There are many reasons for people to lose their sense of taste or smell, but it has unfortunatly become from common due to Covid 19. Loss of taste (ageusia) and loss of smell (anosmia) can occur for numerous reason. As we age, our sense of smell and taste can decrease (taste buds start to decrease and die starting at age 50), hormones, especially for females, nasal congestion and infections,  the Covid 19 virus, concussions, nervous system disorders, chemicals, medications, smoking and drugs. It is always important to find the root cause of loss of small and taste. Reach out to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist, neurologist or your general practitioner. f you are experiencing loss of smell and taste, it can siginificantly affect quality of life. Keep hope alive, as there are things you can do.

• Try adding more herbs and spices into your cooking, things such as hot sauce can be helpful
• Avoid combined food dishes such as cassaroles as the flavors are not as strong
• Add different textures to meals
• Smell training. A daily routine of sniffing essential oils  2 times a day for 30 seconds for each essential oils. After four months, try and vary the scents. Kits are available online.
• Do not smoke or do drugs
• Keep your mouth clean and have good oral hygeine. Go to your dentist if you suspect a problem
• Reduce inflammation in your nose, use a humidifyer, and use OTC antihistamines if your nose is inflamed
• Go sour! Lemon  can stimulate the salivary glands to make the mouth moist, which can wake up the taste buds
• Make sure you are consuming enough protein

It is important to make sure you continue to consume a well balanced diet, even though you cannot taste. Be patient. It can take two years to regain loss of sense of tatse and smell, especially after Covid 19. It is important to note that some conditions may make loss of sense of smell and taste permanent. Be hopeful. There is research being done to find other treatments and they are on the horizon! 

 

 

Recipe Summary

Active: 15 mins

Total: 25 mins

Servings: 2

Nutrition Profile:

• Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

• 4 (2 ounce) fresh or frozen sole, tilapia, or flounder fillets, 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick
   
• Nonstick cooking spray
   
• ¼ cup crushed cornflakes
   
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 
   
• 2 teaspoons butter, melted
   
• ½ teaspoon lemon peel, finely shredded 
   
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
   
• Lemon wedges
   

 

 

Directions

Instructions Checklist

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels. Lightly coat a shallow baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Roll up fish fillets, starting from the short ends. Place in prepared baking pan.

• Step 2

  In a small bowl, combine crushed corn flakes, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, lemon peel and pepper. Sprinkle crumb mixture on top of fish roll-ups; use fingers to lightly press crumbs into fish. Some crumbs may fall off fish into pan.

• Step 3

  Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and crumbs are browned. Serve the fish and any crumbs from the baking pan with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 

1 serving

Per Serving:

 

191 calories; protein 25.3g; carbohydrates 6.9g; dietary fiber 0.4g; sugars 0.6g; fat 7.1g; saturated fat 4.2g; cholesterol 70.9mg; vitamin a iu 329.8IU; vitamin c 3mg; folate 70.2mcg; calcium 69.8mg; iron 2.1mg; magnesium 34.4mg; potassium 367mg; sodium 230mg.