Do You Burn Calories When You Have a Fever?
Do you know how your body works when you have a fever? It is important to understand how your body’s natural defense systems work to fight off infections and how this affects your metabolism and calorie burning. In this article, we will discuss how having a fever affects your body’s calorie burning process and how to manage your nutrition and exercise while you have a fever.
What Is a Fever?
A fever is an elevation of your body’s temperature, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. A fever is the body’s natural response to fighting off infection and is usually accompanied by other signs of illness such as chills, body aches, and fatigue. A fever of 101 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit is considered mild and is often treated with home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking medications such as ibuprofen to reduce the fever. A fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is considered a high fever and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Does Having a Fever Affect Your Body's Calorie Burning Process?
When you have a fever, your body’s metabolism increases to help your body fight off the infection. This increase in metabolism results in an increase in calorie burning. Your body needs more energy to fight off the infection, so it burns more calories to do so. However, this increase in calorie burning is usually not enough to cause significant weight loss, especially if you are following a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Can You Exercise When You Have a Fever?
It is not recommended to exercise when you have a fever as it could further tax your body and make it harder for your body to fight off the infection. It is also important to note that exercising while you have a fever is not likely to have any extra beneficial effect on your calorie burning process.
How Can You Manage Your Nutrition and Exercise While You Have a Fever?
When you have a fever, it is important to manage your nutrition and exercise to ensure that your body is receiving the necessary nutrients and energy it needs to fight off the infection.
Nutrition
It is important to ensure that you are getting adequate nutrition while you have a fever. Eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods will provide your body with the necessary energy and nutrients it needs to fight off the infection. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins will help to ensure that your body is receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy. Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and juice, will help to keep your body hydrated while you have a fever.
Exercise
When you have a fever, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise. Instead, focus on light to moderate activity such as walking or gentle stretching to help keep your body moving. It is also important to rest as much as possible while you have a fever to allow your body to rest and recover.