Fever phobia
Let's talk about fever phobia...⠀
⠀
When a certain fever reduction drug was being released back in 1955, misinformation about fevers came with it and we are still battling those myths today! #ConsiderTheSource⠀
⠀
So, what is the truth about fever?⠀
⠀
1. Its a sign of a functioning immune system as the body heats up to be a less hospitable environment for viruses and bacteria. We've learned that they replicate in cooler temps and can better avoid our immune defenses when our bodies are cooler. So, if we are confident that our family's fevers are viral in origin (and almost 100% of the time they have been) we allow the body to do its thing uninterrupted ⠀
⠀
2. While 98.6* F is an average body temp, you aren't considered febrile until your core temp elevates to 100.4* F and beyond⠀
⠀
3. Fevers themselves are not the problem and rarely require treatment. Even febrile seizures, while they can be scary, have been proven to not be a danger and do not cause brain damage. They do not occur because of the height of the temp, but rather how quickly the temp elevates https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/head-neck-nervo⠀
⠀
4. Fever reduction meds carry risks. In particular Acetaminophen (Tylenol) depletes Glutathione, resulting in a myriad of issues including liver damage. Glutathione is a vital player in immune function and detoxification. To learn more about just how important it is, read here http://www.immunehealthscience.com/glutathione.html⠀
We have removed Tylenol from our home and if you even suspect your family might have the common MTHFR gene variant that our family does, I encourage you to do some more research.⠀
⠀
So, what do we do if a fever is causing discomfort and we need s little reprieve? ⠀⠀
1. Apply cooling peppermint essential oil to our feet and spine⠀
⠀
2. Hydrate!!! Especially coconut water that has naturally occurring electrolytes and no added sugar⠀
⠀
3. Lukewarm Epsom salt baths- Magnesium is a vital mineral in so many bodily functions and is often deficient ⠀
4. Skin to skin with our babies and little toddlers has provided great comfort and temp regulation. ⠀
⠀
so, rest, hydrate, and do not fear a fever!
