Understanding Loss of Appetite and Taste Caused By COVID-19
The COVID-19 virus has swept around the globe, infecting millions of people worldwide. One of the key symptoms reported by those infected is a loss of appetite and taste sensations.
These impairments stem from the way COVID-19 interacts with the body. When the virus invades cells inside the nose, it causes inflammation and damage to the area. This region contains many nerve endings that enable us to pick up smells and flavors when we eat.
How taste loss happens with COVID-19
With COVID-induced damage, these nerve endings struggle to send taste signals to the brain properly. Signals get crossed or muted on their pathway, leading to the perception of a dulled or absent sense of taste.
Smell and taste are intimately connected in how we experience foods. Our ability to taste sweet, salty, bitter and savory flavors relies heavily on our sense of smell. When smell function drops, taste perception follows suit.
Appetite loss from anosmia
Losing one's ability to smell or taste food also directly dampens appetite. This condition is known medically as anosmia. With a diminished capacity to smell aromatic compounds, the motivation to eat decreases in response.
Those recovering from COVID-19 describe feeling detached from food enjoyment. Meals become more mechanical and less satisfying without being able to properly experience associated smells and flavors.
Other factors affecting appetite
Beyond anosmia, other effects of COVID-19 can suppress appetite significantly. Fatigue from battling the virus leaves little energy or desire to eat.
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea make attempting meals unappealing. Fevers, headaches and muscle aches may persist for days to weeks, destroying hunger cues.
11 Tips to Improve Appetite and Nutrition With COVID-19
Battling back from COVID-19 requires replenishing nutrients and maintaining strength. These 11 strategies can help those with smell and taste loss, or general appetite issues, to meet daily dietary needs during illness and through recovery.
1. Opt for nutrient-dense foods
Focusing dietary choices on nutrient-dense options can help maximize nutrition, even with reduced intake ability. Prioritize foods like eggs, yogurt, cheese, tofu, beans, lentils, fish, poultry, nuts and seeds. These provide protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals with minimal volume needed.
2. Try cold or room-temperature foods
Hot foods can exacerbate smell loss by releasing aromatic compounds that cannot be detected. Cold or room temperature items may be easier for those with anosmia issues. Simple preparations like whole grains salads, dairy products, fruits and veggies may go down easier.
3. Stick to mild, simple flavors
With smell and taste impairment, it’s best to avoid spicy, bitter or sour ingredients. Mild options let subtle flavors come through instead. Try gentle spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or parsley over stronger ones. Favor more neutral ingredients like chicken, rice, potatoes or toast.
4. Stay hydrated between meals
Hydration aids digestion, circulation, symptom relief and recovery. Aim for regular intake of water, herbal tea, broths, diluted juices or sports drinks. Colder liquids can be especially soothing for sore throats, coughs and nausea symptoms.
5. Take nutritious beverages
When whole foods are unworkable, nutrient-containing drinks help bridge the gap. Protein shakes, fruit smoothies, nutrition supplement beverages provide key calories, protein, vitamins and minerals in liquid form.
6. Consider meal replacement options
Specialized medical beverages and shakes pack concentrated nutrition into an easy-to-digest formulation. Popular meal replacements like Ensure, Boost, and Orgain were created specifically for those struggling with appetite or intake issues.
7. Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Low appetite and fatigue make large meals a struggle. Splitting intake into 5-6 smaller meals spaced regularly throughout the day reduces this burden. Mini meals are also gentler on sensitive stomachs.
8. Seek calorie-dense additions
Boosting calories gives needed energy for illness recovery. Nut butters, seeds, olive oil, shredded coconut, avocado and dried fruit blend seamlessly into many dishes and drinks. Handel's ice cream, coconut milk and purees add richness and calories as well.
9. Try scent training for anosmia
Smell training aims to rehabilitate damaged olfactory nerves through repeated exposure to strong odors. Common scents used include lemon, rose, clove and eucalyptus. Early research indicates this technique may help some COVID survivors regain function faster.
10. Ask your doctor about medications
If appetite and taste issues linger for weeks to months after infection, medical interventions could help. Steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, zinc and vitamin A supplements may aid smell and taste recovery in some patients.
11. Get nutrition advice and support
Consulting a doctor or registered dietitian provides personalized strategies to manage dietary challenges. These experts give therapeutic meal plans, recipes and products to restore nutrition status after COVID-related deficits.
The Outlook for Regaining Smell, Taste and Appetite
For most people infected with COVID-19, smell and taste impairment is temporary rather than permanent. However, the duration and severity of these symptoms varies widely.
Age, biological sex and severity of initial COVID infection influence outcomes. Young people typically bounce back faster than older groups. Women tend to recover more successfully than men. Milder illnesses generally have shorter-term issues compared to lengthy hospitalizations.
Proper medical care, nutritional support, symptom management and positive lifestyle habits accelerate the healing process. Patience is required, as for some, weeks to months may pass before sensory perception feels normal again.
Prioritizing health builds resilience and quality of life after COVID-19. Pay attention to changes in smell, taste or appetite and seek additional help when needed. Be kind to yourself throughout each stage of the recovery journey.
FAQs
Why does COVID-19 cause loss of taste and smell?
COVID-19 can damage and inflame nerves in the nose responsible for detecting smells and flavors. With these nerves unable to transmit signals properly, the perception of tastes and smells becomes dulled or diminished.
How long does loss of smell and taste due to COVID-19 last?
Duration varies, but for most people smell and taste issues after COVID are temporary rather than permanent. Recovery can take anywhere from weeks to months, with young people and milder cases typically bouncing back more quickly.
What should I eat if struggling with appetite loss from COVID-19?
Focus on mild, cold, nutrient-dense foods like eggs, yogurt, cheese, nuts and fruits/veggies. Drink plenty of fluids and try smoothies, meal replacement shakes or juice if whole foods are unappealing.
How can smell and taste be regained faster after COVID-19?
Scent training, certain medications, and nutritional support may help speed recovery. Seek individualized medical advice to address persistent taste and smell issues after COVID illness.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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