What specific taste alterations, frequently encountered during medical treatments like chemotherapy, commonly lead to the development of new food aversions?
Answer
Bitter, metallic, or overly sweet tastes
Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, often cause general alterations in taste perception, which can inadvertently create new food aversions. When food consistently tastes off—specifically described as bitter, metallic, or excessively sweet—the brain begins to associate those unpleasant flavors with the act of eating, leading to avoidance behavior. Addressing these alterations often involves flavor management techniques, like using plastic utensils to mitigate metallic tastes or masking bitterness.

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