Dealing with taste changes is complicated by many people not reporting or even realizing they exist. Food may simply be less palatable. However, carefully considering which foods are unpalatable or have less or no taste may show that, indeed, taste has changed. In some cases, taste changes are not permanent. Decreased taste can be partially overcome by taking hot, strong-smelling foods, and by simply taking nutritious foods, e.g., supplements, whether or not they taste.
Distorted taste is addressed by modifying some foods and eliminating others.
If foods seem too sweet, then decreased sugar added may help. If meats taste unpleasant, they should be eliminated and another source of protein added. Alternative means of feeding, such as nasogastric feeding or hyperalimentation are seldom appropriate. Good oral care is part of the care for any oral problem. Oral problems in advanced cancer.