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From the desk of Dr. Nandita Shah...
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Whenever we have a fever or any illness, our first instinct is often to reach for medicines. This is understandable—it is what most of us have been taught to do. But we often forget that symptoms are not the problem. They are the body’s way of healing.
A fever is one of the body’s natural defence mechanisms. By raising its temperature, the body creates an environment in which many bacteria and other invading organisms cannot multiply efficiently. This gives the immune system time to build antibodies and fight the infection.
When we suppress the fever too soon, we may interfere with this natural healing process. The infection can continue to grow, symptoms may worsen, and we often end up needing stronger medicines, including antibiotics. While antibiotics can be lifesaving when truly needed, unnecessary use can disrupt the gut microbiome by destroying beneficial bacteria that play an important role in immunity.
Most fevers simply require us to trust the body’s wisdom. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat only if you are hungry. When the body is not using energy for digestion and other activities, it can focus on healing. In many cases, this is all that is needed for recovery.
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Already following a whole food plant-based lifestyle? Ready to share your knowledge?
We conduct two comprehensive training programs every year. If you’re passionate about the whole food plant-based lifestyle and would like to help others, you can join our Consultation Training (for doctors and nutritionists) or our Facilitator Training, where you’ll learn to conduct talks and cooking classes.
These are in-depth programs, so it’s best to plan ahead. Click here to learn more.
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'The diet has helped me maintain good health despite my age!'
80-plus Mumbai-based businessman Mr Vinod Shah shares how he balances work and health!
My wife Bharati and I attended the 7-day retreat conducted by Capt. Joseph. The programme was very well structured and thoughtfully conducted. It is especially helpful for those who want a clear introduction to healthy eating and simple routines for maintaining and improving health.
We found the retreat both useful and encouraging. For the past two years, we have been strictly following the SHARAN plant-based, oil-free diet. This way of eating has played a major role in helping me maintain good health, despite my age and certain age-related challenges.
I have lunch at home before heading to the office and usually do not eat anything while at work. I do not drink tea or coffee. Occasionally, I have hot water infused with green leaves or ginger instead.
I return home around 6 pm, have an early dinner by 7 pm, and go for a walk three to four times a week.
I believe staying physically active is important. Equally important is staying socially connected — spending time with friends and being part of a community. We choose to live a simple, authentic lifestyle with minimal stress, and that has made a meaningful difference to our well-being.
Creamy Potato Pumpkin Soup
This is pure deliciousness in a bowl! Nutritious, warm, comforting and satisfying…do give it a try!
Ingredients
- 1 large unpeeled potato, chopped and steamed for 5-6 minutes
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp chopped unpeeled ginger
- ½ cup pureed unpeeled pumpkin
- ½ cup almond milk (or any other nut milk)
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp unrefined salt
- ½ tsp black pepper (kali mirch) powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
Method
Sauté the potato, onion, garlic and ginger, until the onion and potato are soft (this step can be avoided and all ingredients can be transferred to a blender directly, but this step gives the soup an added flavour).
Take all the ingredients together (except coriander) in a blender. Blend until you have a smooth paste. Transfer to a saucepan and bring the soup to a boil. Pour into bowls, adjust salt and pepper and garnish with coriander leaves. You could add a sliver of almond on top for added crunch.
Serves 2
Food For The Mind
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Dos and Don'ts for Fever
Instead of fearing a fever, if we understand that it is the body’s own mechanism for healing, we can support this healing in the following ways:
1. Take plenty of rest
Rest is one of the best medicines. It allows the body to direct its energy towards healing.
2. Eat only if you are hungry
Loss of appetite during illness is natural. A coated tongue, reduced taste, and lack of hunger are signs that the body wants a break from digestion. Don’t force yourself to eat. Listen to your body.
3. Drink plenty of fluids
Drink enough water and other fluids to stay well hydrated and support the body’s natural cleansing process.
4. Get a diagnosis
Different infections have different causes and may require different treatments. Observe your symptoms carefully and consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Blood tests may also help. Certain illnesses, such as malaria, typhoid, meningitis, encephalitis, or some pneumonias, may require specialised medical treatment.
5. Avoid antipyretics unless absolutely necessary
A fever is a symptom, not the disease. Whenever possible, allow it to do its job instead of trying to suppress it. The goal should be to address the underlying cause, not simply reduce the temperature.
6. Keep yourself comfortable
Your body knows what it needs. You may prefer warmth or cool air, darkness or light, complete rest or gentle movement. Listen to these signals.
7. Avoid unnecessary medicines
Medicines are invaluable when truly needed, but they are far more often overused. Many fevers are treated with a combination of antipyretics, antibiotics, vitamins, probiotics, antacids, and other medicines that may not be necessary. Supporting the body’s natural healing process often leads to recovery just as quickly, while allowing stronger immunity to develop and avoiding unnecessary side effects.
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All Events
Most of our events are online now, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. Click to know more…
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| What is SHARAN? |
Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals
and Nature (SHARAN) is a social enterprise with
the goal of spreading awareness about holistic
health and an ecologically sustainable
compassionate lifestyle.
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| Compiled & Edited by: |
This newsletter is compiled by SHARAN Head of Mumbai, Reyna K Rupani. She facilitates the Six Weeks to Health Gain & Weight Loss program and also conducts health talks for schools, groups, corporates and more.
July 2026 | Issue: 273
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