Fever can save your life
Posted: March 22, 2025 Filed under: attention, cancer, health, Pain/discomfort, Uncategorized | Tags: acetaminophen, books, classical conditioning, fever, food, immune response, lifestyle, mental-health, self-care, travel 3 CommentsErik Peper, PhD and Robert Gorter, MD, PhD
Adapted from: Peper, E. & Gorter, R. (2025). Fever can save your life. Townsend Letter-Innovative Health Perspective. Published March 27, 2025. https://townsendletter.com/fever-can-save-your-life/
My child’s fever was 102 F° and I was worried. I made my daughter comfortable, gave her some liquids and applied a lemon wrap around the calves. Fifteen minutes later the fever was down by a degree and a half to 100.5 F.° I continue to check how my child was doing. I touched her forehead and noted that it became slightly cooler. By the next day the fever had broken, and my daughter felt much better.
Most people are worried when they or their children have a fever, as it may indicates an illness. They quickly rush to take a Tylenol or other medications to reduce the fever and discomfort. We question whether this almost automatic response to inhibit fever is the best approach. It is important to note that fever is seldom the cause of illness; instead, fever is the body’s response to support healing by activating the immune system so that it can fight the infection. In most cases, the fever may last for a day or two and then disappears. Watchful waiting does not mean, not seeking medical help. It means careful monitoring so that the fever does not go too high versus automatically taking medications to suppress the fever.
Although fever can be uncomfortable, in most casest is not something to be feared. Rather than suppressing it, allow the fever to run its course, as fevers can improve clinical outcomes. Research findings indicate that individuals who experience an increase in body temperature (i.e., a fever) have higher survival rates following infection (Repasky et al., 2013). Spontaneous remissions of cancer—altogether a rarer event—have been observed repeatedly in connection with febrile infectious diseases, especially those of bacterial origin (Kienle, 2012). Late in 19th and early 20th century, Prof Coley observed that in patients who had wound fever or fevers that were induced by injecting bacterial toxins, their cancer sometimes disappeared (Kienle, 2012). In the early 20th century, inducing fever with injecting a bacterial toxin became an acceptable and somewhat successful treatment strategy for treating cancer (Karamanou, et al., 2013; Kendell et al, 1969). It was even a fairly successful treatment for neuro-syphilis before advent of antibiotics. Malaria-induced fevers were used as a treatment for neurosyphilis from the 1920s until the 1950s,—the spiking fevers associated with malaria killed the bacteria that caused the syphilitic infection (Gambino, 2015). The fever therapy slowly disappeared as antibiotics (penicillin), chemotherapy and radiation tended to be more effective.
Although suppressing fever with medication may make you feel more comfortable, and in some cases allow a child to go to day care, it may be harmful. Dr. Schulman and colleagues at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine demonstrated in a randomized controlled study that, among similar patients admitted to the ICU, the risk of death was seven times higher for those who received fever-reducing medication compared to those who did not (Schulman et al., 2005).(Schulman et al., 2005).
Fever reducing medication may in rare cases lead to complications. For example, aspirin may cause stomach irritation and ulcers as well as being cofactor in Reye’s syndrome (Temple, 1981; Schrör 2007). While acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol), often given to young children, may increase the risk of allergic rhinitis and possibly asthma by the age of six (Caballero, et al., 2015; McBride, 2011). As McBride point out, there appears to be a correlation between acetaminophen use and asthma across all groups, ages and location. This correlation even holds up for mothers who took acetaminophen during pregnancy as their children have increased risk for asthma by age six.
As Bauer and colleagues (Bauer et al., 2021) point out: “Paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), otherwise known as acetaminophen) is the active ingredient in more than 600 medications (Excedrine) used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. Research suggests that prenatal exposure to APAP might alter fetal development, which could increase the risks of some neurodevelopmental, reproductive and urogenital disorders. Pregnant women should be cautioned at the beginning of pregnancy to: forego APAP unless its use is medically indicated. This Consensus Statement reflects our concerns and is currently supported by 91 scientists, clinicians and public health professionals from across the globe.”
Finally, we wonder whether active fever suppression during childhood might condition the immune system not to initiate a fever response through the process of classical conditioning, thereby reducing the immune system’s overall competence. This could be a contributing factor to the increasing rates of allergies, immune disorders, and the earlier onset of certain cancers (Gorter & Peper, 2011). Specifically, if a person begins to develop a fever and medication was used to reduce it, over time the fever response may become automatically inhibited through covert classical conditioning.
