Is feed a cold starve a fever true. What should you really do when you’re feeling under the weather. How can proper nutrition support your body’s recovery from illness. What are the best foods and drinks to consume when sick.

The Origin of “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever”

The adage “feed a cold, starve a fever” has been a part of medical folklore for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to 1574 when John Withals published a dictionary containing a note suggesting that “fasting is a great remedy of fever.” This belief stemmed from the idea that the body requires food to generate warmth for healing from a cold, while avoiding food helps cool the body during a fever.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, medical practitioners believed that fever indicated an overdrive in metabolism. The theory proposed that withholding food would help the body cool down since the digestive system wouldn’t need to work on breaking down food. It was thought that minimizing food intake would help burn off the fever faster.

Modern Science Debunks the Myth

Despite its longevity, modern scientific understanding has thoroughly debunked this old wives’ tale. Our current knowledge of health and wellness paints a very different picture of how the body responds to illness.

Why Proper Nutrition Matters During Illness

When you’re sick, regardless of whether you have a cold or a fever, your body requires adequate nutrition and hydration to combat the illness effectively. In fact, insufficient nutrition can weaken your immune system, making it more challenging for your body to fight off viruses and infections.

• Provides energy for immune function
• Supports cellular repair and regeneration
• Helps maintain proper hydration
• Aids in the production of antibodies and immune cells

The Truth: Feed Both Cold and Fever

Contrary to the old saying, the current medical consensus is to provide nutrition for both colds and fevers. Your body needs energy and nutrients to fight off illness, regardless of the specific symptoms you’re experiencing.

Nutrition for Colds

When you have a cold, your body is working overtime to combat the virus. Although you might feel more fatigued than usual and experience a decreased appetite, it’s crucial to ensure you’re consuming enough to provide your body with the necessary energy and nutrients for recovery.

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can supply your body with the essential nutrients needed to fight off the virus and support overall health.

Eating with a Fever

During a fever, you may not feel particularly hungry. However, maintaining hydration and ensuring adequate calorie intake is vital for sustaining energy levels. Consuming small, frequent meals throughout the day can help you obtain the necessary nutrition without overwhelming your system.

Understanding Appetite Changes During Illness

It’s common to experience a loss of appetite when you’re sick. This temporary decrease in hunger is part of your body’s natural defense mechanism, allowing the immune system to focus available energy on fighting pathogens. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between listening to your body and ensuring you’re meeting your nutritional needs.

Balancing Intuition and Nutrition

While it’s important to be attentive to your body’s cues, it’s equally crucial to stay ahead of your fluid and food needs. Be cautious about overeating, which can exacerbate symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Instead, focus on consuming easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods and staying well-hydrated.

Hydration: The Key to Recovery

Maintaining proper hydration is paramount when you’re ill, especially if you’re experiencing a fever accompanied by symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If your appetite is diminished, consider consuming your calories in liquid form to combat dehydration and prevent malnourishment.

Recommended Beverages for Illness Recovery

1. Hot Herbal Tea: Offers comfort and potential immune-boosting properties. The steam can also help soothe and open sinuses.
2. Electrolyte Drinks: Replenish essential minerals lost through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
3. Coconut Water: A natural alternative to sports drinks, providing various minerals without added sugars or artificial colors.
4. Fresh Juices: Particularly beneficial for their vitamin content and soothing properties.

Nourishing Foods for Illness Recovery

While staying hydrated is crucial, consuming nutrient-dense foods can significantly aid your recovery process. Here are some beneficial options to consider:

Chicken Soup: More Than Just Comfort Food

Chicken soup has long been touted as a remedy for colds and flu, and for good reason. While it may not contain a magical healing ingredient, it offers a combination of beneficial components:

• Vegetables high in antioxidants
• Hot liquid to help open sinuses
• Spices that can boost immune function
• Minerals from bone broth

The Power of Probiotics

Probiotics can play a crucial role in supporting your immune system and maintaining gut health during illness. While some people may find it helpful to avoid dairy when sick, probiotic-rich foods or supplements can be beneficial for recovery.

