Taste Changes during Chemo

Hi everyone,

I wanted to start a conversation about something that comes up constantly with my clients but doesn't always get enough attention during treatment: taste changes during chemo.

I'm Lydia, an Accredited Practising Dietitian working in oncology nutrition specifically with women going through chemo for breast and gynae cancers.

Here's what I hear most often:

"Everything tastes metallic."

"I used to love chicken, now I can't stand it."

"Food just tastes like nothing."

"Sweet things taste way too sweet."

Do any of these sound familiar?

Taste changes are one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, and they can have a real impact on how much and how well you eat during treatment. The tricky part is that they vary from person to person and can change from cycle to cycle, which makes generic advice hard to apply.

I've created a free guide called the Taste Changes Survival Guide that covers practical strategies for different types of taste changes, and how to keep eating well when your appetite and taste are working against you.

You can download it here: nourish-through-cancer.kit.com/tastechangesguide

I'd really love to hear your experience too! What taste changes have you dealt with during chemo? And have you found anything that works? I find that women in treatment often have the most useful tips for each other.

Lydia Tan, APD

Oncology Dietitian