Are You Still Able to Smell the Roses? a Healthy Sense of Smell is Crucial to Good Health

The decline in the sense of smell is known as Anosmia and the impairment can be partial or complete. Almost half of those over the age of 60 may experience a decrease in their sense of smell resulting in the loss of nutrition which is crucial to good health.

Allergies, viral infections, smoking, nasal polyps and some medications can temporarily impair the sense of smell. Medical conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Multiple Sclerosis are known to have an adverse effect on the sense of smell.

Loss of smell that is caused by a common cold will clear up on its own and the loss of smell that is related to polyps, will improve when the obstruction is removed.

Unfortunately, the loss of smell caused by aging or a brain tumor, may be permanent.

The taste of foods that are sweet, sour, salty, bitter usually remain intact when you have a lowered sense of smell. To improve your interest in food you can add spices, marinates, bacon bits, salad dressing, butter, bananas, pears, grapes, applesauce and sharp cheese to give additional flavor to your meals.

Add color with vegetables, such as carrots, dark greens, broccoli, beets, bell peppers and tomatoes and decorate your table with bright colored placemats, plates, napkins and colorful centerpieces to stimulate your appetite at mealtime.

You will need to take precautions to prevent illness from consuming spoiled or moldy food and you must maintain sanitary conditions of bathrooms, kitchen, refrigerators and general cleanliness of the home.

Safety and Cleanliness Preparations

Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, bedrooms and hallways of your home. Check and change the batteries regularly.

If you have use natural gas, propane gas or an attached garage you should install gas detectors and /or carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Regularly clean refrigerators and check the pantry for perishable or out-of-date foods.

Do not leave the room with food cooking on the stove or in the oven.

Keep a regular schedule for personal hygiene, bathing, showering.

Be careful with the use deodorants, perfumes, aftershave lotions and other fragrances.

Keep a regular schedule for changing clothing and doing laundry.

Store household cleaning supplies in original containers and clearly label all garden pesticides and herbicides.

If you have pets in the home, frequently inspect for accidents.