I have been afraid to mention that after three months of chemo, I started having taste and smell distortions. When I complained of a salty taste in my mouth I was told it was from the saline infusions we got with the chemo but three years later, I still get it occasionally and I can't consume anything that is salty or I'll have this salty taste all day. Choclate tastes like lard (bland fat) to me. For me, the smell of butter is repugnant. I kind of knew it was the chemo (especially considering it started at the time of the chemo) but when I have tried to explain it, it sounds crazy! I used to enjoy grocery shopping and cooking but it has become onerous because I have to figure out what I can eat. When I reported this to my oncologist, I was referred to an oncology dietitian. That didn't help. I know good nutrition, I just find so many foods unpalatable. To make matters more complicated, I have been having trouble swallowing foods of certain textures, like bread. When I told my doctor, he just looked surprised and then said, 'Oh that's right, you're gluten free." I'm Not gluten free. I didn't argue with him. He obviously didn't want to discuss it. Then I found out in a support group for women on hormone blockers that lack of estrogen not only causes vaginal dryness but in your mouth and eyes. Obviously if your mouth is dry, swallowing foods like bread is difficult. It probably is also contributing to food tasting off.
Like you sticking to tortilla chips and salsa, my go-to meal is Whole Foods Protein Blends. It's lentils, edamame beans and vegetables. To make it palatable I drown it in barbecue sauce! It's boring but edible. Your validation means a great deal to me! I too will ask my oncologist about zinc. Thank you.