Fever - Diet, Foods
Fever is classified as a medical sign where there is a noticeable increase in body temperature. Children are in the higher risk group while healthy adults have a significantly lower risk. Fever is normally mild but it can sometimes be life threatening. Fever is not a sickness in itself but rather a reaction of the immune system to ward off another disease affecting the body. There are a different ways to treat fever and following a proper diet is very important for a quick recovery.
The diet for fever patients should be worked out in consultation with the doctor. This is an example of a diet plan for fever that you will need to follow until you have recovered completely:
Breakfast:
Everything tastes like cardboard and foam! With the loss of taste you would prefer staying hungry when affected by fever but this will only weaken your system. A healthy breakfast will not only replenish your energy stores but it will also reduce fatigue and lethargy.
- Juices form a great breakfast option when you are down with a fever. Do not have packaged juices but instead have fresh fruit or vegetable juices. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system and so you should start your day with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. A tall glass of orange juice would be a great way to start your day.
- You could also drink some warm milk mixed with either a teaspoon of honey or a pinch of saffron powder.
- Grated almonds and assorted nuts can be added to a glass of warm milk. However it is best to avoid heavy solid foods.
Dinner: - Make sure that your dinner is light, as the digestive system cannot digest heavy foods, especially red meat products.
- You could eat some fresh boiled vegetables as also some salads for dinner. This could also be substituted with some sprouts and beans.
- Vegetarian foods as also soups/broths like chicken soup or vegetable soup is best for dinner.
Diet Guidelines and Therapy: There are a number of diet guidelines that should be followed when affected by fever. Following a proper diet not only help you treat the condition but also strengthen the body. Therefore there are certain things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to your diet.
- As mentioned earlier, keep your diet light and healthy.
- Drink lots of water throughout the day, to keep the body hydrated.
- Foods rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C should be consumed.
- Vegetarian food is a preferred option over meats; especially red meat.
- See to it that you are away from infection; personal and general hygiene is of utmost importance.
- A humidifier in the room will also help to a large extent.
- Rest well and avoid heavy work for at least a week
Healthy Diet During Fever For Adults
Though the condition may be common in both adults and children, the kind of diet will differ to a certain extent. A healthy diet during fever for adults would include the most of what is said above; however certain additions include:
- Eggs can be consumed. The eggs could be raw, boiled or fried.
- Over the counter medication is also recommended; however it should be taken after consultation with your doctor.
- Ginger or garlic can be added to the broth.
Recipe for Fever Patient
- Add a slice of ginger to your tea or some broth. This will help fight the bacterial infection in the body.
- Make a concoction of a tea-spoon of cumin seeds and 4-6 leaves of holy basil and add it to a glass of water. Let the water boil for a while and then consume a teaspoon of this mixture twice daily.
Foods To Avoid During Fever
There are various foods to avoid when affected by fever.
- Do not consume red meat, as it is difficult to digest.
- Junk foods should be strictly avoided.
- You should also stay away from oily and high cholesterol foods
- Avoid cold foods like ice-creams.
- Carbonated drinks are a no-no.
- Alcohol and smoking should be completely avoided.
- At any point if the fever continues for over a week or the body temperature rises over 1000C you should consult your doctor immediately.
Reference Links: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/content/vitamins-minerals
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