When you're sick, does your body go into starvation mode?
Asked by madam_captain on Sep 09, 2008
in Health Conditions
I have a throat infection/tonsillitis. My body is aching and my muscles continually spasm involuntarily. Will my body go into starvation mode because I can't swallow much, or will it burn more energy fighting off the infection? So far today, I've had 2 cups of tea and a bowl of jelly.
Answer
Your body does not go into “starvation mode” from a very short-term illness. Fever actually increases your metabolic rate by 7% for every 0.5oC above normal. You need to sip on fluids to keep yourself hydrated and meet your body’s need for carbohydrate. Choose sugary liquids, like fruit juice, and soft foods, like jello and ice cream, as well as cough drops, to provide a source of glucose until you feel better.
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