Diet During Fever
Fever is the sign of our immune system working fast to eliminate the disease causing germs from the body. At a high temperature, the immune cells of the body and the enzymes, which are secreted by the cells to ward off disease causing virus and bacteria, work efficiently.
Diet during fever
When we have fever, we don’t feel hungry. However, our thirst increases. To help our immune system to work properly, we should heed to these signals emitted by our body. Your diet during fever should comprise largely of fluids. Drinking plenty of water and fresh fruit and vegetable juices help to keep the body hydrated.
Bacteria and virus are least comfortable in a well-hydrated body. In addition, adequate amount of liquid in the body increases urination. The toxins produced by the harmful germs can be easily flashed out from the body through urination. Moreover, white blood cells need a hydrated body to work properly.
Frequent consumption of orange or lemon juice is often recommended for people suffering from fever. These citrus fruits are powerhouses of vitamin C. Vitamin C boost the body’s immunity. It is essential for fighting infections. Citrus fruit juices also provide energy. However, do not add sugar to the fruit juices. Excess sugar can slow down the function of the immune cells.
As the fever subsides, you can gradually increase your food intake. You can now include vegetable soups, vegetables juices and lentils in your diet. It will be easy for the body to digest vegetable soups and juices. As your condition improves, you can have steamed vegetables, boiled rice and lentils.
Foods to avoid
You should stay away from alcohol, caffeine and refined carbohydrate products. Smoking is extremely harmful for your body during this time. It weakens the immune system. Since fever weakens your digestive system, you should stay away from animal proteins including meat and eggs. Avoid foods rich in zinc and iron. When you are down with fever, your body could not absorb zinc. Iron intake can make it difficult for the white blood cells to fight infections.
