What is the best way to predict the taste of a dish, before even eating it? Yes, you guessed it right; it is by having a whiff of its scent. We make use of our sense of smell for a number of other purposes too, in fact so many that we start taking it for granted. Do you know that our sense of smell can decline with our age, especially if we do not make any efforts for improving or strengthening it? The worst part is that the decline will be so gradual that you will hardly be able to notice it. Now, for the good part, you can improve your sense of smell, by making a few simple changes in your lifestyle. To know how to go about making those changes, read on.
Tips for Strengthening Your Sense of Smell
- A blocked nose, by leading to blocked nerve receptors, often results in a poor sense of smell. So, keep your nose clean at all times.
- Automobile accidents, even minor jerks, are amongst the major reasons for loss of the sense of smell. Make sure to wear your seatbelt at all times.
- Before you start eating your food, stir it a couple of times. It will help in releasing more scent from the food and make your nose more receptive to smell.
- Cigarette has a negative effect on the sense of smell as well as taste. So, quit the habit as soon as possible.
- Eat only when you are hungry. Our sense of smell is the strongest when we are hungry.
- High moisture content in the air improves the sense of smell. Make sure to humidify your air in winter.
- If you have recurrent allergies or runny nose, it is better to see a doctor than trying over-the-counter products.
- Increase your consumption of oysters. They are rich in zinc, which strengthens the sense of smell.
- Indulge in exercise on a daily basis, be it swimming, walking, jogging, or anything else. In majority of the cases, it is seen that the sense of smell is higher after exercise.
- Make and serve food that looks life itself, avoiding too much garnishing and fancy presentation. If your mind can connect the food that you eat with the way it looks, the sense of smell gets better.
- Make sure to drink a glass of water every hour or so. Dry mouth can contribute to diminishing sense of smell.
- Many medicines affect an individual’s sense of smell. If you are taking any prescribed drugs, it is better to check with your doctor.
- Stay away from bad smells as much as possible. It has been seen that excessive exposure to foul smells diminishes the sense of smell.
- Try sniffing therapy. Sniff something with a strong odor, for a couple of minutes, several times a day.
- Try to limit your alcohol consumption, as it leads to a decline in the sense of smell.
