Should one avoid certain foods with facial neuritis?

Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

Updated on May 05, 2025

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Patients with facial neuritis should still avoid certain foods during the acute phase. They should avoid alcohol, spicy and irritating foods, and preferably seafood as well. Consuming these foods may lead to immune dysfunction, which is detrimental to nerve recovery. Patients with facial neuritis are advised to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain high levels of Vitamin C to enhance the body's resistance. They can also consume foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, lean meats, and animal liver. For medication treatment, it is essential to treat promptly. If there are no contraindications, corticosteroids may be used under a doctor’s advice. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)

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Written by Liu Hong Mei

Neurology

48sec

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Can facial neuritis be treated with hot compresses?

Facial neuritis can be treated with heat application, which can promote local blood circulation in the face and accelerate the repair of nerve functions. Patients with facial paralysis can control the water temperature at about 60°C during heat application, applying heat twice a day, each time for 10~15 minutes. It is important to prevent burns and treatments can also be combined with acupuncture and physiotherapy, which can nourish the nerves or use small doses of hormones. A light diet should be maintained, along with plenty of rest and adequate sleep. Avoid spicy, stimulating, excitatory foods, as well as raw, hard, and indigestible foods. Regularly eat fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 11sec

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Symptoms of facial neuritis

Facial neuritis, known as idiopathic facial paralysis, is a common disease in neurology. The main clinical manifestations and symptoms include acute onset, peaking within several hours to days. The primary manifestation is paralysis of the expression muscles on the affected side of the face, such as diminished forehead wrinkles, inability to open the eye, furrow the brow, or weak eyelid closure. Some patients may experience pain behind the ear, and in the tympanic membrane and external ear canal. Additionally, some patients exhibit deviation of the mouth corner, air leakage when puffing or whistling, and difficulty retaining food residues while eating or leaking water while drinking. Other patients may experience loss of taste in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, along with secretion disorders of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Overall, the diagnosis of facial neuritis is relatively straightforward, and its clinical presentation is not particularly complex. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, timely treatment is essential, and most patients can recover.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

56sec

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Can facial neuritis patients eat beef?

Most patients with facial neuritis have a relatively good prognosis, as long as timely drug treatment is provided, along with some acupuncture rehabilitation and therapy training. Many patients will completely recover from their symptoms within one to two months, and most will not suffer from any long-term sequelae. There are no special dietary requirements for patients with facial neuritis, and they can eat beef. Beef contains rich, high-quality proteins that can boost the body's immune system and help prevent complications caused by facial neuritis, so it is permissible to eat beef. In addition, patients with facial neuritis should also consume more cereals because cereals are rich in B vitamins, which are beneficial for recovery. It is also advocated that patients eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Moreover, patients should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

52sec

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How long does it take for facial neuritis to recover?

Facial neuritis, also known as idiopathic facial paralysis, generally has a good prognosis for most patients. Typically, treatment involves corticosteroids, supplemented with B vitamins, along with rehabilitative physiotherapy and local acupuncture. Most patients can recover within one to two months, and many do not experience any residual effects. However, if the facial nerve paralysis is particularly severe from the onset, and the patient is elderly with additional risk factors such as diabetes, recovery may be slower, possibly taking between two to eight months. Some patients may even suffer from some degree of lasting effects. Therefore, while most cases of facial neuritis recover well, usually within one to two months, more severe cases may need up to eight months or longer for recovery.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li

Neurology

1min 6sec

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Can facial neuritis eat fish?

Patients with facial neuritis who are not allergic to seafood can eat fish. Fish contains a large amount of high-quality protein, which can supplement the essential proteins needed by the human body and improve the patient's physique. Patients can also eat other lean meats and poultry eggs, and consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. If a patient develops facial neuritis, they should avoid spicy and stimulating food, such as hot peppers. Active treatment should also be pursued, including the early use of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisone, as well as drugs that nourish the nerves, commonly including B vitamins, vitamin B12, vitamin B1, and derivatives of B vitamins such as adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. One week after the onset, acupuncture and physiotherapy can be considered, and many patients can be clinically cured. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)