Tailoring Your Diet to Specific Symptoms

Different illnesses and symptoms may require slightly different dietary approaches. Let’s explore some specific recommendations based on common symptoms:

Eating with a Sore Throat

When dealing with a sore throat, opt for soft, soothing foods that are easy to swallow:

• Warm broths and soups
• Smoothies and yogurt
• Mashed potatoes or other soft vegetables
• Ice cream or popsicles (in moderation)

Nausea and Upset Stomach

If you’re experiencing nausea or an upset stomach, focus on bland, easily digestible foods:

• Toast or crackers
• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Clear broths

The Role of Supplements in Illness Recovery

While a balanced diet should be your primary source of nutrients, certain supplements may support your immune system during illness. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Potentially Beneficial Supplements

• Vitamin C: May help reduce the duration and severity of colds
• Vitamin D: Important for immune function
• Zinc: Can potentially shorten the duration of colds
• Echinacea: May boost immune function

Remember, supplements should complement, not replace, a nutritious diet and proper hydration.

Listening to Your Body: The Importance of Rest

While nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery, it’s equally important to allow your body adequate rest. Sleep is essential for immune function and overall healing.

Balancing Rest and Nutrition

During illness, your body may require more sleep than usual. It’s important to honor this need while still ensuring you’re meeting your nutritional requirements. Consider keeping easily digestible snacks and water by your bedside to nourish yourself without disrupting rest.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many common illnesses can be managed at home with proper nutrition and rest, there are times when professional medical care is necessary. Be aware of the following signs that may indicate a need for medical attention:

• Persistent high fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Severe dehydration
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve after several days

Always trust your instincts. If you’re concerned about your symptoms or recovery, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

The Bottom Line: Nourish Your Body for Optimal Recovery

In conclusion, the old adage “feed a cold, starve a fever” is a myth that has been thoroughly debunked by modern medical science. Whether you’re battling a cold, fever, or any other illness, providing your body with proper nutrition and hydration is crucial for supporting your immune system and facilitating recovery.

Remember to listen to your body, but also ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs. Focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Stay well-hydrated with water, herbal teas, and clear broths. And most importantly, allow your body the rest it needs to heal.

By combining proper nutrition, adequate hydration, and sufficient rest, you’re giving your body the best possible chance for a swift and complete recovery. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health or if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

Have you ever heard the saying “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever”? This old adage has been passed down for generations and is still commonly used today. But is it true or just a myth? In this blog post, we’ll explore the truth behind this popular saying and what you should really do when you’re feeling under the weather.

The saying “feed a cold, starve a fever” dates back to a dictionary published by John Withals in 1574 because of a note that indicated “fasting is a great remedy of fever.” The belief that has carried through the years is that the body needs food to generate warmth for healing from a cold – while avoiding food helps to cool the body when a fever is present. In the 1500s and 1600s, doctors thought that a fever meant that the metabolism was working in overdrive.

So, the idea was the withholding food would help the body to cool since the digestive system doesn’t need to work to break down the food. The theory was that the fever would burn off faster if the food was minimized. Now that we know more about health and wellness, this idea has been debunked.

The Truth: Feed a Cold, Feed a Fever

The saying “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever” is just that – a myth. The truth is that when you’re sick, your body needs adequate nutrition and hydration to fight off the illness, no matter whether you have a cold or a fever. In fact, not eating enough can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off the virus. Even though this medical folklore has been carried through the years, should we still be abiding by these recommendations? We live in a modern world filled with vast information about health and wellness. Science has examined this tradition and found that it is an old wives’ tale.

If you have a cold, your body is working hard to fight off the virus. You may feel more tired than usual and have less of an appetite. However, it’s essential to make sure that you’re still eating enough to provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to recover. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help give your body the nutrients it needs to fight off the virus.

If you have a fever, you may not feel like eating. But it’s important to stay hydrated and make sure that you’re getting enough calories to maintain your energy levels. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help you get the nutrition you need without overloading your system.

What to Eat When You are Sick

One problem with sickness is that you don’t feel like eating or drinking very much. Loss of appetite is one symptom that often shows up with common illnesses. For example, sometimes a fever decreases a person’s appetite as part of the natural defense system. This temporary slowing in appetite can help the immune system focus the available energy on fighting the pathogens. Pay attention to your hunger cues, and know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every person.

While it’s important to be intuitive about your body cues, also be aware that you need to stay ahead of fluid and food needs. Be careful to avoid overeating, which can intensify symptoms such as vomiting and nausea.

