The term fever refers to elevated body temperature caused by an illness or disease. Temperatures over 99 to 99.5 degrees generally indicate a fever. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the most common causes of fever include respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial and viral gastroenteritis and severe infections, including pneumonia, appendicitis, tuberculosis and skin or bone infections. In addition to medical treatment and rest, certain foods may support recovery from conditions linked with fever.
Fluids
Fluids refer to beverages and solid foods that can melt into liquid form. The University of Wisconsin School of Public Medicine and Public Health suggests that children and adults consume plentiful amounts of fluids while experiencing heightened body temperatures. Fluids also provide valuable nutrient options for people with reduced appetite. Valuable fluid options include water, fruit and vegetable juices, gelatin, frozen fruit bars, Popsicles, herbal teas and soups.
When diarrhea or vomiting accompany fever, beverages that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks, may help prevent electrolyte imbalances--improper balance of vital salts in the body that can cause heart, muscle and nerve problems. If a person's urine comes out clear or pale yellow, she is likely consuming sufficient amounts of fluid, according to the Mayo Clinic. Excessive fruit juice consumption and sports beverages may not be suitable for children.
Chicken Soup
In addition to contributing necessary fluids, chicken soup provides warmth, nutrients and protein. According to the Mayo Clinic, chicken soup can help reduce congestion and other flu-related symptoms that accompany high body temperatures. Chicken soup that contains vegetables, either in whole vegetable or vegetable broth form, provides antioxidants--nutrients that support the immune system. The protein present in chicken is important in tissue repair and lean tissue growth and maintenance while recovering from illnesses and infections.
Since creamy soups may be less effective in reducing congestion, broth-based chicken soup is ideal. Vegetarians can reap similar benefits from broth-based soups containing legumes or soy protein.
Probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria similar to the "good" bacteria found in the body. According to research published in "Pediatrics" in July 2009, probiotics may effectively reduce fever, cough and duration of antibiotic need in children. Children between ages three and five with flu- or cold-like symptoms who consumed probiotics for six months demonstrated 32 percent less coughing and fever than children who did not. As a result, researchers speculated that probiotics may effectively reduce fever, cough, duration of antibiotic medication need and number of school absences in children. Valuable food sources of probiotics include yogurt with live active cultures, kefir (a yogurt-like beverage), fermented soy products, fermented cabbage, buttermilk and sauerkraut. Numerous foods and beverages fortified with probiotics are also available.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fever Information
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Fever Health Information
- Mayo Clinic: Influenze Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "Pediatrics"; Probiotic Effects on Cold and Influenza-Like Symptom Incidence and Duration in Children; Gregory J. Leyer, PhD et al.; July 2009
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