When Taste and Smell Disappear - 10 Effective Solutions

Sudden loss of taste and smell disrupts more than just our meals: it profoundly impacts our daily lives.
Whether due to illness, aging, or even the aftereffects of COVID-19, the causes are numerous.
Fortunately, natural solutions, such as certain supplements or olfactory rehabilitation, offer promising avenues to revive these essential senses.

An essential symbiosis: Taste and smell

Our taste buds allow us to distinguish basic flavors such as sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.
However, it’s smell that brings richness and nuances to the foods we love.
The aromas released by a dish activate the olfactory receptors in the nose, completing the taste experience.

Imagine the intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee or the fragrance of herbs emanating from a simmering broth.
It’s the synergy between taste and smell that transforms these moments into memorable sensory pleasures.

Aging and the evolution of our senses

As time passes, our senses evolve.
Taste buds become less sensitive, reducing our ability to detect certain flavors.
Sweet and salty flavors lose some of their intensity, while bitter and sour may subtly change.
Similarly, smell can also decline.

Olfactory receptors, which capture surrounding scents, undergo natural wear.
Some smells, once familiar and powerful, become less perceptible.
This doesn’t mean a uniform sensory loss: genetics and lifestyle play a crucial role in how each person experiences these changes.

Illness and infections: A temporary or long-term impact on the senses

When illness strikes, our senses can be affected.
A cold or flu causes nasal congestion, reducing access to scents for the olfactory receptors.
This blockage can also impact the perception of flavors, as taste and smell are deeply interconnected.

Certain viral infections, such as COVID-19, illustrate this influence well.
The sudden loss of smell, a hallmark symptom of the virus, highlighted the fragility of our sensory faculties in the face of infections.

Beyond viruses, systemic diseases like diabetes or neurological disorders can gradually alter taste and smell, making the sensory experience more complex.

Blockages and obstructions: A barrier to sensations

Nasal obstructions, whether due to temporary congestion, allergies, or structural issues like a deviated septum, limit the flow of aromas to the olfactory receptors.
This phenomenon not only reduces our ability to smell but also affects our ability to fully taste.

External factors, such as pollution or smoking, worsen these blockages, further diminishing our perception of flavors and smells.

Head trauma: A long-term impact

A blow to the head can disrupt the olfactory nerves or the brain regions related to the senses, leading to partial or complete loss of smell and taste.
These changes can be temporary or persistent depending on the severity of the trauma.

Impact of conditions and external factors on taste and smell

Certain conditions and their sensory influence

Numerous medical conditions can affect taste and smell, altering our everyday sensory experiences.

• Metabolic disorders (like Diabetes)
  Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can alter the perception of flavors, making some foods taste more bitter or strangely sweet.
  Proper diabetes management, especially through diet, can help restore these sensations.

• Neurological conditions (like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s)
  These diseases, by disrupting the brain – the center of sensory signal processing – can cause distortions in taste or smell.
  For example, some familiar aromas become imperceptible or unpleasant.
  Sensory exercises, such as exploring new tastes or smells, can stimulate the senses.

• Autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren's Syndrome)
  These conditions often affect the mouth or nasal passages, causing dryness or inflammation that alters sensory perceptions.
  Drinking plenty of water, using saliva substitutes, or choosing hydrating foods can help improve taste sensations.

Cancer and treatments: A direct influence on the senses

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, can alter taste and smell, leading to effects such as a metallic taste or heightened sensitivity to odors.

Practical tips

• Favor mild or slightly acidic foods to mitigate the metallic taste.
• Use spices or aromatic herbs to enhance the flavors of your dishes.
• Aromatherapy, such as essential oils, can also help stimulate the sense of smell.

Medications: Benefits and side effects

Medications, while essential for treating certain conditions, can impact the senses.

• Positive effects: Treatments that restore overall health can indirectly improve taste and smell, such as antibiotics that eliminate a troublesome infection.
• Side effects: Some medications cause alterations, such as a metallic aftertaste or temporary loss of smell.

Tips to mitigate side effects

• Rinse your mouth regularly with salt water or a mild mouthwash.
• Avoid overly sweet or bitter foods if your taste buds are sensitive.
• Discuss with your doctor to adjust the treatment or explore alternatives if necessary.

