TASTE & SMELL!
Arnie Shapiro, M.D.
November – December 2024 • Vol 4, No 13
In prior articles, I have discussed gratitude for our precious senses of: Vision, Hearing, Balance, and Touch. There are two more senses we would not like to lose—Taste and Smell! In general terms, taste and smell can give us pleasure and warn us of hazards. They can fascinate us and thrill us, including their power to evoke memories. There is a whole world of intriguing flavors and aromas.
Taste and smell are crucial in the animal kingdom. The earliest creatures needed chemical receptors to find nutrients. Life lives on other life. In both simple and advanced life forms, taste and smell occur on a molecular level. There are receptors built into our oral and nasal cavities that react to chemical stimulants. These receptors produce electrical signals that travel through nerves and reach the brain.
Taste is detected by taste buds, which are clusters of sensory cells, located on the tongue and other parts of the mouth. Each taste bud can detect one of four basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. When the receptors detect specific molecules in food or drink, they send signals that reach the gustatory cortex in the brain, which identifies and responds to the perceptions.
Smell is accomplished by special receptors located deep in the nasal cavity. The receptors have millions of hair-like cilia that bind to odor molecules. This evokes electrical responses that reach the olfactory cortex in the brain, which determines our response.
Taste is strongly influenced by smell. If our sense of smell is disrupted by excess mucus in the nasal passages, or if we hold our nose while eating, we lose taste as well.
In a personal experience, I lost my senses of taste and smell for two weeks during the COVID epidemic. I was very aware that there were things of importance missing from my life. The sight and touch/texture of the foods were present, but the flavor was absent. The pleasure was largely gone. I was delighted to get both smell and taste back!
Certain smells and tastes can instantly lift our moods, and bring back memories. The aroma of fresh baked goods is very appealing. Grilling foods sends out attractants, as does cooking with garlic, onions, herbs, and spices. (My sister told me recently that whenever she ran past a field of wild dill, it would remind her of our mother’s chicken soup!)
All aromas and flavors are caused by molecules light enough to evaporate. Sipping drinks or chewing food releases these volatile molecules. Even if our lips are closed while chewing, these molecules can reach our posterior nasal sensors via the throat.
We know how advanced the noses of dogs can be. There are many other animals with remarkable scent detectors. In mating season, throughout the animal kingdom, fertile females emit pheromones that are attractants to males, sometimes from great distance away. Species with superlative senses of smell include elephants, bears, canines, felines, pigs, rodents, sharks, and vultures. Pregnant and nursing women have enhanced taste and smell abilities. The best noses can detect target molecules in a concentration of a few parts per billion!
How can we take care of our senses of smell and taste?
- Rule #1) No smoking.
- Rule #2) Good daily oral care, including brushing and flossing.
- Rule #3) Good general nutrition.
- Rule #4) Good daily cardiovascular exercise (to promote good circulation and oxygenation).
- Rule #5) Good daily hydration; 6-8 cups of water/day. Avoid excesses of alcohol and caf-feine, which are dehydrators.
In conclusion, I have ex-pressed deep gratitude for all of our senses: Vision, Hearing, Balance, Touch, Taste, and Smell. All are precious, and of great importance to our well-being and joy of life. n
— Namaste!
Dr. Shapiro is a career clinic physician who has utilized relaxation techniques with many of his patients. His YouTube channel is: “Arnie Shapiro, MD • Breathing Easy.” Email Dr. Shapiro at: alloydshapiro@gmail.com.