Simple home remedy when having a fever?
- Practice watchful waiting. This means monitoring the person and only use medication to reduce fever if necessary. When in doubt contact your physician. Remember, in almost all cases, fever is not the illness; it is the body’s response to fight the illness and regain health.
- Hydrate. When having a fever, we perspire and need more fluids. Thus, increase fluid intake. Almost all cultural traditions recommend drinking some fluids such as hot water with lemon juice and honey, chicken soup broth, etc.
- Reframe the experience as a healing experience versus an illness experience. For example, when a fever, reframe it possitively such as, I feel pleased that my body is responding and I trust that my body is fighting the illness well (or even better).
- Implement the following gentle self-care approaches (Schirm, 2018).
Lemon wrap around calves or feet may help reduce fevers by using the cooling properties of lemon and evaporating water. How to make lemon wraps:
• Fill a bowl with water that’s 2–3° C below your fever temperature.
• Add 1–2 lemon halves.
• Score the lemon peel with a knife to release essential oils.
• Mash the lemons in the water.
• Soak a cloth in the lemon water.
• Wrap the cloth around your calves from ankle to knee.
• Cover with a blanket and rest for 10–15 minutes.
• Repeat as needed.
“Tips for using lemon wraps
• Change the wraps when they become warm.
• If your feet get cold, stop using the wraps.
• Don’t over-bundle a child with blankets, as babies can’t regulate their body temperatures as well as adults.
The information in this blog is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
References
Bauer, A.Z., Swan, S.H., Kriebel, D. et al. Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action. Nat Rev Endocrinol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-021-00553-7
Caballero, N., Welch, K. C., Carpenter, P. S., Mehrotra, S., O’Connell, T. F., & Foecking, E. M. (2015). Association between chronic acetaminophen exposure and allergic rhinitis in a rat model. Allergy & rhinology (Providence, R.I.), 6(3), 162–167. https://doi.org/10.2500/ar.2015.6.0131
Gambino, M. (2015). Fevered Decisions: Race, Ethics, and Clinical Vulnerability in the Malarial Treatment of Neurosyphilis, 1922-1953. Hastings Center Report. https://doi.org/10.1002/hast.451
Gorter, R. & Peper, E. (2011). Fighting Cancer: A Nontoxic Approach to Treatment. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books. https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Cancer-Nontoxic-Approach-Treatment/dp/1583942483
Karamanou, M., Liappas, I., Antoniou, C.h, Androutsos, G., & Lykouras, E. (2013). Julius Wagner-Jauregg (1857-1940): Introducing fever therapy in the treatment of neurosyphilis. Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki, 24(3), 208–212. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24185088/
Kendell, H. W., Rose, D. L., & Simpson, W. M. (1969). Fever therapy technique in syphilis and gonococcic infections. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 50(10), 603–608. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4981888/
Kienle G. S. (2012). Fever in Cancer Treatment: Coley’s Therapy and Epidemiologic Observations. Global advances in health and medicine, 1(1), 92–100. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.1.016
McBride, J.T. (2011). The Association of Acetaminophen and Asthma Prevalence and Severity. Pediatrics, 128(6), 1181–1185. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-1106
Repasky, E. A., Evans, S. S., & Dewhirst, M. W. (2013). Temperature matters! And why it should matter to tumor immunologists. Cancer immunology research, 1(4), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.1158/2326-6066.CIR-13-0118
Schirm, J. (2018). Essentials of homecare-A gentle approach to healing. Holistic Essence. https://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Home-Care-II-Approach/dp/0692121250
Schulman, C. I., Namias, N., Doherty, J., Manning, R. J., Li, P., Elhaddad, A., Lasko, D., Amortegui, J., Dy, C. J., Dlugasch, L., Baracco, G., & Cohn, S. M. (2005). The effect of antipyretic therapy upon outcomes in critically ill patients: a randomized, prospective study. Surgical infections, 6(4), 369–375. https://doi.org/10.1089/sur.2005.6.369
Schrör K. (2007). Aspirin and Reye syndrome: a review of the evidence. Paediatric drugs, 9(3), 195–204. https://doi.org/10.2165/00148581-200709030-00008
Temple, A.R. (1981). Acute and Chronic Effects of Aspirin Toxicity and Their Treatment. Arch Intern Med, 141(3), 364–369. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1981.00340030096017
The Power of No
Posted: March 6, 2025 Filed under: behavior, Breathing/respiration, CBT, cognitive behavior therapy, emotions, healing, health, self-healing, stress management, Uncategorized | Tags: assertiveness, emotional awareness, HIV, immune resilence, surviaval 1 CommentBrenda Stockdale, PhD and Erik Peper, PhD
Adapted from: Stockdale, B. & Peper, E. (2025). How the Power of No Supports Health and Healing. Townsend Letter-Innovative Health Perspectives, March15, 2025 https://townsendletter.com/the-power-of-no/
I felt exhausted and just wanted to withdraw to recharge. Just then, my partner asked me to go to the store to get some olive oil. I paused, took a deep breath, and checked in with myself. I realized that I needed to take care of myself. After a few seconds, I responded, “No, I cannot do it at this time.”
