Does excessive smoking effect the taste buds over time? Or is this just a myth?

Question

I am not a smoker myself, but I have several distant relatives that do. I heard this bit of information somewhere, and I was wondering if it is true or not.

If possible, please don't write just "Yes or No". Please tell me how it effects the taste buds also. Nothing technical please - layman's terms only.

Thanks!

Answer 1

We have evidence that nicotine strongly suppresses nerve activity in brain regions involved in taste sensation. Several properties of nicotine may cause this suppression: (a) nicotine’s bitter taste may suppress other tastes; (b) the irritant sensation of nicotine might inhibit taste responses similar to the way capsaicin (the chemical that makes chili peppers burn) reduces some tastes; (c) nicotine can enter the brain where it could activate areas involved in feeding

Answer 2

It is very real. One of the first things I noticed after quitting was that I could taste things that I couldn't before. I think it is because a lot of your taste has to do with smell too, and smoking reduces your ability to smell well.

Answer 3

It ruins your sense of smell, therefore affecting your sense of taste. The next time you're at a family dinner, notice that the smokers will add more salt than a non-smoker. They can't taste their food as well.

Answer 4

I can't comment first hand, but I have witnessed enough family members to say that , yes, it really does affect their taste buds. I have heard no one say it when they started, only when they quit. They normally say it's like waking up. They didn't remember things tasting like this.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

it seemed to deaden mine over time. Shortly after i quit most everything appeared to have more taste(i smoked for over 20 yrs)
smoking also tends to lessen your sense of smell