Fever:

than 38.2 C rectally) above the normal daily variation due to an increase in the hypothalamic set point. In a period of 24 hours, maximum variation of body temperature is about 0.6 C. Fever is a common medical sign.

Hyperthermia is an increase in body temperature above the body`s ability to lose heat without any changes in the setting of the hypothalamus.

Hyperpyrexia is a fever of above 41.5 C (106.7 F).

Potential causative agents and contributing factors for fever:

1. Infections (bacterial, viral, and fungal).
2. Systemic diseases:
   1. Cancers, especially leukemia and lymphoma.
   2. Inflammatory diseases, such as SLE or RA.
   3. Metabolic disorders, such as gout.
3. Healing reaction.
4. Detoxification reaction.
5. Immunologic reaction.
6. Dehydration.

Potential causative agents and contributing factors for hyperthermia:

1. Heat stroke.
2. Medications: antihistamines, anti-Parkinson’s drugs, diuretics, phenothiazines, amphetamine, cocaine, phencyclidine, salicylates, lithium, fluoxetine, antidepressant drugs (SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, and tricyclic), and inhalational anesthetics.
3. Medical conditions: overactive thyroid, and pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland).

Potential causative agents and contributing factors for hyperpyrexia:

1. Cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).
2. Severe infections.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Sugars and sweets. They weaken the immune system.
2. Sweetened juices.
3. Saturated fats.
4. Processed foods.
5. Inflammatory foods: dairy products, and red meats.
6. Ice cream.
7. Carbonated drinks.
8. Caffeinated beverages.
9. Alcohol.

Recommended Foods:

1. Water: 2 – 3 liters a day. Hydration is highly important in fever.
2. Whole grains.
3. Legumes.
4. Chicken soup.
5. Vegetables soup.
6. Nuts and seeds.
7. Lean proteins: fish, turkey, and chicken.
8. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
9. Foods high in flavonoids: berries and red grapes.
10. Unsweetened juices.
11. Onion.
12. Garlic.
13. Ginger.
14. Cinnamon.
15. Herbal teas.
16. Vinegar, lime, and lemon.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Vitamin C: 2000 – 3000 mg a day.
2. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 200 – 300 mg a day. It is a powerful flavonoid with antioxidant activity that helps reduce fever.
3. Grape Seed Extract: 100 – 200 g a day. It contains flavonoids.
4. Echinacea: as a capsule or pill, 300 – 900 mg a day, or as a tincture, 3 – 9 ml a day.
5. Oregano Oil (containing over 50% carvacrol): as a capsule, 500 mg – 1000 mg a day or as a liquid, 0.5 ml twice daily.
6. Ginger: as a capsule, 2000 mg a day, or as a tincture, 5 – 10 ml a day.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Hydrotherapy with hot baths and showers.
2. Perspiration remedy.