Why does everything taste salty to me?
Ask the doctor
Q. Everything I eat lately tastes like it's been doused in salt, even if I know it hasn't. Why might this happen?
A. This phenomenon certainly puts a damper on enjoying your food. But you should know there are many possible reasons food can taste oversalted.
Do you have seasonal allergies? Sometimes postnasal drip leads to a salty sensation, as can an allergy to a particular food. Also on the list of potential culprits are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, certain autoimmune conditions, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Even a chronically dry mouth — which can be a side effect of various medications — can make food taste especially salty.
Even if you have one of these conditions, don't just accept living with a salty mouth. It's wise to mention the issue to your primary care doctor. She'll work with you to help improve your symptoms, which may be as easy as changing your medications. Otherwise, she may recommend some simple blood tests to investigate the cause.
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About the Author
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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