Stress can affect anyone. It is the body’s natural response to challenging situations, which can manifest in the form of physical as well as emotional symptoms. While some people may experience headaches, heart palpitations, sweaty palms, and chills, others may experience nervousness, a feeling of dread, or restlessness. A more unusual sign could be a changing taste in the mouth, more specifically a metallic taste in the mouth, says Dr Shashikiran Umakanth, Medical Superintendent, Professor, and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr T M A Hospital, Udupi. Read on to find out why it occurs and how you can manage it.
Why Stress Causes Metallic Taste In The Mouth
Stress is popularly recognised as a "fight-or-flight" response, which is characterised by a surge of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
When your body is stressed, it prepares itself for action, causing your heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure to rise. It may also impact your digestion, leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and even vomiting.
Additionally, stress can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, along with many other vague taste abnormalities, says Dr Umakanth.
"This occurs because stress can alter the way our body processes certain chemicals, including those chemicals that create the perception of taste. When stressed, the body may produce more cortisol, which can influence saliva composition and lead to an altered taste," he explains.
Many studies have suggested that stress and anxiety can alter taste in the mouth.
In fact, a study published in Chemical Senses found that stressed individuals became less sensitive to saltiness and sweetness. Interestingly, people with higher baseline anxiety and those who were heavier were more likely to have a bigger drop in their ability to taste sweet and salty after stress.
Other Factors To Consider
However, a metallic taste in the mouth does not necessarily mean you're stressed. While stress can be a possible cause, the symptoms can result from various other factors, including:
- Infections (viral and bacterial)
- Certain medications (like some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs)
- Dental problems (such as infections or gum disease)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain medical conditions (like diabetes or kidney disease)
- Nutritional deficiencies
To know whether the metallic taste is related to stress, Dr Umakanth recommends making note of other accompanying indicators of stress, which include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
How Stress Impacts Your Body
It is also important to note other ways stress can impact your health.
According to Dr Umakanth, stress triggers the release of various hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies.
He says, “These changes were life-saving in the dangerous situations that our ancestors often faced when they were hunter-gatherers. However, chronic stress in modern times can lead to prolonged exposure to these hormones, causing problems such as headaches, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune function. Long-term stress can also increase the risk of heart disease, depression, and anxiety disorders.”
How To Manage Stress Effectively
Here are a few steps to manage stress effectively and more promptly:
- Try to recognise what is causing your stress and see if you can reduce or eliminate these triggers of stress.
- Practice techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga that help reduce stress.
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can improve the resilience of your body to stress.
- Managing your time effectively and setting realistic goals reduces stress.
- Talk to friends, family, a psychologist, or a 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.]