Contents
Can Your Diet Improve Your Sense of Smell?
Published: Sep 03, 2023
Discover the surprising ways your diet can impact your sense of smell and taste, and learn how making simple changes can enhance these senses.
The Connection Between Diet and Smell
Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy sense of smell. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of certain vitamins and minerals, can negatively affect your olfactory system. Ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients may support the regeneration of olfactory neurons, which are crucial for preserving smell function.
Foods That Boost Your Olfactory Health
Certain foods can enhance your sense of smell. For example, zinc-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and whole grains support your body's ability to regenerate taste and smell receptors. Additionally, vitamin A found in carrots and sweet potatoes is vital for maintaining the health of your olfactory epithelium.
Avoiding Dietary Pitfalls
While some foods can enhance your sense of smell, others can impair it. High consumption of alcohol and smoking can damage olfactory tissues, leading to a diminished sense of smell. Reducing these substances can help improve your olfactory function over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A balanced diet supports olfactory neuron regeneration, aiding recovery.
Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining olfactory health.
Yes, zinc supports the regeneration of smell receptors.
Yes, alcohol can impair your sense of smell.
The Bottom Line
Could your diet be the missing link to a better sense of smell?
References
- Mattes RD, Cowart BJ. Dietary assessment of patients with chemosensory disorders. J Am Diet Assoc 1994; 94:50.
- Hummel T, Whitcroft KL, Rueter G, Haehner A. Intranasal vitamin A is beneficial in post-infectious olfactory loss. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2017; 274:2819.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?