1. Spice It Up! University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

2. What Causes a Loss of Taste and Smell? Normal part of aging –Fewer taste buds –Less saliva –Fewer smell sensors Older adults need: –11 times as much salt, 3 times as much sweetness, 7 times as much bitter, and 4 times as much sour

3. What Causes a Loss of Taste and Smell? Medical conditions and illnesses Medical treatments –Chemotherapy –Radiation to the head Medications –Alter taste and smell

4. Important To Your Health Loss of appetite –Unintentional weight loss –Nutritional deficiencies –Impaired immune system Prevent foodborne illness –Keep food safe!

5. Bring Back The Flavor! SALT! Not always best Especially if following a limited sodium diet Salt substitutes Not for everyone High in potassium Check with doctor before using

6. Spice It Up! Herbs, spices, lemon/lime juice Spice up tried-but-true recipes –Add twice the herbs or spice –Experiment with new herbs and spices Salt-Free Herb-Spice Blends

7. Flavoring Ingredients Garlic Sharp cheese Flavored vinegars and oils Relishes Jams Hot sauces

8. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Brings out flavor in foods 1/3 less sodium than salt MSG Sensitivity –Headaches or dizziness –Research has found no adverse effects Helpful hints –Soups, stews, casseroles, meat loaf, ground meat dishes –Before or during cooking –½ teaspoon per pound of meat or 4 serving dish

9. Other Ways to Enhance Flavor Temperature –Serve foods hot, not lukewarm Texture –Crunchy with soft foods Slow down for flavor

10. Points to Remember Loss of taste and smell is a normal part of aging. Enhancing the flavor of foods can be important to your health. Many ways to add spice to foods! If you have lost interest in eating, talk to your doctor.