It was challenging to say this because, in the past, I would have automatically said “yes” to avoid disappointing my partner. However, by saying “yes” and ignoring my own needs, I would have become even more exhausted, hindering my recovery. I felt proud that I had said “no.” By listening to myself, I took charge and prioritized my own healing.
For many people, saying “no” feels unkind, and we want to be kind while avoiding burdening others. Nevertheless, how you answer this question may have implications for your health! Consider the following question and rate it on a scale from 1 (never) to 5 (always):
How often do you do favors for people when you really don’t want to? Namely, things you really don’t want to do but do anyway because someone asks you to and you don’t want to or can’t say “No.“
In analysis of numerous studies, Prof. George Solomon and Dr. Lydia Temoshok reported that a low score on this question (indicating the ability to say No) was the best predictor of related outcomes across studies, such as survivorship with AIDS as well as more favorable HIV immune measures (Solomon, et al, 1987). This aligns with research suggesting that excessive compliance, self-sacrifice, and conflict avoidance (i.e., people-pleasing) in individuals with cancer and chronic illness may weaken, rather than strengthen, their immune systems (Temoshok, & Dreher, 1992).
Unconsciously avoiding or suppressing distressing thoughts, emotions, or memories instead of dealing with them––a process known as repressive coping–– may even contribute to an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease (Mund & Mitte, 2012). Avoiding emotional cues or dismissing feelings may seem self-protective but can lead to reflexive or automatic behavior such as saying “yes” when individuals would rather say “no.” Although the conflict may not be consciously recognized, it can manifest physiologically (Mund & Mitte, 2012). Paying attention to states of tension, or symptoms such as headache or loss of appetite can serve as a doorway to exploring unacknowledged feelings.
Automatically saying “yes” and sacrificing yourself may contribute to poor boundaries, leading to chronic stress which is linked to numerous health issues, including hypertension and immune dysfunction (Dai et al., 2020; Segerstrom et al., 2004; Deci & Ryan, 2008). Conversely, research indicates that individuals who assertively manage stress—rather than suppress emotions and avoid conflict—demonstrate stronger immune resilience (Ironson et al., 2005; Dantzer et al, 2018) and are better protected against burnout and prolonged emotional distress (Deci & Ryan, 2018).
When faced with illness––or even the possibly death––ask yourself: “Do I really want to do this, or am I doing it just to please my partner, children, parents, doctors, or society? By doing what truly brings me joy and meaning, what do I have to lose?” Altruism is valuable and an important part of maintaining health. At the same time boundaries and assertiveness are essential.
Psychologist Lawrence LeShan (1994) reported that when cancer patients began to seek and start singing their “own song,” their cancer regressed in numerous cases, and some experienced total remission. Living your own song means doing what you truly desire rather than following the expectations of parents, society, or economic pressures. It is important to keep in mind that while psychological factors can influence overall health, the development of cancer is a multifaceted process involving genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.
The Key Question: When and How to Say “No”?
The answer lies in emotional awareness and acting on it. One woman with cancer confided, “I’ve operated in the realm of expected behavior for so long that I no longer know what I want or feel” (Stockdale, 2009). Teasing out our true feelings—hour by hour, as Bernie Siegel, M.D., recommends—helps us recognize where we stand (Siegel, 1986; Siegel & August, 2004). This practice fosters a sense of agency, a cornerstone of resilience that directly contributes to well-being.
