A fever is a good sign that you are sick because it means your body is trying to kill the virus or bacteria that has made you sick. One downside, however, is that an increased body temperature often puts off people’s appetites. Even though you’re thirsty and don’t want to eat, you shouldn’t live on popsicles and ice cream alone. Your body needs the right fuel to fight off the infection. There are also foods you should not eat when you have a fever, just like there are foods you should eat.
It can be hard to eat when you’re not in the mood, but eating the right, healthy foods will make you stronger. These include:
There’s a reason why chicken soup is a sick-food staple. The broth can help you drink more water, which can lower your body temperature and get rid of toxins. The sodium can help your body replace electrolytes. Plus, chicken soup is full of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein—as long as it actually contains chicken.
Speaking of protein, your body needs as much as it can get with a fever. However, the right healthy protein is key. You don’t have to worry about your body burning more calories than it needs to because poultry and fish are high in protein and easy to digest. Plus, salmon and other oily fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep your immune system strong.
Fruits and vegetables are crucial to incorporate into your diet—and even more so when you’re sick. Fruits are rich in many vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system. Also, many vegetables are very healthy and full of good things for you like potassium, fiber, folic acid, and vitamin A.
You don’t want to waste time and energy eating foods that won’t help you feel better. Therefore, it’s best to avoid the following foods with a fever:
When you’re down with a fever, eating is probably the last thing on your mind. But nourishing your body with the right foods is crucial to help fight infection and get back on your feet faster. This begs the question – when you have a fever, can you eat shrimp?
In this article, we’ll take a close look at whether shrimp is a smart choice when you’re running a temperature and provide nutritionist-approved fever food dos and don’ts.
Is Shrimp OK to Eat With a Fever?
The short answer is yes, shrimp can be part of a balanced fever-fighting diet. That’s because shrimp contains nutrients that can help give your immune system a leg up when you’re under the weather.
“Shrimp is rich in selenium, zinc, antioxidant vitamins C and E, and vitamin B12 – all nutrients that support immune function,” explains Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, a nutrition expert and author.
Plus, shrimp is a lean source of protein, which provides the amino acids your body needs to create antibodies and fight illness.
When sick your appetite likely isn’t up to par. Shrimp can be an easy protein to tolerate since it’s naturally soft and tender making it gentle on your stomach and digestive system.
Shrimp also contains carotenoids like astaxanthin which have anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease fever symptoms.
So by all means, enjoy a serving of succulent shrimp when you have a fever. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s opaque in the center. Raw or undercooked shrimp may contain bacteria that can make you sicker. An internal temperature of 145°F will kill any potential pathogens.
7 Nourishing Foods to Eat When You Have a Fever
Along with shrimp, here are some other nourishing foods to include in your diet when you’re down with a fever:
1. Chicken Soup
This classic comfort food is rich in immune-supporting amino acids. The broth keeps you hydrated while the heat may help soothe sore throats or nasal congestion.
2. Yogurt
Look for unsweetened yogurt with live active cultures. The probiotics can strengthen your gut microbiome and immune defenses. Greek yogurt also provides protein.
3. Bananas
Bananas are easy on the stomach. They replenish potassium lost through fever sweats and vomiting. The prebiotics may also benefit your gut microbes.
4. Coconut Water
Isotonic coconut water helps replenish fluids and electrolytes like potassium faster than plain water. It’s also an anti-inflammatory.
5. Honey
Honey has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infection. It coats and soothes sore throats too. Use it to sweeten tea or yogurt.
6. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, a potent antimicrobial that may help fight fever pathogens. Its vasodilating effects improve circulation too.
7. Ginger
Ginger contains gingerol and other compounds that reduce inflammation and ease nausea and vomiting from fever. Enjoy it in broth or tea.
When your appetite is low, nutrient-dense soups and smoothies containing some of these foods can help maximize nutrition intake.
Foods to Avoid With a Fever
On the flip side, there are certain foods that can make you feel worse when you already have a fever. Here’s what to limit:
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Sugary foods – Simple carbs and sweets raise inflammation. Steer clear of sodas, juice, candy, cake, and ice cream.
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Processed deli meats – These are hard to digest and may contain excessive sodium. Stick to plain cooked meats.