The liquids are most important, especially when the fever is present along with other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you don’t have much of an appetite, then look for ways that you can drink your calories to combat dehydration and malnourishment. Here are a few recommendations that can be helpful to support recovery:

• Hot Herbal Tea: Which is comforting and also provides ingredients that can boost immune function. Additionally, the steam can be soothing to open the sinuses. Try peppermint for a head cold to help with congestion. Ginger and echinacea can be helpful for overall immune support. Chamomile can be relaxing, helping to improve the quality of sleep when you aren’t feeling well.
• Electrolyte Drinks: Sports drinks and other beverages can be beneficial to overcome dehydration. These drinks replace the electrolytes that are lost through excess sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. A natural option is to drink coconut water, which provides a variety of minerals without the added sugar and food dyes.
• Chicken Soup: There isn’t a magic ingredient in chicken soup that will make you better overnight. But it is a great combination of healing foods: vegetables that are high in antioxidants, hot liquids to open the sinuses, spices for an immune boost, and minerals in the bone broth.
• Juice: Nothing beats a cool glass of orange juice when you are feeling under the weather! Not only does it soothe the throat, but the vitamin C content can be helpful for immune function. Other types of juice can be beneficial for recovery as well, including fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
• Probiotics: Some people find it helpful to avoid dairy for the management of mucous production. But it might be helpful to have a bit of kefir or yogurt for the probiotic benefits. These “good” bacteria are gut-friendly, which can have a positive impact on the immune system.
• Spicy Foods: Dishes with hot peppers and other spicy ingredients can be beneficial to clear the sinuses. Just make sure you have tissues on hand during the meal!

When choosing your beverages, be careful to avoid caffeine because it can contribute to dehydration.

Appetite Loss in Children: Should I Be Worried?

As a parent, it is normal to be concerned if your child loses their appetite while sick. But there is no need to worry if the child has a reduced appetite for a few days while sick – this is normal behavior. Offer the child different types of food and rest assured to know that their appetite will return when they are feeling better.

When It is Time to Go to an ER or Urgent Care Nearby?

For a minor or moderate illness, the symptoms can often be treated at home without professional medical care. But there are a few signs you should pay attention to, so you know when it is time to seek emergency medical attention or schedule an appointment at an urgent care:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever lasts more than a few days
• Difficulty keeping fluids or food down
• Vomiting lasts for more than 2 days for adults, 24 hours for children, or 12 hours for infants
• Difficulty swallowing because of pain
• Congestion that lasts more than 10 days
• Severe cramping or abdominal pain
• Confusion or delirium
• Rectal bleeding
• High fever and a stiff neck
• Symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, excessive thirst, dark-colored urine)

Conclusion: In conclusion, “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever” is a myth. Whether you have a cold or a fever, it’s crucial to make sure that you’re getting adequate nutrition and hydration to support your body’s immune system. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help give your body the energy and nutrients it needs to fight off illness and recover more quickly. So, the next time you’re feeling sick, remember to listen to your body and give it the nourishment it needs to get better.

If you need medical care, then our team of board-certified medical professionals is here to assist. At iCare ER and Urgent Care, we provide both urgent care services for common illness, as well as emergency treatments for severe symptoms and trauma. Our offices are conveniently located in Frisco, Fort Worth. Visit us 24/7, or schedule an appointment in our urgent care:

The Truth About Feeding a Cold and Starving a Fever

SCL Health


Saltzer Health


Intermountain Nevada

Nick Dragon






Nov 7, 2016

“Feed a cold, starve a fever” is an adage that’s been around for centuries. The idea most likely originated during the Middle Ages when people believed there were two kinds of illnesses. The illnesses caused by low temperatures, such as a cold, needed to be fueled, so eating was recommended. Illnesses caused by high temperatures, such as a fever, needed to be cooled down, so refraining from eating was thought to deprive the furnace of energy.

Nowadays, most doctors and years of research into the cold and flu say there’s only one tried-and-true treatment for colds and flu — plenty of rest and fluids. That’s because colds and flu are caused by viruses, for which there is no cure. But you can support your immune system as it struggles to prevail through proper nutrition and, even more importantly, proper hydration­.

If anything, the adage should be, “feed a cold, feed a fever,” because bodies fighting illness need energy, so eating healthy food helps. Eating food when you have a cold can also help the body generate heat, although other methods of keeping warm, like wearing an extra layer of clothes or wrapping yourself in a blanket, do the trick as well.