For those accustomed to prioritizing others’ needs over their own, learning to say “No” takes practice. Although one may have feelings of vulnerability and even guilt by disappointing someone, one person shared that only after he stopped exclusively prioritizing others–and instead learned to love himself as well as his neighbor–did he realize how much people genuinely cared for him. Authentic connection is essential for well-being, but trust cannot develop without agency and the freedom to say “no.”
What to Do Before Automatically Saying Yes
When someone asks you for help or a favor, pause. Look up, take a slow, diaphragmatic breath, and ask yourself, “Do I want to do this? What would I recommend to another person to do in this situation?”
(In cases where you are asked or ordered to harm another person or do something illegally, ask yourself, “What would a moral person do?”)
If you feel that you would rather not—whether because you are tired or it interferes with your own priorities—say “No.” Saying “No” does not mean you are unwilling to help; it simply means that, at this moment, you are listening to yourself. When we listen to ourselves and act accordingly, we enhance our immune competence and self-healing.
Obviously, if saying “No” would put another person in danger or in crisis, then say “Yes,” if possible. However, true crises are rare. If emergencies happen frequently, they are not true crises or emergencies but rather a result of poor planning.
Saying “No” can be challenging, but if you constantly say “Yes,” you may eventually become resentful and exhausted, increasing your stress and decreasing your ability to heal. You may even notice that when your own well-being is appropriately prioritized you will be in a better position to show up for others in a whole-hearted way, when it is right for them and for you.
Saying “No” Can Be Life-Saving
Beyond personal relationships, saying “No” can be crucial in medical settings. Anthony Kaveh, M.D., a Stanford- and Harvard-trained anesthesiologist and integrative medicine specialist, asserts, “Nice patients come out last” (Kaveh, 2024). Kaveh emphasizes that trusting our instincts is crucial, as the fear of displeasing others can lead to dangerous “fake nice” behavior.
See the YouTube video #1 Mistake You Make with Doctors: Medical Secrets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-E3CHHX05c)
A case example is illustrated by Tracy who was hospitalized with complex fractures of the tibia and fibula. After five surgeries, she felt something was terribly wrong–she knew she was dying. However, the nurses dismissed her concerns. Taking control, she infuriated the staff by calling 911, which prompted a doctor to check on her. It was discovered that excessive negative pressure applied to the drain caused five pints of her blood to flow into her leg causing compartment syndrome.
She was bleeding to death. Tracy’s intuition, resilience, and refusal to comply saved her life. Kaveh argues that those who don’t trust their instincts are more likely to err on the side of “nice” and suffer as a result.
Learning to say “No” is empowering as illustrated by one woman who discovered its importance in a cancer educational group she attended. She shared her success in saying “No” with humor, explaining, “I just tell people it’s this group’s fault because I used to be a nice person.”
Learning to listen to yourself before agreeing or disagreeing to do something, may also help you maintain your integrity when faced with pressure to follow an immoral suggestion or order. So often due to social, economic, corporate, or political pressure, people may be asked to do something they later regret (Sah, 2025). The courage to disagree and act according to your moral consciousness is the bases of the Nuremberg Code, established by the American judges in 1947 at the Nuremberg trials for Nazi doctors (Shuster, 1997).
Finally, learning to say “No” and listen to your needs takes practice and time. Explore the following Body Dialogue technique to tap into your intuitive wisdom. You can use it anytime you need clarity about your feelings and responses to life’s challenges.
Breathe in deeply and engage all your senses. When you are ready, focus on the sensation of breathing. You don’t have to make anything happen, just feel the air moving in and out. Your lungs, vital to energy production, obtain oxygen from the atmosphere and bring it to millions of specialized cells. All without your conscious awareness, your breath moves in and out, removing toxins and waste from your body and bringing oxygen in.
The beautiful filtering process even protects your heart. That great organ, pumping rhythmically, picks up the oxygen and delivers it to all the vessels of your body, contracting more than two billion times during a normal lifespan. With deep appreciation for this magnificent pump, move your attention down into your abdomen. On the right side is the largest organ in your body, your liver. This amazing organ filters toxins and chemicals, and aids in digestion. This powerhouse of function can even regenerate itself after losing as much as three quarters of its tissue. With a sense of admiration, imagine all that these great and vital organs accomplish. With gratitude, slowly move on to your spleen, your pancreas and all the other organs and systems of your body, taking your time to appreciate and acknowledge all that they do for you.
