How to get rid of fever naturally

In order to cope with various pathogenic invaders, our immune system “recruits” various means and mechanisms. One of them is to increase body temperature above normal- the well-known fever.

What is considered a fever?

A fever is defined as an increase in body temperature above the normal 24-hour variation.

More specifically, 36.6 °C has prevailed as the average temperature of a healthy person. However, during the day, under normal conditions, the temperature can vary from:

• 37.2-37.5 °C, during the night, the so-called tenths,
• 36.1-36.3 °C early in the morning.

In a more general context, an adult is considered to have a “fever” when his body temperature rises above 37.5 °C (during the day), while a child above 37.2-37.5 °C (measurement of temperature from the armpit ).

It is worth noting that the above numbers are not absolute and depend both on the way the measurement was made (anus, mouth, armpit), but also on various other factors such as:[1][2]

• the age
• the gender
• the coexistence of sports activity
• high ambient temperature
• the time of day
• the cycle stage

How to break a fever

We will note that fever is not a disease, but a symptom. It is a defense mechanism that our body uses to fight an infection. Most of the time it is not a life-threatening condition, and when it is not too high, it can be easily managed in a variety of natural ways.

1. Hydration

Having a fever can often lead to dehydration, although it is not an obvious consequence. It is especially important to consume up to 3 liters of water per day or electrolyte solutions. In this way you will replenish the minerals, which are “lost” due to the increased temperature of the body, but also body’s requirements.

Prefer a fresh orange juice, which will provide hydration and valuable Vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. In children, try giving water in a few tablespoons every 10 minutes to prevent dehydration.

In addition, it is very important to avoid the consumption of caffeinated drinks, as well as caffeinated teas, as they would accelerate the dehydration of the body.

Adequate hydration contributes not only to feeling good, but also to “dropping” your body temperature. [3]

2. Warm shower and compresses

Take a shower with lukewarm water. In this way you will cool down, you will be relieved and you will be able to gradually bring your body temperature back to normal levels.

Be careful, don’t try to take a cold bath or submerge your body in a tub of cold water. This way the blood will reflexively move to your internal organs causing your insides to further heat up instead of cooling down. Also, don’t bathe or shower when you feel a chill, but after this passes.

Compresses soaked in cool water and a little vinegar will help you reduce the fever. Place them in areas such as:

• the armpits
• the forehead, the front line in combat
• the back of the neck
• the fruits
• the calves
• or the groin area

A good practice, especially in young children, is to wear wet socks for about 10 minutes if these are tolerated. [3][4]

3. Wear comfortable clothes

Although it may seem counterintuitive when someone has a fever and is obviously cold, light clothing is recommended.

In this way, the high temperature of the body escapes to the surrounding space and provides relief. Τhus gradually restores body’s temperature to normal levels. [5][6]

4. Relaxation

It may sound like simple advice, but experts recommend rest and patience as the most basic method for managing a fever.

It makes sense, if we think about it, that during an infection and especially when there are other symptoms besides fever (myalgias, arthralgias) you may feel particularly tired and uncomfortable. [5][6]

Let your body rest and try to sleep. In this way, you give your immune system “space” to deal with the underlying infection.

5. Diet

Remember that fever is a symptom. The immune system is in a “battle” with some pathogenic invader and with temperature increasing it tries to inhibit its action.

What it needs are the necessary nutrients to be able to function at their best. For this reason, it is recommended to eat certain foods:

• Chicken soup: rich in amino acids and nutrients, with studies proving its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antioxidant effects.
• Garlic: it is known for its immune enhancing and antibacterial action.
• Honey: research shows that it can directly and effectively strengthen the immune system.
• Kefir: a drink rich in probiotics – “friendly” bacteria, which not only balance the flora of the gastrointestinal tract, but show excellent immune-enhancing effects.

In general, prefer:

• seasonal fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients that the body needs, while at the same time they will give you hydration.
• foods of high protein value (chicken breast, tuna) and low in fat. [6][7]

In fact, be sure to limit the consumption of sugar, as it creates an acidic environment, suitable for the growth of microbes, while research shows that it can suppress the immune function to some extent.

6. Food supplements

During a common cold, the immune system tries to “kill” the pathogen and manage the infection. Listed below are certain vitamins and herbs that have been stand out for their immune-enhancing properties. [9]

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Echinacea
• Pelargonium sidoides
• Propolis
• Astragalus

When to worry

Of course, there are certain conditions that may coexist and make fever a dangerous and life-threatening symptom.

Contact your doctor if:[2][8]

• You have a fever of over 40°C, which does not go down with antipyretics.
• You have a high fever (38.5-39°C) for more than 72 hours in a row.
• You have a fever that comes and goes for more than a week (even if it’s not particularly high).
• You experience a headache with neck stiffness.
• You suffer from an illness (cardiac, diabetes) or if the fever is combined with pain when urinating.
• A rash or bruising appears.
• You have returned from a trip to a foreign country.
• If you are pregnant.

It is worth remembering that fever is (at least most of the time) a normal reaction of the body. It occurs at all ages, from infants to the elderly, and may exist alone or in combination with other symptoms. Most commonly, it goes away on its own.

In any case, if you persist or have any reason for concern, as mentioned above, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.

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