When Chemo Has Left You Hating Food

Cancer patients not only have to undergo an incredible assault to their system while undergoing chemotherapy, but also have to deal with after effects that are equally as unpleasant. At a time when it is most important to be getting your immune system functioning and your nutrition levels up, many chemo patients find that food is no longer something they enjoy.

Changes to the Sense of Taste

Many cancer patients know about the nausea associated with chemotherapy, but few are prepared for the changes to their sense of taste. The change created by chemotherapy can leave patients with what is known as “metal mouth”. Caused by the chemicals that are injected into the system, many of these medications can have a very bitter taste. When these chemicals and medications get into the bloodstream and saliva, they have an unpleasant effect on how cancer patients experience food.

Chemotherapy Targets Taste Cells as Well as Cancer Cells

This can not only have an effect on the flavor of food but also textures and smells. One of the reasons for this is that chemotherapy can target cells that control taste the same way they target cancer cells. Professionals who work with cancer patients suggest ways to counteract this metallic flavor is to make small and practical changes to food and trick the taste buds.

The Miracle Berry and Taste

Enter the miracle berry. A glycoprotein in this small berry can make the taste of foods change after they are ingested. One of the ways that a metallic taste can be counteracted is through acids found in lemons and limes. The miracle of the miracle berry is that it can make acidic foods taste sweet. It also seems to counteract the metallic taste itself.

Clinical Trial

A clinical test of the treatment of taste alterations of chemotherapy patients using the miracle berry was conducted by Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami Beach, FL from October of 2008 to November of 2009. The test followed twenty individuals who complained of a metallic taste or no taste at all after chemotherapy treatments. Based on the studies, a significant number of participants felt that the berry had been helpful in their stabilization of taste. Findings were that the miracle berry was safe and effective for a number of chemotherapy patients and the response was “encouraging”.

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Aids in Patients Getting More Nutrients

One of the researchers on the project, Dr. Mike Cusnir, said that “most of the patients undergoing chemotherapy have weight loss. Then they cut further into their diet and then this furthers weight loss. It causes malnutrition, decreased function of the body and electrolyte imbalance.” The miracle berry can truly be a miracle for cancer patients who have found the taste of their food repulsive and don’t get the nutrition needed after the profound impact that cancer and chemotherapy have on their bodies.

If someone in your life is suffering from after effects of chemotherapy, you may suggest adding the miracle berry to their regimen.