Enhancing Taste of Food
By: Debbie C. Kern, MEd, LDN, RD

You see it… a loaf of bread baking in the oven. You smell it… the wonderful scent of the bread making your mouth water. You imagine it… the hot slice of bread slathered with lots of butter and the wonderful taste… or do you? Would it not be horrible if you could not complete this wonderful culinary dream by not being able to taste the luscious, buttery bread! For many older people, this dream may not be far from reality.

Experts will say that losing your ability to taste is just a normal, regular part of aging. For some this diminished sense can start as early as 50 years of age. The sensory cells in the nose and on the tongue are not replaced as often in the older person. This loss is quite common in people in their 80s.

There may be other reasons why this change is occurring. Conditions such as diabetes, depression, or Alzheimer's disease as well as poorly fitted dentures could compromise a person's sense of taste. Some medications could reduce the amount of saliva produced which would make food unpleasant. When an elderly person reduces their food intake because of their loss of taste, they are at a much greater risk of malnutrition and may have a hard time maintaining an optimal weight.

So what can you do to help? Here are a few tips:

• Increase the flavor of foods by adding some extracts or spices. However, avoid processed items that may contain extra salt.
  
  
• Offer a lot of variety of foods at each meal. Lots of color, textures, and temperatures makes for more interesting meals.
  
  
• If calories are needed, use cream instead of water or add sugar to juices. Adding a little powdered milk to sauces, gravies, and hot cereals throughout the day will add extra protein as well.