New Health Guide

Best Foods to Eat with a Fever

Jul 06, 2017

Fever can be caused by many conditions like colds, infections and diseases.

This is how you can treat fever at home

  • Start by taking your temperature- If it is below 102 Farenheit, then there is no need for treatment.
  • If the temperature is above 102 Farenheit, follow this simple guide for treatment.
  • You can take some medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Cool your body using targeted measures such as taking a lukewarm shower.

This article will mainly discuss things you should eat and should avoid when having a fever.

What to Eat When You Have Fever

1. Fluids

If a patient is suffering from fever, they should be put on a water and juice diet for a number of days. Drinking a glass of orange juice after every 3 hours is beneficial for people suffering from fever. Orange juice is not only a great source of energy, but it is also rich in Vitamin C. It, therefore, enhances natural immunity and increases the body's ability to fight diseases such as fever.

2. Chicken soup

Besides providing the necessary fluids needed by those suffering from fever, chicken soup also provides nutrients, warmth and proteins. The Mayo clinic notes that chicken soup helps in reducing congestion along with various flu-related symptoms that accompany fever and high body temperatures. When chicken soup is mixed with vegetables, it becomes a good source of antioxidant-nutrients, which help in supporting the immune system. The proteins contained in chicken soup help in repairing body tissues and help hasten the process of recovering from fever and other illnesses.

3. Probiotic foods

Consider what to eat when you have fever? Try probiotic foods! These are also referred to as healthy bacteria, and they are similar to the good bacteria found in the body. A research released in July 2009 and published in “Pediatrics” indicates that probiotic foods can effectively heal fever and cough. These foods can also be used as antibiotic in children. The research further indicated that children between the age of 3 to 5 years with fever or cold-like symptoms who consumed probiotics for not less than six months demonstrate 32% less fever and cough compared to children with fever and cough who didn’t take probiotics. Food sources rich in probiotic include yogurt, fermented cabbage, fermented soya products, sauerkraut and buttermilk.

4. A soft diet

A soft diet comprises of steamed vegetables, porridge, boiled eggs and yoghurt. The main reason why these foods are referred to as soft foods is because they are easy to digest and supply the body with loads of energy necessary for hastening the recovery process.

5. Vegetable broth

When you have a fever, and you want to treat it, rice porridge and ginger combined with vegetable broth is one of the best diets you can have. This is because it is easy for the body to digest this food. In addition, ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help in eliminating the fever at the initial stage.

6. Fresh fruits

What to eat when you have fever? An all-fruit diet is good for those suffering from fever. Besides fruits being easier to digest, they are also loaded with a variety of vitamins which help in hastening the recovery process. Some of the fresh fruits that those suffering from fever can include oranges, apples, grapes, lemons pineapples etc. If you have a fever, you are discouraged from eating canned or tinned fruits juices. These juices are loaded with high amount of preservatives, which delay the process of recovery.

7. Foods to add to the liquid

  • Garlic
    Garlic is one of the best foods to add to the fluids taken when one is suffering from fever. It contains a high percentage of antioxidants which help boost the body's immune system. If you have fever, mix hot water and garlic twice a day for one week.
  • Angelica root
    Angelica root is highly effective when it comes to curing fever. When mixed with hot water or other liquids that are supposed to be consumed by those with fever, this root lowers high body temperature which is one symptom of fever. It can be added to food to make it more digestible.
  • Tartar liquid
    This is an odorless liquid which can be added to water, soup or even vegetables. It helps in reducing coughs, which is also another symptom of fever. Adding one table spoon of tartar liquid to foods also make them easily digestible, thus perfect for people suffering from fever.
  • Raisins
    Raisins are dry grapes, and there are also among foods suitable for consumption by people suffering from fever. Raisins also contain antioxidants, which improves on the immune system thus fighting illnesses such as fever. They are also rich in Vitamin C, giving the body more ability to recover quickly.
  • Basils
    Basils are Indian herbs used for treating a variety of ailments. These herbs can heal fever if added to food or drinks. They also help patients suffering from fever by promoting quick recovery.
  • Oregano
    Oregano is a type of perennial herb that is common in the Mediterranean region. It is used for curing many diseases such as respiratory diseases and sore throat. It can be taken orally to cure colds, flu and fever.

What Not to Eat When You Have Fever

Knowing what to eat when you have fever is not enough, these are specific foods, which should be avoided by patients suffering from fever. Some of the foods that you are supposed to avoid when you are suffering from fever include fried foods, raw foods and junk foods. The reason why these foods should be avoided when one is because they are difficult to digest. They are sometimes attributed to excessive strain along the gastro-intestinal system.

Videos on how to reduce fever naturally

Here are some videos you can watch and learn other additional tips on how to reduce fever naturally.

General tips: 

Acupressure points: 

When to See a Doctor

When you notice any of these signs, please visit a doctor for immediate examination

  • Severe headache
  • Sore throat
  • Unusual skin rash
  • Mental confusion
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Difficulty when breathing
  • Abdominal pain or feeling pain when passing urine
  • Increased eye sensitivity to light, particularly bright light
  • Extreme irritability
  • Other unexplained symptoms