Which food should I avoid in Bell's palsy? A comprehensive guide to nutrition and eating safety

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 1 in 60 people will experience Bell's palsy in their lifetime. Managing the temporary facial paralysis that results is challenging, and knowing which food should I avoid in Bell's palsy is a critical part of a safe and effective recovery.

Quick Summary

During Bell's palsy recovery, it is best to avoid hard, chewy, crumbly, and highly acidic or salty foods due to difficulties with chewing and potential choking risks. Opting for soft, moist, and anti-inflammatory foods can make eating easier and support the healing process.

Key Points

Avoid problematic textures: Hard, chewy, sticky, dry, and stringy foods pose a choking risk and are difficult to manage with weakened facial muscles.
Eliminate mixed consistencies: Mixtures like cereal and milk are challenging to control in the mouth and should be replaced with uniform textures like smooth porridge.
Limit inflammatory foods: High-sugar processed snacks, alcohol, and caffeine may increase inflammation and slow the recovery process.
Consider low-arginine foods: For cases potentially linked to the herpes virus, a diet low in arginine-rich foods like nuts and chocolate may be beneficial, but consult a doctor first.
Boost nerve-supporting nutrients: Incorporate anti-inflammatory omega-3s, B vitamins, zinc, and antioxidants through soft, nutrient-dense foods to aid healing.
Practice mindful eating: Taking smaller bites, eating slowly, and staying upright can greatly reduce the risks of choking and spillage.
Maintain oral hygiene: Ensure you regularly clear food debris from the cheek to prevent dental problems during the recovery period.

The Dual Challenge of Eating with Bell's Palsy

For individuals with Bell's palsy, eating can present two distinct challenges. First, the weakness or paralysis of facial muscles can make the physical act of chewing and swallowing difficult and even dangerous. Weakness in the cheek muscles can cause food to pocket or become trapped on the affected side of the mouth, while lip weakness can lead to spillage and drooling. Second, while diet is not a cure, selecting anti-inflammatory foods can support overall nerve health and healing. The right nutritional choices can promote a smoother, more comfortable recovery.

Which Food Should I Avoid in Bell's Palsy?

Foods with difficult textures

Difficult-to-chew textures can be a primary hazard for those with facial weakness. The inability to properly manipulate food with a weak cheek or seal the lips can lead to choking or food debris being left in the mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay. It is recommended to avoid:

Hard and chewy foods: Tough cuts of meat, uncooked crunchy vegetables, crusty bread, and hard sweets require significant chewing effort.
Stringy foods: Foods like raw lettuce, celery, green beans, and corn on the cob can be difficult to manage and chew thoroughly.
Dry and crumbly items: Crackers, dry biscuits, and some varieties of rice can easily break apart and cause coughing or gagging.
Mixed consistencies: Cereal in milk, a common breakfast choice, can be difficult to control and may increase the risk of choking. A smooth porridge is a better alternative.
Foods with small pips or husks: Examples include peas, baked beans, and seeds, which can get stuck in the cheek.

Pro-inflammatory and stimulating items

Some research suggests that reducing overall inflammation can be beneficial during recovery, especially given the presumed inflammatory or viral origins of Bell's palsy. To support this, it is wise to limit or avoid foods that may promote inflammation or negatively impact the body's healing process:

Processed and sugary foods: High intake of refined sugars, fried foods, and highly processed snacks can increase inflammation and hinder optimal bodily function.
Excessive salt: Limiting salty foods is often recommended during illness. Some sources suggest restricting salt intake to help manage blood pressure, though this is not a universal recommendation for Bell's palsy.
Alcohol and caffeine: These can act as stimulants and may dehydrate the body, potentially slowing recovery.
High-arginine foods: Since some cases of Bell's palsy are linked to herpes simplex virus reactivation, some experts suggest a low-arginine, high-lysine diet. Foods high in arginine include walnuts, peanuts, and chocolate. This approach, however, lacks strong clinical evidence and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Potential allergens

Food allergies can cause inflammation and a systemic reaction. If you have known food sensitivities, avoiding those allergens is crucial, as any added inflammatory stress could potentially impact recovery. Common food allergens include eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, and nuts.

Comparison: Foods to Avoid vs. Foods to Enjoy

Making the right food choices can significantly improve comfort and safety. Here's a quick comparison to guide your meal planning:


Attribute	Foods to Avoid	Foods to Favor
Texture	Hard, chewy, stringy, sticky, crumbly	Soft, moist, puréed, liquid
Consistency	Mixed (e.g., cereal in milk)	Uniform (e.g., oatmeal, soup)
Examples	Tough steak, crusty bread, raw carrots	Soft fish, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, smooth yogurt
Flavor Profile	Spicy, highly acidic, very salty	Mild, gentle flavors
Preparation	Fried, processed, excessively baked	Steamed, boiled, blended, slow-cooked

How Your Diet Can Support Nerve Health

Beyond avoiding problematic foods, incorporating nutrient-dense options can support your body's healing process.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect nerves from damage. Excellent sources include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
B Vitamins: B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, are vital for nerve health and function. Include foods like fish, eggs, poultry, lean meats, and whole grains.
Zinc: This mineral is crucial for nerve growth and immune function. Oysters, seafood, pork, and legumes are good sources.
Antioxidants: Found in abundance in fresh fruits and vegetables (especially berries and leafy greens), antioxidants combat inflammation and cellular damage.
Vitamin C: A key antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, vitamin C can support nerve recovery. Sources include citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries.

Conclusion

While a modified diet is not a substitute for prescribed medical treatment, it serves as a crucial self-care measure during Bell's palsy recovery. By focusing on soft, moist, and anti-inflammatory foods, you can navigate the practical challenges of eating safely while also supporting the nerve's healing process. Remember to prioritize small, manageable bites, eat slowly, and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent complications. Always consult your healthcare provider or a dietitian for personalized dietary advice. For additional resources on managing symptoms, you can refer to the patient guides provided by Facial Palsy UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

A soft diet is recommended because the temporary facial paralysis makes chewing and controlling food in the mouth very difficult. Choosing soft, easy-to-chew foods reduces the risk of choking and frustration, making mealtimes safer and more comfortable.

Yes, some foods are known to promote inflammation, which could potentially hinder recovery. It is wise to limit processed foods, refined sugars, excessive salt, and alcohol, and instead focus on anti-inflammatory options like fresh fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s.

Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as some sources suggest they can hinder recovery. Additionally, use a thin-lipped cup or a Kapi-cup to prevent spillage, and avoid drinking directly from a bottle.

Some evidence suggests a link between Bell's palsy and the herpes virus, which uses the amino acid arginine for replication. Nuts and chocolate are high in arginine. Discuss with your doctor if a low-arginine diet is appropriate for you, but be aware this is not a universally accepted recommendation.

Yes, foods rich in B vitamins (especially B12), omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and antioxidants can support nerve health and aid in recovery. Examples include eggs, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and nuts.

Foods with mixed consistencies are difficult to manage with facial weakness and can cause coughing. It's better to separate these items, such as eating a smooth soup on its own without crackers, or choosing a uniform texture like a thick porridge.

If you are finding it hard to eat enough solid food, focus on nutrient-dense, soft options. This can include smoothies made with yogurt and fruit, puréed soups, or shakes. In some cases, a dietitian might recommend high-calorie supplement drinks.

The weak facial muscles can allow food to pocket in the cheek on the affected side. To prevent this, eat smaller mouthfuls and eat more slowly. After meals, use your finger or a water flosser to gently clear any trapped debris.