Bell's Palsy :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Bell's Palsy

Symptoms

The facial paralysis of Bell's palsy occurs quickly and dramatically, affecting all the muscles on one side of the face. The eyelid, cheek and mouth corner droop. In some cases, where the eyelids cannot be closed, dryness and irritation results. The paralysis itself is painless, though the ear may hurt shortly before the paralysis. Numbness and heaviness are felt on the affected side, and the skin tingles. Despite the paralysis, the sensitivity of the face is not lost. Bell's palsy should resolve itself in about two weeks. In more severe cases, it takes months.

Causes

The paralysis is caused by an unknown mechanism which affects the nerves of the face. It is thought that a virus or *immune system problem results in nerve swelling which produces the paralysis. Other causes of facial nerve paralysis are injury, *tumors and *ear infections.

Nutrition

Leafy green vegetables, dairy products made from unpasteurized, unhomogenized milk and eggs will help heal facial paralysis. These foods are rich in the B vitamins, especially vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin B₃ (niacin), which are needed for a healthy nervous system. Nutritional yeast, used daily as a bread spread, added to soups and sauces or sprinkled on salads is another good food source of B vitamins.

Ensure that the essential fatty acids, required for the proper functioning of the nervous system, are included in your daily diet in the form of unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil, walnut oil or pumpkin seed oil. The essential fatty acids contained in these oils are converted in the body to prostaglandins which reduce inflammation.

To keep swelling and *pain to a minimum, avoid salt, which causes water retention. Avoid red meats, as these are high in salt and promote inflammation. Most vegetables, especially broccoli, zucchini and carrots, are high in potassium and low in sodium and therefore help the body eliminate excess fluid and reduce swelling. Chili peppers contain an anti-inflammatory substance which reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain.

Nutritional Supplements

The B vitamins are essential for the nerves and an important supplement in times of physical or emotional *stress. Vitamin B1 will provide additional nerve support. B₁₂ is essential. It is involved in many biochemical nerve processes. Supplementation has offered relief within a couple of weeks in many instances and has even spurred recovery in persistent, chronic cases. B₁₂ injections are the most effective, as they treat the source of the problem specifically. The next best form of B₁₂ is a sublingual tablet, dissolved under the tongue. Vitamin B₁₂ absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth directly into the bloodstream.

Evening primrose oil is rich in the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which provides the body with nutrients needed to combat inflammation and to support healthy nerve function. Vitamin C is always helpful against inflammation and should be taken regularly.

The minerals magnesium and calcium are also recommended as they are essential for the nerves and to relieve spasms and *cramps causing the problem.

Daily Dosages

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg two to three times daily

Vitamin B₁₂, sublingual tablet, 1,000 mcg

Magnesium, 250 mg three times daily

Calcium, 500 mg three times daily
Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg to bowel tolerance (see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements)

Vitamin B₁, 100 mg

Herbal Remedies

To relax blood vessels and stimulate blood circulation, take 50 mg ginkgo standardized extract in water daily until condition improves.

Other effective herbal remedies include valerian, St. John_s wort and avena sativa, an extract of wild oats.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are an excellent treatments to speed recovery. A few remedies are listed below and should be used if the symptoms suit the case. Use the 6c strength, placing 2 tablets under the tongue, repeating hourly for three to six doses, then three times daily.

Aconite is recommended in the beginning stages when the onset of facial paralysis is sudden and there is numbness and tingling. Exposure to cold can bring on the paralysis.

Causticum is a remedy for right-sided facial paralysis with a slower onset. There is *twitching and spasming of the facial muscles. Cold worsens the condition.

Dulcamara is another remedy to consider. There is a great sensitivity to cold and damp weather, to drafts and to changes in weather. Speaking is often difficult.

Gelsemium is a remedy when the facial paralysis is accompanied by exhaustion and trembling associated with a *cold or flu.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily.

Ferr phos for a sudden inflammation from exposure to cold.

Kali phos is the principle remedy for facial paralysis as it is a primary nerve nourisher, especially when the nerve problems are associated with mental or emotional overwork.

Use Kali mur for swelling and subacute inflammation, which is typical of Bell's palsy.

External/Physical Therapies

Pulsed electromagnetic therapy is most beneficial. Apply three to six times a day for thirty minutes.

Apply a hot pack to the face to increase circulation.

As a prevention, avoid exposing face to prolonged cold or draft.

Other Suggestions

In severe cases that fail to respond to conservative management, consider the use of the following intramuscular injections: vitamin B12 1,000 mcg IM daily for 2 weeks; magnesium sulphate 1,000 mg or more IM daily.

Available Brand Name Products: Nutritional Supplements