There are many reasons you shouldn’t try to starve a fever. Fever is part of the immune system’s attempt to combat the virus. Fever raises body temperature, which increases metabolism and burns more calories. That’s one reason why taking in calories becomes important.

What’s far more crucial in combating both colds and the flu is staying hydrated. Fever dehydrates the body, in part through increased sweating from the elevated temperature. Vomiting and diarrhea, two common symptoms of the flu, also quickly dehydrate the body. Dehydration makes the mucus in the nose, throat, and lungs dry up, which can lead to clogged sinuses and respiratory tubes. When mucus hardens it becomes more difficult to cough, which is the body’s way of trying to expel mucus and the germs it contains.

Replacing fluids is critical to helping the body battle the virus. Water works just fine, as do fruit juices and electrolyte beverages. If you feel nauseated, try taking small sips of liquids, as gulps might cause you to throw up. You can be sure you’re getting enough fluids by looking at the color of your urine, which should be pale yellow, almost colorless.

Of course, when you’re sick, you may not feel much like drinking and even less like eating. Loss of appetite is common, and might be part of the body’s attempt to focus its energy on pounding the pathogens. Don’t force yourself to eat, but make sure to take in plenty of fluids. However, you should avoid coffee, caffeinated sodas, and alcohol, because caffeine and alcohol both contribute to dehydration.

Once you’ve contracted a cold or the flu, it should run its course in five to 10 days. And while nothing can cure a cold or the flu, some remedies can ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling so miserable.

Wash your hands

For starters, frequent hand washing is one of the best things you can do to avoid catching whatever bugs might be going around. The key to making it count is using lots of soapy water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If you’re in a public restroom, use a paper towel instead of your bare hand when you touch the door handle. At home, you should regularly disinfect doorknobs with Lysol spray or disinfectant wipes. And don’t forget about your germy computer keyboard and mobile phone. It’s a good idea to regularly run a disinfectant wipe over those keys and your phone.

Sip warm liquids

Taking in warm liquids such as chicken soup, hot tea (with lemon or honey), or warm apple juice can be soothing and the warm vapor rising from the bowl or cup can ease congestion by increasing mucus flow. Chicken soup is everyone’s favorite, but it’s not a miracle cure. It does provide needed calories and salt, as well as some nutritional benefits. Chicken soup is also generally easy on the stomach.

Soothe a sore throat

Gargling with salt water helps get rid of the thick mucus that can collect at the back of the throat, especially after you’ve been lying down. It can also help ease stuffy ears. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an eight-ounce glass of warm water. Please note that children younger than 6 years old will be unlikely to be able to gargle properly.

You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges, or hard candy. Don’t give lozenges or hard candy to children younger than 3 to 4 years old because they can choke on them.

Combat a stuffy nose

Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays can help relieve stuffiness and congestion. In infants, experts recommend putting several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children.

Another option to ease stuffiness is nasal irrigation with a neti pot, where you pour salt water into one nostril and let it run out the other, clearing out your nasal passages. You can buy pre-made saline solution or make it by mixing salt and lukewarm sterile or distilled water. Neti pots are available in health food stores and drugstores.

Add moisture to the air

Breathing moist air helps ease nasal congestion and sore throat pain. One good strategy is to indulge in a steamy shower several times a day — or just turn on the shower and sit in the bathroom for a few minutes, inhaling the steam. Another way to ease congestion is to use a steam vaporizer or a humidifier. Be sure to change the water daily and clean the unit often in order to be sure it’s free of mold and mildew.

Another quick way to open clogged airways is to make a “tent.” Bring a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Drape a towel over your head, close your eyes, and lean over the water under the “tent,” breathing deeply through your nose for 30 seconds. You may also want to add a drop or two of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the water for extra phlegm-busting power. Repeat this as often as necessary to ease congestion.

Relieve Pain

For adults and children older than 5, over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers might relieve some symptoms. As far as pain relievers go, children six months or younger should only be given acetaminophen. For children older than six months, either acetaminophen or ibuprofen are appropriate. Adults can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. Please note that none of these over-the-counter medications will prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side-effects.

Another great way to relieve headache or sinus pain is to place a warm cloth over your forehead and nose.