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Raw vegetables – While nutrient-rich, raw veggies are too fibrous. Cooked is easier to digest.
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Fried or fatty foods – Greasy foods can upset stomachs and amplify fever nausea. Avoid burgers, fries, bacon, sausage etc.
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Caffeine and alcohol – These dehydrate the body. Stick to water, soup broths, herbal tea, and diluted juices.
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Milk or dairy – Dairy is mucus-producing. Limit or avoid it until your congestion clears.
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Citrus fruits – The acidity may irritate sore throats. Softer fruits like bananas, applesauce, and melon are better bets.
The key is focusing on hydration and easy-to-digest foods that provide immune-lifting nutrients but won’t tax your GI system.
Tips for Eating Well When You Have a Fever
Here are some additional tips to follow when eating with a fever:
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Eat small, frequent meals – Large meals can decrease appetite. Eat small portions every 2-3 hours instead.
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Choose cold or room-temperature foods – Very hot or icy foods may hurt throats or sensitive teeth.
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Stay hydrated – Sip warm broth, herbal tea, or flat water throughout the day.
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Opt for bland foods – Strongly flavored or spicy foods may turn off tender taste buds. Keep it simple.
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Sit upright – Avoid lying down right after meals to minimize reflux. Prop yourself up with pillows.
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Practice safe food handling – Wash hands and surfaces well to avoid passing illness to others.
Listening to your body and responding to hunger cues is key. Don’t force food if nausea is persistent. Rest and hydration are most vital.
Sample Fever-Friendly Menu
Here’s what a day of nourishing fever-friendly meals could look like:
Breakfast: Oatmeal made with lowfat milk, honey, and banana slices
Snack: Frozen berry smoothie with yogurt
Lunch: Vegetable barley soup with shrimp and crackers
Snack: Apple sauce cup
Dinner: Baked chicken with carrots and rice
Snack: Chamomile tea with honey
Focus on simple, soothing foods that provide protein, vitamins, minerals, fluids, and probiotics to help you beat your fever faster.
Battling a fever taxes your entire body. Support your immune system and recovery by staying hydrated and eating small, frequent, nutrient-packed meals.
Shrimp can be part of a fever-friendly diet since it provides protein, selenium, zinc, and anti-inflammatory carotenoids. Pair it with probiotics, broths, antimicrobial foods, and plenty of fluids.
Be sure to get adequate rest and avoid exerting yourself physically so your body can direct its limited energy towards healing. With diligent self-care and proper nutrition, you’ll be back to normal sooner than later!
Caffeinated & Alcoholic Drinks
Running a fever can cause you to sweat and lose fluids. Since caffeine and alcohol can make you thirsty, it’s best to stay away from them and keep drinking water and electrolyte drinks.
While you may want comfort food when you’re sick, sugar-packed foods like donuts, cake, and other sweet treats don’t have many beneficial nutrients—if any at all. Too much sugar can also inflame your stomach and cause your immune system to work harder.
Foods To Eat During Fever
FAQ
Can we eat seafood during a fever?
Can I eat shrimp while sick?
Which food should I avoid in a fever?
Is eggs OK for fever?
Can you eat a chicken soup if you have a fever?
And just like there are certain foods to eat, there are also ones to avoid when you have a fever. It can be difficult to eat when you’re not in the mood, but you’ll get stronger by eating the right, nutrient-rich foods. These include: There’s a reason why chicken soup is a sick-food staple.
What to eat if you have a fever?
Broth This is a very common meal and an excellent source of hydration to keep you going during a fever. It contains a bunch of savory flavors, calories, vitamins, and minerals. Taking broth when hot makes it even more effective as it helps fight nasal congestion and also calm your stomach so you can keep down food.
Can vegetables help a fever?
Vegetables, like carrots, onions, and celery, can help in reducing the symptoms of a fever as they supply a surplus of vital vitamins and minerals that support the immune system. Dr. Jose recommends having these vegetables in a pot of homemade chicken soup. However, it’s important to note that a large platter of crudité should be avoided.
Can you eat ice cream if you have a fever?
Despite being hot and not wanting to eat, you shouldn’t solely survive off popsicles and ice cream—you need to provide your body with the right fuel to help fight off the infection. And just like there are certain foods to eat, there are also ones to avoid when you have a fever.