What to eat to improve Bell's palsy? A Nutritional Guide

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 case report, severe vitamin C deficiency was reported as a potential triggering factor for Bell's palsy. A focused diet can play a supportive role in recovery by providing nutrients essential for nerve health and managing the practical challenges of eating caused by the condition. Understanding what to eat to improve Bell's palsy involves not only boosting nerve function but also adjusting food texture for comfort and safety.

Quick Summary

A diet rich in vitamins B12, C, zinc, and anti-inflammatory omega-3s supports nerve regeneration and reduces inflammation associated with Bell's palsy. Adjusting food texture to soft, easy-to-chew options can prevent chewing and swallowing difficulties. Avoiding processed foods, excessive sugar, and high-arginine items may also aid recovery.

Key Points

Boost Nerve Recovery with B12: Focus on B12-rich foods like fish, eggs, and fortified cereals to help support the repair of the facial nerve's myelin sheath.
Reduce Inflammation with Omega-3s: Incorporate anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish (salmon), flaxseeds, and walnuts to protect nerves from damage.
Opt for Soft and Moist Foods: Adjust food consistency to soft, easy-to-chew options like soups, mashed potatoes, and well-cooked vegetables to manage eating difficulties.
Avoid Inflammatory and Hard Foods: Steer clear of processed foods, high sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and hard, chewy items that can hinder healing or pose a choking risk.
Consider Anti-Viral Support: If Bell's palsy is linked to a viral trigger, a diet with a balance of lysine over arginine may help. Increase intake of lysine-rich foods like fish and dairy while limiting high-arginine nuts and seeds.
Manage Stress for Better Outcomes: Stress can impede recovery. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga to support overall well-being.
Stay Hydrated and Practice Oral Hygiene: Drink plenty of water and maintain regular oral hygiene to combat dry mouth and food trapping caused by facial weakness.

Bell's palsy is a condition that results in sudden, temporary facial weakness or paralysis, typically on one side. While the exact cause is unknown, it's often linked to viral infections and inflammation of the facial nerve. While diet is not a cure, incorporating specific nutrients and making practical food adjustments can support overall nerve health, reduce inflammation, and help manage eating challenges during recovery.

Essential Nutrients for Nerve Repair and Regeneration

Optimal nerve function and healing require a steady supply of specific vitamins and minerals. Focusing on a nutrient-dense diet can help your body's natural recovery process.

Vitamin B12

This nutrient is critical for maintaining the myelin sheath, the protective layer surrounding nerves. A deficiency can impair nerve function. Some studies suggest that B12, particularly in injectable form, can support faster recovery for some patients.

Food Sources: Fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products (like low-fat yogurt and cheese), and fortified cereals.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3s can help protect nerves from damage caused by inflammation. They are converted into compounds called resolvins that aid in the body's inflammatory response.

Food Sources: Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in nerve function, growth, and the formation of new neural connections. It can also help inhibit certain viral replication.

Food Sources: Oysters, seafood, pork, beef, legumes, and nuts.

Vitamin C

This vitamin acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which may help hasten the recovery of inflamed nerves. One case report linked low vitamin C to Bell's palsy.

Food Sources: Berries, citrus fruits (if tolerated), kiwi, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli.

Lysine

Some evidence suggests Bell's palsy may be triggered by a reactivation of the herpes simplex virus. Lysine is an amino acid that may help inhibit viral replication.

Food Sources: Meat, fish, dairy, and legumes.

Dietary Modifications for Easier Eating

Facial muscle weakness can make chewing, swallowing, and controlling food in your mouth challenging. Adjusting food consistency can make mealtimes safer and more comfortable.

Choose Soft, Moist Foods

Easy-to-Chew Proteins: Fish, well-cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, paneer, and lentils (dal soup).
Cooked Vegetables: Soft, cooked vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach are easier to manage than raw salads.
Mashed and Puréed Foods: Mashed potatoes, butternut squash purée, and applesauce can be excellent choices.
Soups and Broths: Homemade soups are nutritious and simple to consume. Adding vegetables, lean meat, or lentils can boost their nutritional value.
Moist Foods: Adding extra gravy, butter, or sauces to food can help if you experience a dry mouth.

Avoid Hard-to-Manage Foods

Chewy Meats: Tough cuts of meat or anything that requires significant chewing should be avoided.
Crumbly or Dry Foods: Dry crackers, toast, or rice can be difficult to control in the mouth.
Mixed Consistencies: Cereals with milk can be tricky to manage. A solid porridge is a safer alternative.

