What is your Immune System telling you?

The Fever Fallacy
Contrary to popular belief, fevers are GOOD. Fever is a positive indicator that your body has the strength to fight off pathogens. A fever is part of your body’s defense mechanism and actually kills off bacteria and viruses that can’t live in higher temperatures. Fevers should not be suppressed or reduced because of its beneficial effects in fighting infections. Temperatures up to 104* F are benign and of short duration and have not been shown to cause permanent neurological damage. The main goal for decreasing a fever is to improve the comfort of the person with a fever.

Technically speaking, a fever is an oral temperature of 100.4 * F or above. Anything under that is not a fever. In children under the age of 3 years old, parents should monitor the behavior of their child, not the actual temperature. The degree of the fever doesn’t always correlate with the severity of the infection. I have seen 4 year olds brought into my clinic who are running up and down my hallway with fevers of 102-103*F. Their immune system is reacting perfectly to fight off their bug. However, if the child is listless and blue looking, that is a much more serious sign and need to seek urgent medical attention.

Many parents and care-givers are advised to reduce fevers with NSAIDs or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the purpose of comfort. The best way to support a person with a fever is to keep them well hydrated with electrolyte water and well rested. A tepid Epsom salt bath will also temporarily reduce the fever and relax aching muscles. Again, let your body do what it’s built to do and fight off infections by mounting a fever.

A strong immune system starts with the gut
Maintaining digestive health is key to the health of your body. Your intestines make up 70% of your immune system called GALT- Gut associated lymphatic tissue. A healthy gut protects you from bacteria, viruses, parasites and maintains your immune system by digesting and absorbing vitamins and nutrients from your food. When it is not working properly, the result is constipation/diarrhea, allergies, stomach pain and bloating, and acid reflux to name a few.  Basic ways to regulate your digestive function are:
  1. Probiotics are the good bugs found in your digestive tract.  They enhance the immune system by preventing unfriendly organisms from gaining a foothold in the body. They prevent the overgrowth of yeast and fungus and produce substances that can lower cholesterol.
  2. Test for food sensitivities/allergies- hidden food sensitivities can cause chronic low levels of inflammation in your intestines. Chronic inflammation decreases your ability to digest and absorb nutrients from your food and thus your body’s normal function, resulting in a disturbed gut and decreased immune strength.
  3. Spice up you life- Cook with plenty of fresh spices and herbs such as garlic, onions, cumin, rosemary, basil, etc. Kitchen spices and herbs have anti-microbial properties that can protect you and your family from the cold and flu.

Create a balanced daily routine
Your body is designed to function optimally by maintaining a homeostatic environment, i.e. perfect balance. One of the best things you can do to keep your body in balance is creating a lifestyle of balance, including proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction. When this balanced lifestyle is compromised, problems start to creep up.

In general, you can support your immune system by incorporating these good habits.
  1. Get adequate exercise every day! Individuals who receive 40 minutes of moderate daily exercise cut down sick days by 50%. 
  2. Sleep/adequate rest- A full 8 hours of rest every night allows your body to recover from the wear and tear of every day work and stress.
  3. Stress reduction- Chronic stress decreases the function of our immune system. A daily system of stress reduction either through prayer, meditation, exercise, etc. can help enhance your immune system and overall wellbeing.
  4. Avoid sugary foods and beverages including soda, juices, and alcohol- 1 tsp of sugar decreases our body’s immune system by 50% for the next 5-8 hours!

Author: Sonja Fung, ND


References

  1. Sullivan, Janice E., Farrar, Henry C. “Fever and Antipyretic Use in Children” PEDIATRICS Volume 127, Number 3, March 2011 pp. 580-587.

  1. Gaby, AR. Nutritional Medicine.          :Fritz Perlberg, 2011.


Live Happy, Live Well.
www.livewellclinic.org.  78900 Avenue 47 Suite 102 La Quinta, CA. 760-771-5970

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