Losing taste and smell? It's not always cold or Covid: AIIMS-trained gut doctor warns of hidden nutrient deficiency and foods to fix it

A surprising red flag for failing health is gaining renewed attention after a leading gastroenterologist highlighted an overlooked cause behind the loss of taste and smell. Many people immediately assume seasonal flu or Covid when flavours disappear, but according to AIIMS and Harvard trained specialist Dr Saurabh Sethi, the trigger is often a hidden nutritional gap.

In a recent Instagram video, Dr Sethi explained that one of the earliest and most telling signs of zinc deficiency is a sudden reduction in sensory perception. Quoting from his post, which has been covered widely in health reports, he said that the very first symptom is not appetite loss. Instead, it is the loss of taste and smell along with unusually slow wound healing. He noted that zinc is crucial for tissue repair and immune communication within the body, and insufficient levels delay recovery from cuts and infections.

Why zinc matters more than you think

Zinc is essential for maintaining immune strength, microbiome stability and cellular repair. Low levels can quietly weaken resilience, making the body more vulnerable to chronic inflammation and prolonged illness. Because the signs are subtle, many people overlook them until the deficiency becomes severe.

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

Simple food fixes that help restore zinc naturally

Sharing practical solutions, Dr Sethi recommended adding zinc rich foods into daily diets rather than relying solely on supplements. He highlighted pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils and cashews as accessible plant based options. For non vegetarians, oysters are identified as the richest natural source.

Nutritionists often emphasise that correcting deficiencies early through diet can prevent long term complications and improve immune response.

Dr Sethi is a board certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist and interventional endoscopist who has trained at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Harvard University and Stanford University. He currently practices in the San Francisco Bay Area and has built a strong reputation for using social media to simplify complex medical science. His educational content focuses on gut and liver health, lifestyle driven disease prevention and evidence based nutrition.

If taste and smell suddenly fade, especially without fever or congestion, experts advise not to dismiss it as a temporary viral effect. Testing zinc levels and making dietary adjustments could provide a quick and effective solution. Early awareness, Dr Sethi stresses, is the real cure.