Simple and Safe Ways to Bring Down a Fever
A fever is a natural response by our body to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause infections. Harmful bacteria and viruses can thrive at the regular body temperature (98.6ºF), but a fever can greatly weaken the germs and severely limit their ability to reproduce. Normal body temperature is different for children than adults and also can vary among individuals.
A fever is a good thing and usually will go away within a few days. But if a fever is making you uncomfortable, you can try some simple and easy remedies to cool the body down and make you feel better.
Tips to Get Rid of Fever:
- Lower the room temperature.
- Sports drinks are acceptable liquids for re-hydration.
- Take plenty of fluids to help replace the water lost in the body through sweat.
- Soak a wash cloth in cool tap water, wring out the excess water and then sponge areas like your armpits, feet, hands and groin to reduce the temperature.
- Basil is an effective herb for bringing down a fever. Its healing properties will help reduce fever very quickly.
- The warm nature of garlic can also lower a high fever by promoting sweating. This also helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body and speed up recovery.
- Ginger helps the body expel heat, which in turn helps reduce fever.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes when you have a fever to help your body relax and improve air circulation to help you stay cool.
- Avoid smoking to the risks of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, smoking also suppresses the body’s immune system.
- Too much caffeine can be bad for you when you have a fever. Caffeine overdose can cause fevers, headaches, insomnia, diarrhea, irritability, and dizziness.
- Avoid alcohol, whether it is beer, wine, or another drink when you have a fever, regardless of severity.
- Avoid inflammatory foods like corn syrup, sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, cane juice, low-quality cereals, chips, snacks etc.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods like Fruits such as strawberries, cherries, and oranges, Nuts like almonds and walnuts, Green leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale and Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
