FEVER-REDUCE IT OR LEAVE IT? (NATURAL REMEDIES)

When your body temperature rises because of an infection, it’s called a fever. Fevers are caused by chemicals called pyrogens flowing in the bloodstream.  Pyrogens make their way to the hypothalamus in the brain, which oversees regulating body temperature. When pyrogens join certain receptors in the hypothalamus, body temperature rises. 

One common pyrogen is called Interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 is produced by white blood cells called macrophages when they encounter certain bacteria and viruses. IL-1 has multiple functions. They signal other white blood cells, called helper T cells, into action. 

So, if a fever helps your body react to bacteria and viruses why would we try to lower it. A fever is there for a reason. The fever warns you that something is wrong, but also helps your body to fight whatever it is dealing with. I personally do not take anything to lower fever unless the fever is above 101 F.  Long term fevers (longer than three days) require assistance and advice should be sought after.  Fevers can sometimes get out of control which is also another suggestion that more than just the fever is required to help. If the low-grade fever is prolonged, or if the fever is rising even further, then seek medical attention sooner and take medication to lower it until help is available. 

Most fevers are not dangerous.  A fever would have to climb to above 107.6 F to damage a brain.   

NATURAL METHODS TO REDUCE FEVERS: 

  1. 1. Tepid bath 

  1. 2. Increase your water intake to stay well hydrated 

  1. 3. No sugar – sugar feeds the bacteria and lowers your immune response 

  1. 4. Clear soups, preferably homemade.  If using base, use a base without MSG 

  1. 5. Take a good calcium supplement.  Dr. Bernard Jensen stated that one of the main functions of a fever “is to  pull ionizable calcium out of the bones and draw it into the blood where it is useful for fighting infections.”  

  1. 6. Of course, to help fight the infection, add Vitamin C, D and Zinc.