Why Stress Can Sometimes Cause Metallic Mouth Taste

Depression can affect anyone. It is the body’s natural response to challenging situations, which can manifest itself in the form of physical and emotional symptoms. While some people may experience headaches, palpitations, sweaty palms, and chills, others may experience panic attacks, panic attacks, or restlessness. A more unusual symptom may be a changed taste in the mouth, especially a metallic taste in the mouth, it says Dr Shashikiran Umakanth, Medical Director, Professor, and Head of Department of Internal Medicine, Dr TMA Hospital, Udupi. Read on to find out why it happens and how you can manage it.

Also Read: Sour Taste In Your Mouth? Possible Reasons to Care

Why Stress Causes a Metallic Taste in the Mouth

Stress is best known as the “fight-or-flight” response, which is triggered by the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

When your body is under stress, it prepares itself for action, which causes your heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure to rise. It can also affect digestion, leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and even vomiting.

In addition, stress can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, along with many other unpleasant tastes, says Dr Umakanth.

“This happens because stress can change the way our body reacts to certain chemicals, including the chemicals that make us sense taste. When you’re stressed, the body you can produce more cortisol, which can influence the composition of saliva and lead to altered taste,” he explains. .

Many studies have shown that stress and anxiety can change the taste of the mouth.

In fact, a study published in Chemical Senses found that stressed subjects were less sensitive to salty and sweet foods. Interestingly, people with high baseline anxiety and who were overweight were more likely to have a greater decrease in their ability to taste sweet and salty after’ of mental stress.

Other Points to Consider

However, a metallic taste in your mouth does not mean you are stressed. Although stress may be the cause, symptoms can be caused by a variety of other factors, including:

• Infections (viral and bacterial)
• Certain medications (such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs)
• Dental problems (such as infection or gum disease)
• Poor oral hygiene
• Other health conditions (such as diabetes or kidney disease)
• Malnutrition

To determine whether metallic taste is related to stress, Dr Umakanth recommends paying attention to other symptoms that accompany stress, including:

• Anxiety
• Irritation
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle tension
• Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns

How Stress Affects Your Body

It is also important to be aware of other ways stress can affect your life.

According to Dr Umakanth, stress causes the release of various hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure and energy supply.

He says, “These changes saved lives from the dangerous situations that our ancestors often faced when they were hunters. However, chronic stress in modern times can lead to prolonged exposure to these hormones, causing problems such as headaches, digestive problems, sleep problems and weakening of the ‘ immune system. Chronic stress can also increase the risk of heart disease, depression and anxiety.”

How to Manage Stress Effectively

Here are a few steps to manage stress effectively and quickly:

• Try to identify what causes you stress and see if you can reduce or eliminate these stressors.
• Practice techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga that help reduce stress.
• Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep can help your body cope with stress.
• Managing your time effectively and setting achievable goals can reduce stress.
• Talk to friends, family, a psychologist, or psychiatrist for support and guidance.

[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any mental health issues to get the necessary treatment.]