Zinc

flaladee
flaladee Member Posts: 15
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Okay, I bought some zinc today - I know it is a long shot but I figured I am already taking so many pills, what's one more, right? Even the pharmacist had heard of zinc helping regenerate taste buds.....I will keep you posted. I am three months out of treatment and am SICK AND TIRED of shakes so I needed to try this.....

Comments

  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #2
    Zinc
    Hi Fla Lady,

    Give a quick call to your med onc's office, and tell them you're going to throw in zinc. It's probably no problem, but as you are already taking a few meds, just make sure you're not taking something that falls in the exotic range that might interact with the zinc.

    As for the taste that isn't there, if I'm remembering here you're only three months post. I say only because it took me a year to get back anything like normal taste, and then it was only on a few foods, and at its best, still short of the good old days.

    There was only one exception for me, and others have echoed this, eggs. Also "strawberry" flavor has had a few votes. I use the mega sugared Nestle Quik strawberry in milk and can taste it always. Approacing two years out, I can taste most foods at 70 to 90 percent, and some at maybe 50 percent. Too there is taste "fatigue" where you can taste the first bite or two and then the taste buds go back to sleep.

    Eventually, most H&N types get most or nearly all of their taste back. Takes a while. Let us know how the zinc works for you.

    best, Hal
  • robinleigh
    robinleigh Member Posts: 297
    #3
    Hal61 said:

    Zinc
    Hi Fla Lady,

    Give a quick call to your med onc's office, and tell them you're going to throw in zinc. It's probably no problem, but as you are already taking a few meds, just make sure you're not taking something that falls in the exotic range that might interact with the zinc.

    As for the taste that isn't there, if I'm remembering here you're only three months post. I say only because it took me a year to get back anything like normal taste, and then it was only on a few foods, and at its best, still short of the good old days.

    There was only one exception for me, and others have echoed this, eggs. Also "strawberry" flavor has had a few votes. I use the mega sugared Nestle Quik strawberry in milk and can taste it always. Approacing two years out, I can taste most foods at 70 to 90 percent, and some at maybe 50 percent. Too there is taste "fatigue" where you can taste the first bite or two and then the taste buds go back to sleep.

    Eventually, most H&N types get most or nearly all of their taste back. Takes a while. Let us know how the zinc works for you.

    best, Hal

    Warning
    Glad to read the connection with zinc and taste but a great warning about asking docs because we are still in chemo and they don't want you adding antioxidants...however, that's hard to do when you are just trying to consume a basic, healthy diet!
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #4
    robinleigh said:

    Warning
    Glad to read the connection with zinc and taste but a great warning about asking docs because we are still in chemo and they don't want you adding antioxidants...however, that's hard to do when you are just trying to consume a basic, healthy diet!

    Healthy Diet...
    Just so you know... I was actually thinking this to myself recently.

    For me during treatment especially, the thought needs to be making sure to get enough calories in to sustain weight and allow your body enough energy to fight and recover.

    So eating healthy is somewhat out the window, surviving treatment is/was my main goal.

    Now, concerning eating healthy while in treatment....we worry too much about the minimal effect of a healthy diet, considering we are being radiated everyday, and having 3 - 4 types of poison (chemo) being pumped into us to kill the cancer.

    Survive first, worry about a more healthy diet after the fact....

    At least my thoughts and opinions on the subject, LOL.

    JG

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