Should I force myself to eat when I have a fever? The truth about illness and appetite

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

During a fever, your body's metabolism speeds up to fight infection, but it's a common misconception that you must force yourself to eat to provide this energy. The truth is, your body has natural mechanisms to suppress appetite during illness, and the most crucial thing is staying hydrated.

Quick Summary

You should not force yourself to eat during a fever, as it is normal to have a reduced appetite. Focus on consuming fluids and small, nourishing meals when you feel hungry to support your immune system and prevent dehydration.

Key Points

Don't Force Yourself: Listen to your body and do not force yourself to eat when you have a fever, as it's a natural immune response to suppress appetite.
Prioritize Hydration: Staying hydrated with water, broths, and electrolyte drinks is the most important thing to do to prevent dehydration from fever and sweating.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals: When your appetite returns, opt for smaller, more frequent meals of easily digestible foods to ease the load on your digestive system.
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Choose nutrient-rich options like soups, bananas, yogurt, and cooked vegetables to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and calories.
Avoid Dehydrating and Heavy Items: Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and sugary, greasy, or spicy foods, as they can exacerbate symptoms or hinder recovery.
Know When to Seek Help: Consult a doctor if appetite loss is prolonged or accompanied by severe symptoms like confusion, breathing difficulties, or if the fever persists.

The Science Behind Your Lost Appetite

Your loss of appetite during a fever is a protective mechanism, not a cause for concern. When your body is fighting an infection, it releases inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines signal the brain to suppress appetite, directing energy away from digestion and toward the immune response. Digestion is an energy-intensive process, so this is a clever way for your body to optimize its resources for healing. This is a key reason why you should not force yourself to eat; your body is telling you to conserve energy.

Prioritize Hydration Above All

While it’s okay to eat less, you must prioritize hydration. A fever causes increased sweating and fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration. Replacing lost fluids is critical for your body to function correctly and flush out toxins. Dehydration can also worsen other fever symptoms like headaches and fatigue. Adequate fluid intake is the most important dietary focus when you are sick.

Water: The best and simplest fluid for hydration.
Broths and Soups: Excellent for providing fluids and electrolytes, such as chicken soup, which is also a source of protein and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Coconut Water: Rich in electrolytes like potassium, which are lost through sweat.
Herbal Tea with Honey: Soothing for a sore throat and provides a small boost of energy.
Diluted Fruit Juice: A good source of vitamin C and a small amount of calories, but opt for versions without excessive added sugar.

What to Eat When You Feel Up to It

Once your appetite starts to return, or if you feel you can tolerate some food, focus on small, frequent, and easily digestible meals. A large, heavy meal is not a good idea, as your digestive system is not at its best. Listen to your body and start with bland options.

The BRAT Diet: If you are experiencing nausea or an upset stomach, the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is a classic choice. These foods are low in fiber and easy on the stomach.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Plain yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can support gut health and aid the immune system.
Soft Cooked Vegetables: Well-cooked vegetables like carrots and potatoes are easier to digest than raw ones and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Protein Sources: Lean proteins like eggs, poached chicken, or fish can help rebuild tissues and provide the building blocks for antibodies.
Oatmeal: A bowl of warm oatmeal is soothing and provides a good source of energy.

Smart Food Choices During a Fever: A Comparison


Food to Favor	Rationale	Food to Avoid	Rationale
Chicken Broth	Provides hydration, electrolytes, and nutrients in an easy-to-digest liquid form.	Heavy, Fatty Foods	Difficult for the body to digest and can worsen nausea.
Greek Yogurt	Rich in protein and probiotics to support gut health and immunity.	High-Sugar Foods	Can suppress the immune system and increase inflammation.
Bananas	Easy to digest, rich in potassium for replacing lost electrolytes.	Alcohol	Contributes to dehydration and can negatively impact the immune system.
Smoothies	A quick way to consume vitamins and calories from fruits and vegetables when appetite is low.	Caffeinated Drinks	Diuretic properties can lead to further dehydration during a fever.
Cooked Carrots	Nutrient-dense and easy to digest when boiled or steamed.	Spicy Foods	Can irritate a sore throat and sensitive stomach.
Boiled Eggs	Excellent source of high-quality, easily digestible protein.	Highly Processed Foods	Often lack nutrients and are hard on the digestive system.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While it's normal to have a low appetite for a few days during a minor illness, certain signs warrant a call to your healthcare provider. These include persistent appetite loss that extends beyond the fever, or if a child or elderly person is showing extreme signs of dehydration or weakness. Signs to watch for include persistent vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, or a fever that remains stubbornly high. For more information, the Cleveland Clinic offers useful resources on managing appetite loss during illness.

Conclusion

In short, the centuries-old advice to “starve a fever” is a myth, but so is the need to force yourself to eat. The optimal approach is to listen to your body’s signals. Prioritize hydration with electrolyte-rich fluids and consume small, frequent, and easily digestible meals when your appetite returns. Avoid foods that are heavy, sugary, or can cause dehydration. By focusing on smart food choices and ensuring plenty of rest, you provide your body with the best chance to recover efficiently and comfortably. If you or a loved one experiences severe or persistent symptoms, a medical professional should be consulted. Remember, during illness, your body is working hard, and the right nutrition and hydration are your best allies in the fight for recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally not harmful to skip a few meals or eat very little for a day or two when you have a fever, as your body naturally conserves energy by suppressing appetite. The primary concern is dehydration, so prioritize drinking plenty of fluids.

Your appetite decreases because your immune system releases chemicals called cytokines to fight the infection. These cytokines signal the brain to reduce your feeling of hunger, which helps conserve energy for the immune response rather than for digestion.

Water is the best option for hydration. Other good choices include broths, electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water, and herbal teas with honey.

Yes, chicken soup and broths are excellent for a fever. They provide hydration, electrolytes, and easy-to-digest nutrients. The warmth can also help soothe a sore throat and clear congestion.

No, you should avoid sugary foods. While they offer quick energy, they can also contribute to inflammation and potentially suppress your immune system, making your recovery longer.

If you have an upset stomach, stick to bland, easily digestible foods like the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast). Small sips of clear fluids are also recommended to prevent nausea.

You should contact a doctor if your appetite loss persists for more than a few days, especially if it's accompanied by other severe symptoms like confusion, persistent vomiting, shortness of breath, or if the fever is very high.