a series of new studies presented this month by taste and hearing experts suggests that repeated infections may damage a vital taste-sensing nerve in kids, perking a preference for rich foods and making them prone to weight gain later.
worse, those who suffer harm to the crucial chorda tympani nerve — which runs through the tongue, along the side of the face and behind the eardrum on its way to the brain — may not realize why they can’t stay away from the small indulgences that pack on pounds.
“they simply like high-fat and high-sweet foods better,” said a scientist with the mcKnight brain institute's center for taste and smell. “the more you like food, the more you weigh.” --- duh. no kidding. ya think! wow. imagine that.
oh yeah - i remember now i always had an ear infection when i was little. right mom! and i'm sure i had chorda tympani nerve damage! (wink, wink)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26391940/ full validating article for those who need proof!
