How to Get Your Taste and Smell Back: Tips for Regaining Your Sense of Smell and Taste

Introduction

Taste and smell are two senses that are often taken for granted. They are the primary methods through which we experience flavor, and can greatly influence our food choices, eating habits, and overall health. Unfortunately, taste and smell loss is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, illness, trauma, and medications. If you’ve recently noticed a decrease in your ability to taste and smell, don’t despair; there are several steps you can take to help get your sense of taste and smell back.

Visit a Specialist

If you’re concerned about your decreased sense of smell or taste, it’s important to visit a specialist. An Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) specialist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your taste and smell loss, as well as provide advice on how to treat it. According to Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, “It’s important to see an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat doctor) if you have any persistent loss of your sense of smell or taste. This will allow for a thorough examination of the inside of your nose to help identify any blockages or inflammation that could contribute to your symptoms.”

The ENT specialist may suggest treatments such as antibiotics, steroids, or intranasal sprays to reduce swelling and aid in recovery. Depending on the underlying cause of the issue, they may also suggest surgery to remove polyps or other obstructions that could be causing your taste and smell loss.

Try Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation, or nasal lavage, is a simple technique that involves flushing out your nasal passages with a saline solution. This helps to reduce inflammation and unclog blocked nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily and smell better. It’s a safe and simple procedure that can be done at home, and doesn’t require any special equipment.

To do nasal irrigation correctly, fill a neti pot or bulb syringe with lukewarm saline solution. Tilt your head to one side over a sink and slowly pour the solution into one nostril. Allow the solution to drain out of the other nostril, then repeat on the other side. You can also use a nasal sprayer or squeeze bottle to flush out your nasal passages.

In addition to helping reduce inflammation and unclogging your nasal passages, nasal irrigation can also help to improve your sense of smell. According to a study published in The Laryngoscope, nasal irrigation was found to be effective in treating patients who had lost their sense of smell due to upper respiratory infections.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can have a major impact on your sense of smell and taste. According to a study published in the journal Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, smokers are three times more likely to experience olfactory dysfunction than non-smokers. This is because smoking damages the olfactory nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals from the nose to the brain.

Quitting smoking has numerous benefits, including improved sense of smell and taste. According to a study published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, former smokers who quit smoking reported that their sense of smell and taste improved significantly within six months of quitting. Additionally, quitting smoking can have long-term health benefits, including reducing your risk of cancer and heart disease.

Improve Your Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help improve your sense of smell and taste. According to a study published in the journal Nutrition Research, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help improve your sense of smell. Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation, which can lead to improved taste and smell. Additionally, eating a healthy diet can help boost your overall health and energy levels.

Use Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to promote relaxation and healing. Inhaling certain scents can help stimulate your olfactory nerves, which can help improve your sense of smell. Aromatherapy can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive effect on your sense of taste and smell.

To use aromatherapy, add several drops of essential oil to a diffuser or vaporizer. You can also simply inhale the scent directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it near your nose. Popular essential oils for improving your sense of smell include peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, and rosemary.

Try Supplements

Certain supplements can help improve your sense of smell and taste. Vitamin B12, zinc, and magnesium are all essential for maintaining healthy olfactory nerves. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, which can lead to improved taste and smell.

Supplements should always be taken under the guidance of a medical professional. It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements, as they may interact with medications you’re taking or worsen existing medical conditions.

Conclusion

Losing your sense of taste and smell can be alarming, but there are several steps you can take to help get your senses back. Visiting a specialist, trying nasal irrigation, quitting smoking, improving your diet, using aromatherapy, and taking supplements can all help improve your sense of smell and taste.

It’s important to remember that taste and smell loss can be caused by a variety of factors, so it’s important to consult a doctor if you’re concerned about your sense of smell and taste. With the right treatment plan, you can get your sense of smell and taste back and enjoy the flavors of life once again.