Getting taste back after being ill

catkins

I had what I think was gastric flu almost 3 weeks ago now. I feel a lot better although still very weak and tired. The worst thing though is that everything just tastes horrible.


I didn't eat at all for a week and since then have only eaten very small amounts. I have been mainly eating things like fruit and jelly as they seem to taste about the best.


All drink seems to taste awful, especially tea and I am usually a big tea drinkers.


I know it does take a while to get taste back but any ideas on things to eat or anything I can do

Dill

Can you manage milk or yoghurts? Some dairy would help you to get some nutrients.

I feel your pain, - I got quite ill taking antibiotics recently and I couldn't face food at all for days I survived on yoghurt and the occasional banana.

catkins

Dill wrote: »

Can you manage milk or yoghurts? Some dairy would help you to get some nutrients.

I feel your pain, - I got quite ill taking antibiotics recently and I couldn't face food at all for days I survived on yoghurt and the occasional banana.

I have been eating yoghurt and the odd banana. I don't like milk though

Dill

Another idea - Not everybody likes porridge but if you can manage some it is quite healthy.

AnnieO1234

Coconut water! When I was pregnant and hospitalised with hyperemesis it was the only thing that got me through after being discharged. I couldn't eat, could barely drink, it was just painful and nasty tasting when I did. But coconut water literally saved the day for me xxx

jenniewb

Stick to plain things like dry toast and oats (porridge) which will have little taste to them. Though you've likely no longer got the symptoms of your flue it could be still in your system and affecting your taste buds as a result. It could be just about allowing your body a bit more time to flush through the rest of the virus before your taste buds return to normal but until then it's important to keep your nutrition up- if you can't tolerate food or build up drinks for the correct nutrients, even a multi-vitamin tablet will be better than nothing. Also keep your fluids up so your body is able to flush through whatever virus it is you may have left in your body.

catkins

I've just managed a small bowl of porridge with a bit of honey and although it didn't taste as normal I did quite enjoy it

suki1964

I went through the exact same the beginning of January ( I too posted for suggestions) so I feel your pain

Someone suggested tinned pears, and I do have to say I enjoyed them

Other then that I stuck to toast and Diet Coke

Took me about three weeks to sit and eat a meal, five weeks before I could eat more then a side plate full. Even now I find I don't eat as much as I did

The weight loss made up for the misery

heuchera

A few crackers, with cheese or marmite?

DigForVictory

A cousin who was really struggling to eat whilst on chemo was advised to go for a "white diet" - one with almost no *smell*. So, rice pudding, (very rich) vanilla ice cream, hard boiled egg, cream of chicken soup & so forth got calories in and down.
She's now loads better & has said flatly that offered another spoonful of vanilla icecream & she'll buy a ticket to Switzerland, but she's better enough to be eating & enjoying it again.

Fruit, jelly, yoghurt - could you try/manage a fruit lhassi? I don't really hold with the nutribullet (you have teeth for a reason!) but most blenders can manage smoothies of various sorts. See how if something fruity works & try a veggie thing if it does.

All the best!

jenniewb

OP if you are struggling to keep up your nutrition (ie losing weight and struggling to fight the virus or bug you had as a result) you could try build up drinks. You can also make your own with protein powder (Holland and Barratt and Boots will have them) and put the powder in a smoothie or use your own fruit. It's not ideal but you need to stay physically healthy in order to recover and be able to taste properly again. Sweet things can be eaiser than salty things but be careful of the sugar and your teeth. Using mint chewing gum can get rid of some bad tastes if you can tolerate the mint taste.