Dysgeusia, a condition affecting your sense of taste, is a common occurrence among pregnant women and those undergoing chemotherapy. In the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes result in a metallic or sour taste even when not eating. However, relief comes in the second trimester as hormones decrease, along with symptoms like morning sickness and mood swings.
How to deal with dysgeusia
To cope with dysgeusia, a senior clinical nutritionist at Massachusetts General Hospital offers helpful remedies:
#1 Add a touch of salt
While salt is generally not recommended during pregnancy, a small amount can be added to foods like olives, cheese, and peanut butter for a more palatable experience.
#2 Embrace vinegar
Sour-tasting foods can increase salivary production and subsequently stimulate appetite. Try marinating meat in vinegar or citrus juices, indulge in citrus fruits or lemonade.
#3 Eat to your heart’s content
Don’t worry about your food intake. Focus on healthier options and consult your doctor for dietary guidance, especially during the first trimester.
#4 Consider changing your prenatal vitamins
Metallic taste may be linked to the insufficient absorption of essential nutrients. Discuss with your doctor during a prenatal visit to address this issue.
#5 Prioritize oral hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in managing dysgeusia. Regular brushing, tongue scraping, and rinsing with saltwater or baking soda solution can help eliminate the metallic taste.
- Change your vitamins. The vitamins you are taking may contribute to the metallic taste you may be experiencing. This can be attributed to the lack of absorption of essential nutrients like potassium and iron. Ask your doctor to change your vitamins during the prenatal visit, so they can address this problem.
- Good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is very important to eliminate dysgeusia. Brush your teeth often, and use a tongue scraper if needed. Try gargling with water with a teaspoon of salt or 8 ounces of water with baking soda. Both help neutralize the pH in your mouth, thus, ridding of the metallic taste.
Pregnancy can be scary considering the things that can happen to you or the baby. If you take care of the little things like brushing and flossing often and eating healthier foods, you’re already setting you and your baby up for success!