What foods to eat when you have a fever?

When you have a fever, your body is burning calories fighting the infection. Focus on easy proteins like chicken soup, double-boiled dal, or whey protein if you can tolerate it, to prevent muscle loss while you recover.

Let your digestive system rest when you are unwell. Sip warm herbal decoctions (kadha) made of tulsi, ginger, and black pepper, and eat watery foods like rice gruel (kanji) to keep your energy clean and light.

Don't drink random heavy kadhas or self-medicate with high-dose herbal supplements during a fever, as it can upset your stomach. Just eat simple, bland home food and let a medical professional diagnose the underlying cause of the fever.

My family physician always tells us that hydration is key during a fever because of sweating. He suggested coconut water, buttermilk, and warm vegetable soups to replenish lost electrolytes instead of forcing yourself to eat heavy meals.