Consider the multitude of vital functions that take place every minute of every day and thank your body for all that is right with you. All of these complex functions take place without effort or even awareness on your behalf––they just happen. Ask now if there something you can do for your body to help it heal, repair or regenerate more completely. Listen closely to your own intuitive awareness. Is there anything you can do to make your body’s job easier or reduce a burden of some kind? Gently notice if there are any thoughts or behaviors that make some symptoms worse or better. What feels heavy or burdensome? Who or what in your life feels supportive? As you review the past few days or weeks what would you like to adjust? When might saying ‘no’ would bring a sense of relief? Imagine what it would be like to operate in your own best interest. What might that include?
Are there positive feelings you would like to experience more often? If you had to choose just one, what would it be? In what way could you bring more of that quality into your life? In your mind’s eye, see that happening now. Feel the peace or the joy or whatever it is you have chosen radiate throughout your being. And if it seems good to you, carry it with you, back to the present moment and enjoy the fullness of that sensation. When it seems right to you, again focus gently on your body, bringing your attention back to the chair or the place you happen to be. And filled with gratitude, stretch your arms wide with appreciation for all that is right with you.
Additional useful blogs
References
Dai, S., Mo, Y., Wang, Y., Xiang, B., Liao, Q., Zhou, M., Li, X., Li, Y., Xiong, W., Li, G., Guo, C., & Zeng, Z. (2020). Chronic Stress Promotes Cancer Development. Frontiers in oncology, 10, 1492. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.01492
Dantzer, R., Cohen, S., Russo, S. J., & Dinan, T. G. (2018). Resilience and immunity. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 74, 28–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2018.08.010
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Self-determination theory: A macrotheory of human motivation, development, and health. Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne, 49(3), 182–185. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0012801
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2018). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. New York: Guilford Publications. https://www.amazon.com/Self-Determination-Theory-Psychological-Motivation-Development/dp/1462538967
Ironson, G., O’Cleirigh, C., Fletcher, M. A., Laurenceau, J. P., Balbin, E., Klimas, N., Schneiderman, N., & Solomon, G. (2005). Psychosocial factors predict CD4 and viral load change in men and women with human immunodeficiency virus in the era of highly active antiretroviral treatment. Psychosomatic medicine, 67(6), 1013–1021. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000188569.58998.c8
Kaveh, A. (2024). #1 Mistake You Make With Doctors. Medical Secrets, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-E3CHHX05c
LeShan, L. (1994). Cancer As a Turning Point: A Handbook for People with Cancer, Their Families, and Health Professionals – Revised Edition. New York: Penguin Publishing Group. https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-As-Turning-Point-Professionals/dp/0452271371
Mund, M., & Mitte, K. (2012). The costs of repression: a meta-analysis on the relation between repressive coping and somatic diseases. Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 31(5), 640–649. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026257
Sah, S. (2025. Defy: The power of no in a world that demands yes. London: One World Publications. https://www.amazon.com/Defy-Power-World-That-Demands/dp/0593445775
Shuster, E. (1997). Fifty years later: The significance of the Nuremberg code. The New England Journal of Medicine, 337(20), 1436-1440. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199711133372006
Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological bulletin, 130(4), 601–630. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601
Siegel, B. (1986). Love, medicine & miracles. New York: William Morrow Paperbacks; https://www.amazon.com/Love-Medicine-Miracles-Bernie-Siegel-dp-B00A2KKOBI
Siegel, B. & August, Y. (2004). Help Me Heal. Hay House. https://www.amazon.com/Help-Heal-Bernie-Siegel-M-D/dp/1401900607/
Solomon, G. F., Temoshok, L., O’Leary, A., & Zich, J. (1987). An intensive psychoimmunologic study of long-surviving persons with AIDS. Pilot work, background studies, hypotheses, and methods. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 496, 647–655. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1987.tb35825.x
Stockdale, B. (2009). You can beat the odds: Surprising factors behind chronic illness and cancer––the 6-week program for Optimal Immunity. Boulder, CO: Sentient Publications. https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Beat-Odds-Surprising-ebook/dp/B00KMDKOVA
Temoshok L. (1987). Personality, coping style, emotion and cancer: towards an integrative model. Cancer surveys, 6(3), 545–567. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3326661/
Temoshok, L., & Dreher, H. (1992). The type C connection: The behavioral links to cancer and immune dysfunction. New York: Random House. https://www.amazon.com/Type-Connection-Behavioral-Cancer-Health/dp/0394575237
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