What foods are good for Bell's palsy recovery? A nutritional guide

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

While medical treatment is the cornerstone of recovery, a supportive diet can significantly aid in healing. Understanding what foods are good for Bell's palsy recovery can help manage inflammation, support nerve regeneration, and provide the energy needed for recuperation.

Quick Summary

Nutrition plays a vital role in managing the symptoms and supporting the body's healing process during Bell's palsy. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in B vitamins, omega-3s, and antioxidants can promote nerve repair and reduce inflammation.

Key Points

Embrace an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish to help reduce nerve swelling.
Prioritize B Vitamins for Nerve Repair: Incorporate foods rich in B12, B6, and thiamin, such as eggs, lean meats, and whole grains, to support nerve regeneration and function.
Consume Omega-3s and Antioxidants: Fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and colorful fruits and vegetables provide crucial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support.
Choose Easy-to-Chew Foods: Opt for soft, moist foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and fish to make eating safer and more comfortable, especially if facial muscles are weak.
Avoid Inflammatory Foods: Limit processed foods, refined sugars, excessive caffeine, and alcohol, as they can exacerbate inflammation and hinder recovery.
Consider Zinc-Rich Foods: Add oysters, lean meats, nuts, and eggs to your diet to support nerve growth and healing.
Incorporate Anti-Viral Foods (with caution): Some dietary strategies include focusing on lysine over arginine, although it's best to consult a professional before making significant changes.

The Importance of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Inflammation of the facial nerve is a key component of Bell's palsy. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce nerve swelling and promote faster healing. This eating style emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods while limiting those that can trigger inflammation. By focusing on foods with high antioxidant content, you can combat oxidative stress, which further protects nerve cells from damage.

Key Nutrients and Their Role in Nerve Repair

Several key nutrients are crucial for nerve health and regeneration. Incorporating a variety of foods rich in these nutrients can help your body build and repair nerve tissue more efficiently.

B Vitamins: The entire B-vitamin complex, especially B12, B6, and thiamin, is essential for proper nerve function and repair. B12, in particular, helps in the production of myelin, the protective sheath around nerves.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, these healthy fats are converted into anti-inflammatory compounds in the body. They help reduce inflammation and promote nerve regeneration.
Zinc: This mineral is vital for nerve growth and the formation of new neuronal connections. Good sources include oysters, lean meats, eggs, and nuts.
Antioxidants: Abundant in fruits and vegetables, antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids help protect nerve cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Magnesium: Found in leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, magnesium can help calm nerves and relax muscles.

Recommended Foods for Bell's Palsy Recovery

Building a diet around certain food groups can make a significant difference in your recovery.

Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are packed with omega-3s.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard offer antioxidants and B-vitamins.
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress.
Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide vitamin E, healthy fats, and magnesium.
Avocado: A source of healthy fats and potassium, which is important for nerve function.
Turmeric and Ginger: These spices contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.
Lean Protein: Poultry, eggs, and legumes offer B vitamins and support tissue repair.
Whole Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice provide fiber and B vitamins while stabilizing blood sugar.

Foods to Avoid or Limit During Recovery

Just as important as adding beneficial foods is minimizing those that can worsen inflammation and impede recovery.

Processed Foods: High in sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, which can increase inflammation.
Refined Sugars and Carbohydrates: Sugary drinks, white bread, and pastries can spike blood sugar, fueling inflammation.
Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: Can lead to dehydration and may increase nerve sensitivity.
High-Arginine Foods: Some sources suggest limiting arginine-rich foods like walnuts, hazelnuts, and chocolate, as they are used by the herpes virus, a potential trigger for Bell's palsy.
Hard-to-Chew Foods: Until your facial muscles recover, it's wise to avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods like crusty bread or tough meats to prevent choking and make eating easier.

Comparison of Recovery-Friendly vs. Inflammatory Foods


Category	Recovery-Friendly Foods	Inflammatory Foods to Limit
Protein	Salmon, chicken breast, lentils, chickpeas, eggs	Processed meats, red meat, sausages, hot dogs
Fats	Avocado, olive oil, walnuts, flaxseeds	Trans fats, high-fat dairy, refined vegetable oils
Carbohydrates	Quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes	White bread, sugary cereals, pastries, white pasta
Fruits & Vegetables	Berries, leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini	Canned fruits with added sugar
Drinks	Water, green tea, herbal tea	Sugary beverages, alcohol, excessive coffee

Practical Eating Tips for Bell's Palsy

Managing food intake can be challenging when facial muscles are affected. Here are some practical tips to make eating safer and more comfortable:

Choose Soft Foods: Prioritize soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups, stews, mashed potatoes, well-cooked vegetables, fish, yogurt, and smoothies.
Mind Your Mouthfuls: Take smaller bites and eat slowly to reduce the risk of spilling or choking.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas. Using a straw may be difficult, so consider a thin-lipped cup to prevent spills.
Boost Calories: If a reduced appetite is an issue, consider adding nutrient-dense options like full-fat yogurt, milk, or fortified supplement drinks to maintain energy levels.

Conclusion

While a nutritional diet cannot cure Bell's palsy, it is an essential supportive measure for recovery. An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, provides the necessary building blocks for nerve regeneration and overall healing. By focusing on soft, nutrient-dense foods and avoiding inflammatory and difficult-to-chew items, individuals can enhance their body's natural ability to recover. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding your treatment plan and diet.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

An anti-inflammatory diet is highly recommended for someone with Bell's palsy. This involves consuming whole foods rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and other key nutrients that support nerve health and help reduce inflammation.

Yes, it is best to avoid or limit processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive caffeine and alcohol, as these can promote inflammation and may hinder recovery. Additionally, temporarily avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods that might be difficult to eat due to facial weakness.

B vitamins, particularly B12, B6, and thiamin, are essential for nerve repair and function. Vitamin B12 helps maintain the myelin sheath, which protects the nerves. You can find these in foods like eggs, fortified cereals, and lean meats.

Yes, fatty fish like salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. These can help reduce inflammation of the facial nerve and support its regeneration.

Opt for soft and easy-to-chew foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, and cooked vegetables. Take smaller mouthfuls, eat slowly, and sit upright. Consider using a thin-lipped cup for drinking to prevent spills.

While no specific food can guarantee a faster recovery, a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet provides the optimal conditions for your body to heal. Focusing on foods that support nerve health, reduce inflammation, and manage blood sugar can aid the overall process.

Some anecdotal advice suggests limiting high-arginine foods like some nuts (e.g., walnuts, hazelnuts), chocolate, and seeds based on the theory that Bell's palsy can be caused by the herpes virus, which uses arginine for replication. However, other nuts like almonds contain beneficial nutrients. Always follow your doctor's specific advice on this.