Can I eat ice cream when I have a fever?

Under normal circumstances, eating ice cream is not recommended when you have a fever.

When running a fever, the body is in a state of stress and gastrointestinal function is relatively weak. Ice cream is a cold food that may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The low temperature of ice cream may cause surface blood vessels to constrict, which is not conducive to heat dissipation. During a fever, the body needs to lower its temperature by dilating blood vessels and sweating, and eating ice cream may interfere with this process.

The sugar and dairy ingredients in ice cream may increase mucus production, worsening symptoms such as coughing and phlegm production. Some individuals may be allergic to components in ice cream, causing allergic reactions such as itching and difficulty breathing. If a patient is not allergic to ice cream and especially desires it during a fever, a small amount may be consumed to relieve oral discomfort, but it should be at room temperature or slightly warmed to avoid excessive cold stimulation.

During a fever, it is recommended to choose easily digestible foods such as millet porridge, pumpkin porridge, or vegetable porridge. These foods are mild and easy to digest, placing minimal burden on the gastrointestinal system. When experiencing a fever, follow medical advice, maintain a proper diet, ensure adequate rest, and seek timely medical attention if necessary, to promote a speedy recovery.