Fever, Friend or Foe?
by Dr. George J. Jeremiah, M.D.
A fever is a reaction (a sign) of the body to any abnormal condition (a symptom) in the body. It is characterized by an increase in the normal or average body temperature which is 37°C or 98.6°F. Viewed by a naturopath, a fever is good. It is an early sign that all is not well with the body. The body is ringing an alarm bell. It is saying “slow down and listen.”
Benefits! Benefits! Benefits!
The heat of a spontaneously induced fever is produced for the purpose of acceleration of cell activity when the body perceives that this is necessary. The heat is necessary to hasten the excretion of waste which has accumulated beyond the body’s ability to tolerate toxins and beyond the body’s ability to eliminate without some extraordinary modification. Heat acts as a catalyst which causes the toxins to liquefy and pass into the blood stream. From the blood stream, they are transported to the organs of elimination and thus, out of the body.
For more than a century, we have been told to take an aspirin or paracetanol to bring down a fever.
Studies now suggest that a fever should be allowed to run its course because it may shorten the illness.
Fever mobilizes the body’s defenses against infectious organisms and in some cases directly inhibits their growth.The metabolism and chemical reactions of the body including enzyme activity are accelerated by a rise in temperature, thus, expediting the healing process. When fasting (eating no solid foods but drinking fluids) is employed during a fever, the metabolism and healing processes are even more dramatically multiplied.
What to do! What to do! What to do!
First and foremost – bear not! As the Psalmist says, we are wonderfully made. Even after more than twenty years of reading about the human body, I still stand up and bow down my head to the awesome God who made us. Fear not! Have faith in His wonderful creation.
Well, then, do you sit back, relax and enjoy the fireworks? No, not really! As much as a fever may be a good sign that the body is undergoing repair and healing, one never knows if a fever will come to a level of a toxic crisis. If one does not handle a box of fireworks very carefully, things can go from a bang to a bomb.
First, take heed that a safety alarm has been set off by the body. Listen. Be attentive.
Second, do nothing to lower the temperature (remember: Benefits! Benefits! Benefits!). Let it run its course. But keep a tab on it.
Third, do not feed a fever (or a cold). Rather, starve them; i.e., take no solid food, only pure distilled water or plenty of diluted fruit juices. Like a giant car radiator, the body needs a continuous cycle of fluids to help it flush out the toxins from the body and cool it down.
Fourth, pay special attention to a feverish child. Even if we understand, our emotions may sometimes overtake us. A warm hug, a gentle kiss, and sitting on Mummy’s lap is more than anything a child can ask for. As you reassure your child, reassure yourself, too, that the body is undergoing some self-repair.
Because the child will not feel hungry, encourage her to drink a lot of fluids. A quick bath will help to keep her clean and comfortable.
Mothers, do not forget to attend to your needs because you may be physically, mentally, and emotionally taxed. God bless all mothers.
Editor’s Note:Many are concerned that high fever; especially in children, may cause brain damage. More knowledge is needed to alleviate such fears and thus, I advise that you read the book How to Raise a Healthy Child in spite of Your Doctor by Robert S. Mendelsohn, M.D., a child specialist.
For all fever cases, we advise abstinence from solid food. Give the patient a Spirulina drink or other juice hourly. Supplements of vitamin C and Propolplus may quicken the healing process. Coffee enemas are excellent for removing the toxins from the blood stream, thus, helping the body tremendously.
