You At Your Best

By Sarah haNey NWa Democrat-Gazette Much like your other chemical sense (smell), the sense of taste consists largely of tiny molecules. These molecules stimulate special sensory cells in the mouth and throat when you eat, drink, chew, or digest food. When you are born, you have approximately 10,000 taste buds. Taste perception begins to fade around 50 years of age due to a loss of tongue papillae and a decrease in saliva production. Taste buds comprise the small bumps on the tip of your tongue and consist of gustatory cells which also line your throat and reside on the roof of your mouth. There are five basic taste qualities that your taste buds respond to: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. Umami represents savory taste qualities which can be found in some cheeses and meat broths. Taste buds that respond to the different taste qualities are scattered throughout the tongue. Contrary to a common misconception, they are not in separate regions. More than 2 million Americans suffer from some permanent smell or taste disorder. Taste disorders are believed to affect as many as 15 percent of adults with many not seeking help. Some of these disorders include: • Phantom Taste Perception — A lingering, often unpleasant taste even though you may have nothing in your mouth. • Hypogeusia — A reduced ability to taste the five taste qualities (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory). • Dysgeusia — A condition in which a foul, salty, rancid, or metallic taste sensation will persist in the mouth. • Ageusia — The inability to detect any tastes. This is a rare condition. Most taste disorders are developed as a result of an illness or injury. Among the causes of taste disorders are: • Smoking • Seasonal allergies • Nerve damage • Tumors in the brain • Polyps in the nose • Dryness of the mouth • Upper respiratory and middle ear infections • Nasal airway problems • Poor oral hygiene and dental problems • Head injury • Some antibiotics • Exposure to certain chemicals • Radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck • Surgeries to the ear, nose, and throat or wisdom tooth extraction When experiencing a taste disorder, foods may taste strange or have a metallic flavor. Taste disorders can lead to food tasting bland, resulting in a lack of interest in eating which may cause a loss of absorption of nutrients your body needs to function. When your body doesn't receive the nutrients it needs, it can lead to the development of other medical problems. It is common for a loss of taste to be more directly related to a loss of smell. When you have the common cold or flu, your sense of smell can be obstructed which may affect your sense of taste. If you notice a change in your ability to taste, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider so any underlying serious conditions can be ruled out. The Sense of Taste 14 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST JUlY - ThE 5 SEnSES | SATURdAY, JUnE 30, 2018

• Cover