Which Juice is Preferred During a Fever?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Healthline, staying hydrated with fluids like water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich drinks is crucial when you have a fever. Beyond plain water, certain juices can provide essential nutrients and hydration to support your body's recovery process.

Quick Summary

When battling a fever, optimal hydration and nutrition are key to recovery. This guide reviews the top juice options, including coconut water and citrus juices, that replenish electrolytes and support immune function, while also cautioning against high-sugar alternatives.

Key Points

Coconut Water: Provides essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium, crucial for rehydration during fever, without excessive sugar.
Orange & Citrus Juices: High in immune-boosting vitamin C, but may irritate a sore throat due to citric acid.
Watermelon Juice: Extremely hydrating with its high water content and contains immune-supporting arginine.
Ginger-Lemon-Honey Tonic: Offers anti-inflammatory benefits from ginger and antimicrobial properties from honey, soothing a sore throat.
Avoid Sugary Juices: High-sugar drinks can suppress the immune system and lead to energy crashes, so choose 100% natural juices or dilute them.
Stay Hydrated: Regardless of the juice, the primary goal is to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes due to increased sweating during a fever.

The Importance of Hydration During a Fever

When your body's temperature rises during a fever, you lose fluids through increased sweating. This fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which exacerbates symptoms like weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. Replenishing these lost fluids and electrolytes is paramount to maintaining normal bodily functions and supporting your immune system. While plain water is essential, the right juices can provide a more nutrient-dense and palatable option, especially if you have a reduced appetite.

Preferred Juices for Rehydration and Immune Support

Coconut Water

Coconut water is often hailed as a natural sports drink due to its electrolyte content, and it's an excellent choice during a fever.

Rich in Electrolytes: It is naturally rich in potassium, sodium, and manganese, which are vital for restoring the body's fluid balance lost through sweating.
Low in Sugar: Unlike many commercial sports drinks, coconut water is naturally low in calories and sugar, making it a healthy option for hydration.
Refreshing and Soothing: Its mild flavor is often well-tolerated, even for those with an upset stomach or low appetite.

Orange and Citrus Juices

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are renowned for their high vitamin C content, which is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system.

Vitamin C Boost: This vitamin helps boost the production of white blood cells, the body's infection-fighting army.
Caution for Sore Throats: While beneficial, the citric acid can sometimes irritate a sore throat. For this reason, some people prefer to dilute citrus juice with water or choose less acidic alternatives.
100% Juice is Best: Opt for 100% freshly squeezed juice to avoid added sugars and concentrates that can suppress the immune system.

Watermelon Juice

This juicy fruit is another excellent choice for fever, particularly if dehydration is a concern.

High Water Content: Watermelon is over 90% water, making it extremely effective for hydration.
Immune Support: It contains arginine, which helps to positively impact the body's immune response.
Rich in Nutrients: Watermelon is also a source of vitamin C and lycopene, a potent antioxidant.

Ginger and Lemon Juice with Honey

A warm or lukewarm drink combining ginger, lemon, and honey is a classic home remedy that offers multiple benefits.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ginger contains gingerol, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation caused by infection.
Antimicrobial Action: Honey provides natural antimicrobial properties that can soothe a sore throat.
Boosts Immunity: The vitamin C from lemon further supports the immune system.

Carrot Juice

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.

Immune-modulating Effects: Vitamin A is crucial for a healthy immune system and helps regulate disease-fighting white blood cells.
Digestive Aid: While less potent than whole carrots, the fiber content can still aid digestion.

Comparison of Juices for Fever


Juice Type	Key Benefit for Fever	Electrolyte Replenishment	Vitamin C Content	Potential Drawbacks
Coconut Water	Excellent Hydration	High	Moderate	Lower overall vitamin content
Orange Juice	Vitamin C & Antioxidants	Moderate	High	Can irritate a sore throat due to acidity
Watermelon Juice	Superior Hydration & Arginine	Moderate	Moderate	Can be high in natural sugars
Ginger-Lemon-Honey	Anti-inflammatory & Soothing	Low	High (from lemon)	Less effective for severe electrolyte loss
Carrot Juice	Vitamin A & Immune Support	Low	Moderate	Less effective for pure hydration

Juices to Avoid During a Fever

High-Sugar Packaged Juices: Many store-bought juices contain high fructose corn syrup and added sugars. These can suppress the immune system and cause a rapid blood sugar spike and crash, which is counterproductive when your body is trying to heal.
Highly Acidic Juices (with a sore throat): While orange juice is rich in nutrients, the high acidity can aggravate an already inflamed throat, causing more discomfort. If you have a sore throat, opt for blander, soothing options instead.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Recovery

In summary, when selecting a juice during a fever, the most important factors are hydration, immune support, and palatability. Coconut water is a top contender for its natural electrolytes and mild flavor, while freshly squeezed orange juice provides a powerful vitamin C boost, provided it doesn't irritate your throat. Watermelon and a warm ginger-lemon-honey mix offer excellent hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits, respectively. Ultimately, focusing on natural, low-sugar options that are easy to digest will best support your body's fight against illness and help you feel better more quickly. Always consult a healthcare provider for persistent or worsening symptoms. For those with underlying health conditions like kidney disease, it is crucial to consult a doctor before significantly increasing potassium intake through drinks like coconut water.

Learn more about the benefits of natural electrolyte drinks during illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange juice is good for fever due to its high vitamin C content, which boosts the immune system. However, its acidity may irritate a sore throat, so dilute it with water or opt for other juices if your throat is sensitive.

Coconut water is recommended during a fever because it is a natural source of electrolytes, including potassium and sodium, which helps replenish fluids lost from sweating and prevents dehydration.

You should avoid sugary drinks, including soda and packaged fruit juices with added sweeteners, as high sugar intake can suppress the immune system. Also, avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, as they can further dehydrate you.

Yes, watermelon juice can help with a fever. It is very hydrating due to its high water content and also contains immune-boosting compounds like arginine and vitamin C.

A warm ginger-lemon-honey drink is an excellent choice for a fever. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, lemon provides vitamin C, and honey has antimicrobial effects, which can soothe symptoms like a sore throat.

For a child with a fever, coconut water is a mild, hydrating, and electrolyte-rich option. Diluted apple juice or homemade watermelon juice are also good choices, as they are often well-tolerated and less acidic than citrus juices.

Fresh juice is always the preferred option, as it avoids the added sugars, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup often found in bottled varieties. Added sugars can suppress the immune system and hinder recovery.