Rest

Your body needs time to heal, so listen to it. If your body’s urging you to spend all day in bed, then do so. Don’t press on with daily chores in the face of severe cold or flu symptoms. And don’t skimp on nighttime sleep. Good sleep cycles help the immune system work well, so it’s important to get a full eight hours of sleep each night.

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Last Updated:
10/27/2017

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Feeding a cold, starving a fever: fact or fiction?

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“Cold, fever. ”

It is likely that you have received this advice or may have given it. After all, this folk wisdom has existed for several centuries. But is it? Does this advice really matter?

In this article, we will look at the main ways to treat colds, flu and fevers. And we’ll take a look at whether fasting is actually a useful strategy to help you get back on your feet when you’re having a fever.

content

How did this proverb start?

Several websites, including Smithsonian.com and Scientific American, let’s say this can be traced back to 1574. Apparently, at the time, a dictionary compiler named John Whitals wrote that “fasting is an excellent remedy for fever.”

Wherever it comes from, it is firmly rooted in popular culture and is popular advice today.

Is that right?

Appetite is often lost during illness. Sometimes food doesn’t seem to help, but sometimes it can make you feel a lot weaker. So, do you really have to starve your fever?

Not according to medical experts at Cedars-Sinai who call it fantasy. Cold or flu, your immune system needs energy and nutrients to do its job, so it’s important to eat and drink enough.

Harvard Medical School he agrees, saying there is no need to eat more or less than usual if you have a cold or the flu. Both institutions emphasize the importance of fluids.

Colds and flu are usually caused by a viral infection, but fever can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• bacterial infection
• inflammatory conditions
• side effects of certain drugs and vaccines
• dehydration or heat stroke

So the next question is: Does it matter what causes fever? Are there any types of fever for which you should fast?

A 2002 study suggests that eating nutrient-rich soup may help fight viral infections, and fasting may help the immune system fight bacterial infections. It is worth noting that this was a small study involving only six young healthy men. The authors of the study acknowledged the need for more research.

U 2016 studyResearchers also found that fasting may help fight bacterial but not viral infections. However, this study was conducted in mice, not humans.

There just wasn’t enough research to “starve the fever” in humans to know for sure. This is further complicated by the fact that there are so many causes of fever.

So it’s probably best to eat when your stomach can handle it and snack lightly when it can’t. Either way, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

What is the best treatment for cold, flu and fever symptoms?

Colds and flu are caused by viruses and share common symptoms such as nasal congestion and body aches. Flu symptoms are more severe and include fever.

Cold treatment

A cold should go away, but there are some things you can do to help relieve the symptoms.

• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
• If you smoke, try to quit until your head clears up. Stay away from smoking if you smoke.
• Use a humidifier to humidify the air.
• Keep eating healthy.

You can choose from over -the -counter drugs, such as:

• Nesteroid anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and pain, such as Ibuprofen (Advili, Motrin), Nenvlsen (Alevation) or aspirin
• Anti -proceedings or antihistamine for cleaning the head
• cough medicine to relieve cough symptoms
• throat lozenges to help soothe sore, scratchy throat

Take these medicines according to package directions. If you have any doubts about mixing over-the-counter drugs or their interactions with other drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If needed, your doctor may prescribe stronger medicines to help control your cough and nasal congestion. Antibiotics do nothing for colds because they don’t work on viruses.

Treating the flu

Compared to the common cold, the flu usually takes a lot more away from you, especially when you have a fever. You can try the same self-harm measures as for a cold, plus:

• Talk to your doctor if you’re at risk for complications from a weakened immune system or a condition like asthma. heart disease, or diabetes.
• Take antivirals if prescribed.
• Get a good rest. Do not go to work or school until your temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. The exception is when influenza complications lead to a secondary bacterial infection.

Even if you don’t have much of an appetite, you need energy to fight the flu. You don’t have to eat as much as you normally would, but it’s important to choose healthy foods.

If you have nausea and vomiting, try some soup and dry crackers until it goes away. Vomiting and diarrhea can get worse if you drink fruit juices, so stick to water until your stomach gets stronger.

Treating fever

If you have a high fever, your immune system is fighting an infection. Subfebrile temperature can go away on its own in a few days.

For fever:

• Drink water, juice or soup.
• Eat when you feel hungry and your stomach can handle it.
• Avoid overwiring. Although you feel cold due to a fever, excessive bloating can raise your body temperature.
• Get a good rest.
• Take an over-the-counter NSAID.

