Is there a way to lose your sense of taste on purpose?
#217667 - 10/05/05 06:19 PM
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J.C.
Reged: 07/23/03
Posts: 25
Loc: Scottsdale, AZ
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I've had IBS now for about 10 years now (I'm 20), and I am just starting out trying to eat right so my IBS doesn't flare up. However, I have this problem. I am just about the pickiest eater in the world. No, seriously, I am. I don't eat fruit. I don't eat vegetables. Yes, I know its bad. And yes, I know its very bad (lol). I struggle with wanting to eat good foods, but I can't seem to find any vegetables I like (I can stand pees and fried potato-products, that's just about it). Yet I have to eat healthy for my IBS. So here's the thing: is there a way to lose your sense of taste on purpose? Here are some questions on this I have:
1) Are there medications out there that can help me like different foods, or block my taste receptors?
2) I would like to talk to a doctor about this, but I boubt a normal family physician is skilled in this area. What is a taste doctor called?
3) I've heard that plugging your nose or sucking on an ice cube before eating something unpleasant dulls the taste. Is this true?
4) Is there a surgery out there to remove taste buds or change them to a different set of taste buds? I've heard of gene therapy, is there any relationship?
So basically, I either want to like foods I don't like now, or lose my taste of all food altogether. And yes, I know this is a very drastic move, but I want my IBS to stay under control, and I want to eat healthy. I just can't do those things when I almost lose my food when I try to eat the healthy stuff.
Lastly, I know this is a bit off-topic, but I didn't know where to post this. If anybody has any knowledge in this area, it would be extremely helpful.
Thank you,
John
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- John
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When I was a kid, I put catsup on EVERYTHING!!! (I think I had more ketchup than food on my plate!) Basically, try some condiments, herbs/spices, etc. Herbs and spices can create an appealing aroma, mood. A sauce, a dressing, a little honey or a splash of vinaigrette or dip can change the way you think of something.
Is this the kind of 'advice' you are seeking?
Kate, IBS-D.
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answers i have:
there is no gene therapy to change your taste buds. nor is there taste-but transplant surgery. any doctor worth their salt will probably refuse to do anything drastic/permanent to your tongue for this.
holding your nose helps, since so much of taste is actually smell. an ice cube helps because it numbs your taste buds.
i really think the best thing to do is very very slowly acclimate yourself to some new foods. do it very slowly, in terms of the number of foods you add and in terms of how much of each food you eat at once. i'd start by disguising a very small amount of food you normally don't like in a larger amount of food you *do* like, and just slowly add more of the new food. (this is how i got to like soy milk. i used to find it repugnant. i started having 1/4 vanilla soy in 3/4 lactaid. by now i drink plain soymilk, and love it.) taste is something you can adapt and change without drastic measures. there are lots of foods that are acquired tastes for everyone - olives, wine, strong cheese. for you, there are just a lot more tastes that you need to get used to.
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jaime
ibs-a (mostly d) // vegetarian
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Thanks for the info so far. Bump.
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- John
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Hi, there!
There is such a thing as a taste disorder, and you would need to see an otolaryngologist. I would probably talk to your PCP first and see if he/she could refer you to a specialist. Here's a link to more info about taste: Taste Disorders
I don't know about losing your sense of taste, but to get accustomed to a new food or new taste I've heard you have to expose yourself to it (eat it) at least 10 times.
HTH! My sister has a similar problem and is your age. Her doctors concluded it has to do with constant bouts of tonsilitis affecting her taste sensitivity. She has to try a food many times before she gets used to it and even then she does gag a lot. She hasn't seen a specialist though.
Take care!
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That's awesome, thank you. I'll go see one of those doctors. Appreciate it.
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- John
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