When you are sick, we commonly refer to the old adage: ‘starve a cold and feed a fever‘ (or sometimes it’s the other way around). This has been a common method or ‘rule of thumb’ as an at-home remedy that families have been advising for years. However, is there any truth to this adage? Should you really ’starve or feed’ the virus/bacteria that ales you? Here is what I have found on the internet.
According to WebMD, it might be better to feed a cold and feed a fever, because you would simply be providing your body with the nutrients and energy needed to fight off the virus or bacteria that is making you sick. In most circumstances, it is never good to starve your body of foods. Your body ability to keep it’s homeostasis relies on the food that you consume and the nutrients that your body absorb.
Other websites suggest that you should use your own best judgment and as WebMD suggested, a lot of fluid. Why? Well, according to Health.Families.com, if you have a fever, your body is actively working above the normal body temperature and should be using more fluids to keep you body from overheating.
Almost any advice on this adage tells you should you should be drinking plenty of fluids and eating as “best” as you can. Also, plenty of rest will give your body a chance to better fight off or shorten the amount of time it will take to get better. So, “starve a cold, feed a fever” or “starve a fever, feed a cold“, you are better off eating your mother’s chicken soup and getting plenty of rest.
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