Comparison Table: Best vs. Worst Foods

This table outlines foods that can support recovery and those to avoid based on their impact on inflammation and ease of consumption.


Category	Recommended Foods	Foods to Avoid
Proteins	Lean fish (salmon, tuna), chicken, eggs, low-fat dairy, lentils, paneer	Fried/processed meats, fatty cuts of meat, sausages, bacon, fried eggs
Fruits & Vegetables	Berries, leafy greens (kale, spinach), cooked vegetables (carrots, potatoes), bananas, avocado	Citrus fruits (if causing irritation), raw vegetables, corn, peas with skins
Grains	Whole grains, oatmeal, well-cooked pasta, quinoa, moist breads	White/refined flour products (white bread, pasta), dry rice, tough crusts
Fats	Omega-3 rich fish, olive oil, flaxseeds, healthy nuts (limited)	High saturated fats, trans fats, palm oil, butter
Beverages	Water, herbal tea, green tea, homemade soups, milk	Alcohol, caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea), carbonated drinks, sugary juices

Lifestyle Factors and Overall Health

Beyond specific food choices, other habits can significantly impact your recovery from Bell's palsy.

Hydration is Key

Staying well-hydrated is crucial, as facial weakness can lead to a dry mouth or difficulty managing fluids. Sipping water throughout the day is important. Using a thin-lipped cup can make drinking easier.

Manage Stress

High stress levels can put a strain on the body and potentially slow down recovery. Engaging in stress-reducing activities can support the healing process. Consider practices like meditation, deep breathing, gentle yoga, or spending time outdoors. Some supplements, such as reishi mushrooms, may also offer adaptogenic support.

Importance of Oral Hygiene

Due to the paralysis, food can get trapped inside the cheek on the affected side. Regular brushing and rinsing are essential to prevent food debris buildup and avoid tooth decay.

Putting It All Together: A Sample Meal Plan

Here is an example of a diet for a person recovering from Bell's palsy:

Breakfast: Oatmeal made with low-fat milk and topped with berries and a sprinkle of flaxseed for fiber and omega-3s.
Lunch: A large bowl of homemade lentil soup with soft, well-cooked vegetables like carrots and spinach. Serve with moist bread.
Dinner: Flaky, baked salmon with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed green beans.
Snacks: Low-fat yogurt, a banana, or a nourishing smoothie made with leafy greens, fruit, and a protein source.

Conclusion

While a specific dietary intervention cannot cure Bell's palsy, a well-planned nutrition strategy can play a powerful supportive role. By focusing on nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods, particularly those high in B12, omega-3s, and zinc, you can aid nerve recovery. Adjusting food textures to be soft and easy to chew addresses the practical challenges of eating during recovery. Combining these nutritional and dietary adjustments with stress management and good oral hygiene can create a holistic plan to support your body's healing process. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new diet or supplement regimen.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

For more detailed information on managing symptoms and recovery, the National Institutes of Health offers extensive resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, diet alone cannot cure Bell's palsy. However, a nutritious, balanced diet can support nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation, and help manage eating challenges during recovery. A comprehensive treatment plan from a healthcare provider is essential.

B vitamins, particularly B12, are vital for nerve health. B12 helps maintain the myelin sheath that insulates nerves, and some studies suggest it can promote faster recovery. B6 and B1 are also important for nerve function.

Focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Good examples include fatty fish (salmon, tuna), flaxseeds, walnuts, berries, and leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach.

Hard, chewy, stringy, or crumbly foods are often difficult to eat. This includes hard crusts, tough meat, popcorn, and dry toast. Mixed consistency foods like cereal with milk can also be challenging to control in the mouth.

It is often recommended to avoid alcohol and limit caffeine. These can act as diuretics and may contribute to inflammation, which can potentially hinder the healing process.

Choose soft, moist, and easy-to-chew foods. Eat smaller mouthfuls and sit upright while eating. Adding gravy or sauces can help with dry mouth. A physical therapist can also offer specialized exercises and strategies.

Yes, viral infections, such as the herpes simplex virus, are considered a likely cause of Bell's palsy. A diet that emphasizes lysine over arginine may help suppress viral activity. This means increasing intake of foods like fish and dairy while moderating nuts and seeds.