Smoking and chemicals

• Smoking dulls taste buds and damages olfactory receptors.
  Quitting smoking can significantly improve these senses within weeks.
• Exposure to chemicals: Some products, like solvents or pesticides, can affect the senses, especially with prolonged exposure.

Diagnosis: The path to regaining taste and smell

When sudden loss of taste or smell occurs, a thorough diagnosis is essential to identify the underlying causes.
This process begins with a detailed clinical interview, followed by olfactory tests, imaging studies, blood tests, and specialist consultations.

Doctors examine several factors: the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and potential exposures (such as infections, injuries, or medications).
The goal is to understand the reasons behind the sensory loss and tailor treatment accordingly.

COVID-19 and loss of smell

The COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to the loss of smell, a key symptom of the virus.

• Distinct Symptom: Anosmia (loss of smell) was frequently observed as an isolated sign of COVID-19, though some patients also lost taste.
• Viral mechanism: The SARS-CoV-2 virus attacks cells in the nasal cavity, disrupting olfactory receptors and leading to a loss of smell.
• Variability in presentation: For those affected, anosmia can range from total loss to a decrease or alteration in the perception of odors.
• Possible recovery: Fortunately, many patients regain their sense of smell as they recover, although the duration of recovery can vary.
• Ongoing research: Scientists are studying the mechanisms behind this anosmia, recovery patterns, and long-term effects to better understand this COVID-19 complication.
• Olfactory rehabilitation: Practical exercises, such as olfactory training, are recommended to accelerate recovery of the senses.
  These techniques stimulate the olfactory receptors and may improve the ability to detect odors.

How supplements help regain taste and smell

As part of the recovery of taste and smell, nutritional supplements can complement traditional medical treatments.

• Vitamin A

Vitamin A, known for its role in maintaining mucous membrane health, plays a crucial role in supporting the integrity of the nasal and oral passages.

Vitamin A nasal drops have shown some efficacy without side effects for patients with anosmia from Covid 19.
Combined with scent training, intra-nasal vitamin A appears to show faster recovery of smell.
You can use a nasal ointment.

• Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, essential for neurological health, is linked to taste and smell functions.
Deficiencies in B12 have been associated with alterations in flavor perception.
Supplementing with B12 may address deficiencies and support the intricate pathways involved in sensory experiences (aff).
The recommended dosage is 5,000 mcg per day.

• Vitamin C

Beyond its renowned immune-boosting properties, vitamin C is integral to maintaining the health of taste buds.
Supplementing with vitamin C may enhance taste perceptions and contribute to the overall enjoyment of flavors (aff).

• Zinc

Zinc is a micronutrient closely associated with sensory perceptions, particularly taste.
Supplementing with zinc may be beneficial, especially for individuals with deficiencies, as it supports taste bud function and helps maintain the delicate balance of flavors (aff).

Opt for a dosage ranging between 30 and 50mg and take it daily until improvement.
Do not exceed the dose of 100mg/per day at the risk of creating a copper deficiency by too much zinc intake.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil supplements, have anti-inflammatory properties.
Since inflammation can impact sensory functions, incorporating omega-3 supplements may aid in reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier environment for taste and smell receptors (aff).
The recommended dosage is 1000mg twice a day.

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant, plays a role in cellular energy production (aff).
Its supplementation may contribute to overall cellular health, potentially supporting the intricate processes involved in olfactory and gustatory recovery.

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• Folic acid

Folic acid or vitamin b9 is known to participate in the regeneration of the olfactory system even in a healthy individual.
It is essential for cell regeneration, and tissue formation and helps support the immune system.

Note that the maximum daily intake is 1000 µg (1 mg) for an adult.
So prefer a vitamin b9 supplement providing an average of 400-800 µg (aff).

• Alpha lipoic acid
  

If the loss of smell has occurred as a result of a respiratory infection, supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid is highly recommended.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur acid that is naturally present in cells.
A powerful antioxidant, it can neutralize all types of free radicals because it is both water-soluble (soluble in water) and liposoluble (soluble in fats).

Scientific research shows that it can restore the senses by reversing nerve damage, it neutralizes neuropathies.

