Regaining Taste After A Stroke: Tips For Recovery

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, resulting in brain cell death. This can cause changes to any of the senses, including taste and smell. Changes to these senses can be upsetting as enjoying food and drink is an important part of life, closely connected to our feelings and memories. It can also make it harder to eat a healthy diet and increase the risk of further strokes. Taste and smell changes can recover in the first few weeks and months after a stroke, but if changes are longer-lasting, there are treatments and practical steps that may help.

Manage swallowing problems with thickened liquids and soft foods

If you are experiencing swallowing difficulties, it is important to consult a speech and language therapist for advice. They can recommend exercises to strengthen the relevant muscles and may suggest neuromuscular electrical stimulation or prescription medications to aid the process. In the meantime, there are some general strategies that can help you manage swallowing problems:

• Thicken your liquids: Water and other thin liquids can be difficult to swallow and may cause choking. Ask your doctor about thickening your drinks with tapioca, matzo meal, cornstarch, or banana or potato flakes.
• Consume soft foods: Opt for softer foods that are easier to swallow, such as cooked cereal, mashed potatoes, soup, cottage cheese, and applesauce. If you want to try harder foods, cut them into small pieces or blend them to make them easier to chew and swallow.
• Modify utensils and tableware: Using flatware with larger, thicker handles can make it easier to grip and handle utensils. Knives with curved blades enable you to cut food with one hand. Plate guards help you scoop food against the plate while eating with one hand, and rubberised pads under your plate or bowl prevent them from sliding.
• Utilise adaptive kitchen equipment: Special tools can assist with one-handed cooking, such as easy-grip scissors, battery-powered peelers, and specialised cutting boards.
• Choose flavourful foods: Opt for foods with strong flavours, such as citrus fruits, herbs, and spices. These options are generally lower in saturated fat and salt, contributing to a healthier diet.
• Prioritise colourful foods: Colourful foods like salmon, carrots, and dark green vegetables are not only visually appealing but also packed with heart-healthy nutrients that lower your risk of another stroke.
• Consume high-calorie foods first: If you have a poor appetite, ensure you're getting enough energy and nutrients by starting your meal with high-calorie foods. Additionally, consider liquid supplements to boost your intake.
• Exercise lightly: Light exercise, such as walking, can help stimulate your appetite.
• Maintain denture health: Ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and reduce your desire to eat. Ensure you visit your dentist at least once a year for check-ups.
• Address mental health: Depression is common after a stroke and can impact your appetite. Consult your doctor, who may prescribe antidepressants or refer you to a therapist or counsellor for talk therapy.

Use adaptive kitchen equipment to aid cooking and eating

After a stroke, you may experience changes in your senses of taste and smell, which can be upsetting as enjoying food and drink is an important part of life. This can also make it harder to eat a healthy diet and reduce the risk of further strokes.

Adaptive kitchen equipment can help make cooking and eating easier and more accessible for those who have experienced a stroke. Here are some examples of adaptive kitchen equipment that can aid in food preparation and dining:

• Cutting, Slicing, and Peeling Tools: Rocker knives, which can be used to chop and mince herbs and vegetables with a rocking motion. Easi-Grip knives with alternative grips for better stability, hand press food choppers and dicers, hand-operated multi-use slicers, and vegetable peelers that fit in the palm of your hand.
• Mixing and Measuring Tools: Visual and colour-coded measuring cups and spoons, collapsible measuring sets, angled measuring cups, and mixing bowls with handles and non-slip bases for stability.
• Pan and Pot Handling: Pan holders that attach to the stove-top for one-handed stirring, automatic pan stirrers, and electric can openers.
• Adaptive Eating Utensils: Cutlery with adaptive grips, scoop plates, and non-slip mats to provide stability for cups, plates, and bowls.
• Other Adaptive Equipment: Perching stools, dining trolleys, serving trays, and lap trays to aid in meal preparation and dining.

These tools can help individuals with limited mobility or dexterity issues to maintain their independence and enjoy the pleasures of cooking and dining.

Choose colourful, strongly-flavoured foods

A stroke can cause a loss of taste and/or a change in the way things taste. This can be upsetting as enjoying food and drink is an important part of life, and our senses of taste and smell are closely connected to our feelings and memories. It can also make it harder to eat a healthy diet and reduce the risk of further strokes.

