Why shouldn't high-protein foods be consumed when having a fever?

Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. Reasons for avoiding high-protein foods during fever may include increased gastrointestinal burden, increased heat production, disruption of heat dissipation balance, potential allergic reactions, and metabolic disturbances. The analysis is as follows:

1. Increased Gastrointestinal Burden

During fever, gastrointestinal function is typically weakened. Gastrointestinal motility slows down and secretion of digestive fluids decreases. High-protein foods require sufficient digestive enzymes and good gastrointestinal motility for proper digestion. For example, high-protein foods such as beef, fish, and shrimp are difficult to fully digest and absorb when gastrointestinal function is impaired, which can lead to indigestion and symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea.

2. Increased Body Heat Production

Proteins produce heat during metabolism in the body. When the body is already in a febrile state, consuming high-protein foods generates additional heat. For instance, eating large amounts of eggs will cause the body to release more heat during the digestion and absorption of these proteins, potentially further increasing body temperature and hindering recovery from fever.

3. Disruption of Heat Dissipation Balance

When the body has a fever, its heat dissipation mechanisms are under strain. The digestion and absorption of high-protein foods are complex processes that redirect more blood circulation toward the digestive system. This may reduce relative blood supply to the skin surface, impairing heat dissipation efficiency. After consuming large amounts of legume products, for example, altered internal blood distribution can hinder cooling and prolong fever symptoms.

4. Potential Allergic Reactions

During fever, the immune system is often in a hypersensitive state. High-protein foods—especially seafood and milk—are common allergens. Consuming these foods may trigger allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, or rapid breathing, complicating inflammatory responses and worsening both fever and general discomfort.

5. Metabolic Disturbances

Fever itself can cause changes in bodily metabolism. Protein metabolism requires various enzymes and nutrients, whose availability and regulation may become abnormal during fever. Excessive intake of high-protein foods increases stress on the metabolic system. For example, consuming large amounts of protein powder may lead to metabolic imbalances, further disrupting normal bodily functions and delaying recovery from fever.

If the fever is severe, it is recommended to seek timely medical care at a hospital and follow a doctor’s instructions for treatment with medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, or Lianhua Qingwen capsules.