The recommended dosage is a maximum of 600mg per day to avoid side effects.
Choose the R form and not the S form which cannot be assimilated by the body, like this alpha-lipoic acid supplement (aff)
If you have diabetes, be sure to monitor your blood sugar.

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• Probiotics

The gut-brain connection is increasingly recognized, and probiotics, known for promoting gut health, may indirectly influence sensory perceptions (aff).
A healthy gut microbiome contributes to overall well-being, potentially impacting the intricate network involved in taste and smell.

Olfactory rehabilitation: Train your senses to rediscover scents

Olfactory rehabilitation is a key method for recovering the sense of smell.
It involves stimulating the olfactory receptors through regular exercises with essential oils.
This process requires time, patience, and persistence, but the results can be significant.

To start, get an olfactory training kit like this one (aff).

1. Initial phase: Gently stimulate the sense of smell

The first months of rehabilitation are crucial.
It’s recommended to use specific essential oils twice a day for three months.
Here are the oils to use during this first phase:

• Rose
• Eucalyptus
• Clove
• Lemon

Instructions:

• Take a nasal inhaler with a drop of the first essential oil.
• Inhale the vapor from the inhaler for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Take a one-minute break.
• Repeat the exercise with each essential oil, in the same order, twice a day.

It’s important to maintain this routine for three months without interruption.

2. Advanced phase: Intensify olfactory training

If the results are insufficient after the initial phase, you can move on to Phase 2.
This phase lasts for another three months and uses additional oils that stimulate the olfactory receptors further.
Here are the oils to incorporate:

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Grapefruit

Repeat the same process as in Phase 1, adding these new oils.

3. Final phase: Refine olfactory perception

If you haven’t fully regained your sense of smell after six months, you can enter Phase 3, which involves a more intensive rehabilitation cycle.
The recommended oils are:

• Tea Tree
• Bergamot
• Rosemary
• Gardenia

This phase can last for another three months, depending on your progress.
You should start to observe significant changes in the perception of smells and taste.

Patience is essential

Olfactory rehabilitation can last up to nine months.
But with discipline and persistence, you will increase your chances of fully recovering your senses.
It’s also advisable to reduce or quit smoking, as it can hinder the rehabilitation process.
Also, be sure to address any sinus conditions so they don’t slow down your recovery.

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Rediscovering your senses: A rewarding experience

The sudden loss of smell and taste can be discouraging, but it’s important to understand that these senses are deeply connected.
They enhance our perception of the world and our experience with food.
Natural solutions, such as olfactory rehabilitation and the use of supplements, offer effective ways to restore these sensory abilities.

Key points to remember:

• Connection between taste and smell: These two senses are intimately linked, and their loss deeply affects our quality of life.
• Multiple causes: Aging, diseases, medications, or environmental factors can disrupt these essential functions.
• Comprehensive approach: Olfactory rehabilitation, appropriate supplements, and a healthy lifestyle are key elements for a full recovery.

Related: How to Relieve a Sinus Infection- 10 Best Tips

FAQ: Sudden loss of smell and taste

Does olfactory rehabilitation work for everyone?

Olfactory rehabilitation is effective for many people, but it may not provide immediate results, especially if the loss is due to serious neurological causes. The duration and intensity of rehabilitation depend on the nature of the sensory loss.

Why use essential oils for olfactory rehabilitation?

Essential oils are known for their stimulating and restorative properties. They help reactivate the olfactory receptors and improve the perception of odors, all while being natural and non-invasive.

How long does it take for smell to return after a trauma?

After a trauma or injury, recovering the sense of smell can take longer and depends on the severity of the damage. Treatments may include therapies like olfactory rehabilitation or specific medical interventions.

Can I recover taste if smell doesn’t return?

Taste and smell are closely linked. If smell doesn’t return, the perception of flavors may be altered. However, recovery of taste alone can sometimes be partial due to other sensory adaptations.

What should I do if I don’t see results after several months of olfactory rehabilitation?

If progress is insufficient after several months, it’s advisable to consult an ENT specialist or neurologist to explore other options, such as more specific treatment or further examinations.

→ 78 Natural Remedies for Common Ailments

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7402711/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12439184/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31950156/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28434127/