If you are experiencing a loss of taste after a stroke, it is important to eat foods that are strongly flavoured. Here are some tips for choosing colourful, strongly flavoured foods:

• Opt for colourful foods like salmon, carrots, and dark green vegetables. These foods are not only visually appealing but also full of heart-healthy nutrients that will lower your risk for another stroke.
• Add aromatic herbs and spices to your meals. Herbs like tarragon, rosemary, and mint, or spices like cumin, curry powder, and chilli can enhance the flavour of your dishes.
• Try adding toasted nuts, seeds, or a squeeze of lemon to your vegetables. These ingredients can add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour.
• Use pickles, chutneys, or relishes as condiments. You can even try making them at home to reduce the salt content and adjust the flavour to your liking.
• When cooking, use flavour boosters like low-salt stock cubes, mustard, Thai fish sauce, or Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients can add a savoury taste to your meals without relying on excessive salt.
• Include olives, garlic, or pesto in your pasta dishes. These ingredients can add a burst of flavour and make your pasta dishes more exciting.
• If you find that food tastes too sweet, choose sharp-tasting fruits such as gooseberries, blackcurrants, grapefruit, or stewed rhubarb for pies or tarts. You can also add spices to puddings, such as nutmeg to rice pudding or custard, or ginger to stewed fruit or fresh melon.
• If your food tastes bitter, try masking the bitterness by adding a touch of sweetness with honey or sweet spices like cinnamon. However, if you have diabetes, be sure to check with your doctor or nutritionist before incorporating new sweeteners into your diet.

Remember to also prioritise your nutritional needs when choosing strongly flavoured foods. Opt for options that are low in saturated fat and salt, and always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific dietary restrictions or concerns.

Exercise to increase your appetite

Exercises to Increase Your Appetite After a Stroke

After a stroke, it is common to experience changes in your senses of taste and smell, which can affect your appetite. Here are some exercises and tips to help increase your appetite:

Light Exercise:

Light exercises, such as walking, can help stimulate your appetite.

Choose Colourful and Flavourful Foods:

• Opt for colourful foods like salmon, carrots, and dark green vegetables. These foods are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients.
• Herbs and spices can add flavour to your meals without increasing the risk of a stroke.

Texture and Presentation:

• Vary the texture of your meals to make them more interesting. Add crunch with raw vegetables like cucumber and red pepper, or include contrasting textures like tortilla chips with chilli.
• Arrange your food on the plate to make it look appealing.

Temperature:

Try eating food cold or at room temperature. Cooling food can reduce strong or sweet flavours, making it more palatable.

Address Swallowing Issues:

If you have difficulty swallowing, consult a speech and language therapist for advice. They can guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing.

Stay Hydrated:

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, low-sugar drinks, tea, and coffee, to get rid of any bad tastes in your mouth.
• Dilute sweet drinks like juice with water or soda.

Oral Hygiene:

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. This can help with taste changes and prevent tooth and gum infections, which can also impact your sense of taste.

Address Mental Health:

Depression is common after a stroke and can affect your appetite. Don't ignore your mental health. Seek support from a therapist or counsellor if needed.

Social Eating:

Share meals with loved ones or visit your local senior centre for lunch. Social connections can improve your appetite and ensure you're eating properly.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercises or making significant changes to your diet.

Seek support for your mental health

A stroke can have a significant impact on your mental health. Depression is common after a stroke, and it can affect your eating habits, sleep, and overall quality of life. It is important to seek support for your mental health during your recovery. Here are some ways to do that:

• Talk to a professional: Consider seeing a therapist or counselor for talk therapy. They can help you process your emotions and provide you with tools to manage any negative thoughts or feelings.
• Medication: Your doctor can prescribe an antidepressant if needed. It is important to discuss any medication changes with your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications for your stroke recovery.
• Social support: Connecting with loved ones, family, and friends can help improve your mental well-being. Sharing meals or socialising with others can make you feel less isolated and provide a support system during your recovery.
• Support groups: Joining a support group or seeking out organisations that offer resources for stroke survivors, such as the Stroke Association, can provide you with a sense of community and help you connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
• Address practical concerns: Practical concerns, such as eating difficulties, can impact your mental health. Work with your healthcare team to address any physical or logistical challenges you may be facing. This may include working with a dietitian, speech therapist, or other specialists.
• Self-care: Prioritise self-care during your recovery. This may include light exercise, such as walking, which can improve your appetite and mental well-being. Finding enjoyable activities and connecting with your emotions and senses can also be beneficial.
• Monitor for changes: Keep track of any changes in your mental health and be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression. This will help you seek support early on if needed.

Frequently asked questions