doses that are generally used in treating early high blood pressure. Examples of thiazide diuretics include: chlorthalidone (Hygroton)