If you’re feeling under the weather and running a fever, it’s best to avoid certain types of food.

When you’re ill, your body needs all the energy and nutrients it can get to fight off the infection, and eating unhealthy foods can make matters worse. Here’s a list of foods you should avoid if you’re running a fever:.

Processed Foods

Processed foods are high in preservatives, additives, and sodium, all of which can affect your immune system. Eating processed foods when you’re running a fever can not only worsen your symptoms, but it can also prolong your recovery time.

It’s best to avoid processed meats, canned foods, and packaged snacks when you’re feeling under the weather.

Sugar

Sugar is found in many foods, including candies, sweets, and pastries. When you consume sugar, your blood sugar spikes, which can cause inflammation in your body.

When your body is already fighting off an infection, inflammation can make your symptoms worse. It’s best to avoid sugar when you’re running a fever.

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and ice cream are high in fat, and it takes a lot of energy for your body to digest them.

When you’re running a fever, your body is already working hard to fight off the infection, and digesting dairy products can take away from your body’s energy reserves. It’s best to avoid dairy products when you’re running a fever.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate your throat and stomach lining, making you feel worse if you’re running a fever. Spices also cause your body to produce more heat, which can raise your body temperature and increase your fever.

It’s best to avoid spicy foods when you’re running a fever.

Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can both dehydrate your body, and when you’re running a fever, it’s important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen your symptoms, and it can also prolong your recovery time.

It’s best to avoid caffeine and alcohol when you’re running a fever.

Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in fat, and they take a lot of energy for your body to digest.

When you’re running a fever, your body needs all the energy it can get to fight off the infection, and digesting fried foods can take away from your body’s energy reserves. It’s best to avoid fried foods when you’re running a fever.

Cold Foods and Drinks

Cold foods and drinks, such as ice cream, slushies, and popsicles, can make you feel better temporarily, but they can also worsen your symptoms in the long run.

Cold foods and drinks can cause your blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for your body to fight off the infection. It’s best to avoid cold foods and drinks when you’re running a fever.

Bland Diet

When you’re running a fever, it’s best to follow a bland diet. Bland foods, such as toast, crackers, and boiled rice, are easy to digest and won’t irritate your stomach lining.

Bland foods also help to replenish your body’s nutrients, which can help you recover more quickly from your illness.

Water and Other Hydrating Beverages

To stay hydrated when you’re running a fever, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink other hydrating beverages, such as herbal tea, electrolyte drinks, and broth.

These beverages can also help to replenish your body’s nutrients and electrolytes, which can help you feel better faster.

Rest and Recovery

Eating the right foods is important when you’re running a fever, but rest and recovery are equally important. Make sure to get plenty of rest, and avoid strenuous activities until you’ve fully recovered from your illness.

Taking care of your body and giving it time to heal is the best way to get back to feeling like yourself again.