Bell's Palsy is a nerve disorder that causes your facial nerves to become irritated, inducing swelling in your face. One side of your face droops and may feel stiff. You may find it difficult to eat for at least the first few weeks. You will need to take your time and eat slowly. Facial exercises as well as medication from your physician will help ease discomfort and help you on your way to recovery. Stress and the herpes simplex virus can cause Bell's Palsy's effects. Avoiding certain foods in your diet will help your recovery progress.
Treatment
Treatment for Bell's Palsy includes corticosteroids and anti-viral medications such as valacyclovir and acyclovir, University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and anti-viral medication will help decrease the inflammation surrounding your facial nerve. This will help you feel more comfortable as well. Bell's palsy can cause intense pain. Your doctor will advise you about taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications for pain.
Cold Foods
Avoid extremely cold foods directly out of the refrigerator or freezer. The coldness from foods or drinks will irritate the facial nerve and cause pain, Dr. Ramji Ragendran reports in his book, "Shafer's Textbook of Oral Pathology." Heat your food to at least room temperature and avoid sudden changes of temperature in the food or drink you consume.
Fatty Fried Foods
Avoid foods with extra fats such as steaks with visible fats. Stay away from foods that drip with oil such as French fries and fried chicken, which is a suggestion nutritionist Linda Prout recommends in her book, "Live in the Balance: The Ground-Breaking East-West Nutrition Program." Avoiding this these type of foods will help you heal better.
Spicy and Hot Foods
Spicy foods can irritate the facial nerve. It will cause increased pain and discomfort, Ragendran states. Any hot or spicy food also may trigger increased swelling. Hot drinks also can irritate your facial nerve. Consume lukewarm drinks rather than liquids of extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold.
Hydrogenated Oils and Healthy Choices
Hydrogenated oils are the ones often used to cook with, Prout states. Avoid these to help your medical condition. Use healthier oils that contain no trans fat such as olive oil. Choose healthier foods such as green leafy vegetables, Prout suggests. You will benefit from the B vitamins in vegetables. The healthier food will help you heal faster.
References
- "Live in the Balance: The Ground-Breaking East-West Nutrition Program" Linda Prout, M.S.; 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bell's Palsy Treatment
- Mayo Clinic: Bell's Palsy
- "Shafer's Textbook Of Oral Pathology 6th Edition"; Ramji Ragendran, M.D., et al.; 2009
