People with high blood pressure and certain types of heart disease may be advised by their physicians to reduce the amount of sodium in their diets. One and a half teaspoons of salt is equal to 3000 mg of sodium, so go lightly with the salt shaker. The ability to smell and taste may decline gradually with age. When the sense of smell becomes dulled, it affects the sense of taste and makes food less appetizing. Also, some medications may leave a bitter taste, which affects saliva, giving foods a bad flavor.
Smoking reduces the ability to enjoy flavors too.
Poor eating habits can result when food just doesn't taste as good as it used to. To compensate for the loss of smell and taste, create meals that appeal to all the senses. Intensify the taste, smell, sight, sound and feel of foods. Perk up flavors with herbs, spices and lemon juice rather than relying solely on salt or sugar. Choose foods that look good and have a variety of textures and temperatures.