If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, see your doctor. Whether it’s the flu or not, you may need more than home remedies.

When should I see a doctor?

Most people do not need to see a doctor because of a cold or mild flu. Call your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a week and show no improvement, or if symptoms get worse.

Call your doctor if your temperature is 103°C or higher, or if you have a fever:

• severe headache, sensitivity to light
• neck stiffness or pain when you tilt your head forward
• new or worsening skin rash
• persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, or pain when urinating
• trouble breathing or chest pain
• confusion, convulsions, or convulsions

Essence

Research has yet to confirm the age-old adage “feed the cold, starve the fever. ” One thing we know for sure: when you’re sick, it’s extremely important to stay hydrated.

We also know that your body needs nutritional support to fight disease. So, if you have a fever and have not lost your appetite, do not deprive yourself. Try to focus on eating foods that will give your body the nutrients it needs to heal.

If you have any doubts about what to do about a fever, talk to your doctor.

Is it worth feeding a cold and starving a fever? – Drink-Drink

07/12/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

• How did this saying begin?
• Is this true?
• What is the best treatment for cold, flu and fever symptoms?
• Cold treatment
• Flu treatment
• Treating fever
• When should I see a doctor?
• Bottom line

“Feed the cold, starve the fever.”

It is likely that you received this advice, or perhaps gave it yourself. After all, this piece of folk wisdom has been around for centuries. But is it? Does this advice really matter?

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of self-care for colds, flu, and fevers. And we’ll see if fasting is actually a useful strategy to help you get back on your feet when you’re having a fever.

How did this saying begin?

Several websites, including Smithsonian.com and Scientific American, say it can be traced back to 1574. Apparently, it was then that a dictionary author named John Whithals wrote: “Fasting is an excellent remedy for fever.”

Wherever it comes from, it is firmly rooted in popular culture and is still popular advice today.

Is this true?

It is not unusual to lose appetite during illness. Sometimes it seems that not eating helps, but sometimes it can make you feel a lot weaker. So, do you really have to starve your fever?

No, according to medical experts at Cedars-Sinai who call it a hoax. Cold or flu, your immune system needs energy and nutrients to do its job, so it’s important to eat and drink enough.

Harvard Medical School agrees, saying there is no need to eat more or less than usual if you have a cold or the flu. Both institutions emphasize the importance of fluids.

Colds and flu are usually caused by a viral infection, but fever can occur for many reasons, including:

• bacterial infection
• inflammatory disease
• side effect of certain drugs and vaccines
• dehydration or heat stroke

So the next question is: does it matter what causes fever? Are there any types of fever that should be fasted?

A 2002 study suggested that eating nutrient-rich broth may help fight viral infections, and fasting may help the immune system fight bacterial infections. It is worth noting that this was a small study that included only six young healthy men. The authors of the study acknowledged the need for more research.

In a 2016 study, researchers also found that fasting helped fight bacterial but not viral infections. However, this study was conducted in mice, not humans.

There just haven’t been enough “feed the cold, starve the fever” studies done on humans to know for sure. This is further complicated by the fact that there are so many causes of fever.

So it’s probably best to eat when your stomach can handle it, and eat less when it can’t. Either way, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

What is the best treatment for cold, flu and fever symptoms?

Colds and flu are caused by viruses and share common symptoms such as nasal congestion and body aches. Flu symptoms are usually more severe and include fever.

Treating a cold

A cold should take its course, but there are some things you can do to help relieve symptoms.

• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration.
• If you smoke, try to quit until your head clears up. Stay away from secondhand smoke if you can.
• Use a humidifier to humidify the air.
• Keep eating healthy.

You can choose from over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin
• a decongestant or antihistamine to clear head
• cough medicine to relieve cough symptoms
• throat lozenges to soothe a sore and scratchy throat

Take these medicines according to package directions. If you have any concerns about mixing over-the-counter drugs or their interactions with other medicines, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If needed, your doctor may prescribe stronger medicines to help control your cough and nasal congestion. Antibiotics do nothing for a cold because they don’t work against viruses.

Treating the flu

Compared to a cold, the flu usually takes a lot more energy out of you, especially when you have a fever. You can try the same self-care measures as for a cold, plus:

• See your doctor if you are at risk for complications from a weakened immune system or conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
• Take antivirals if prescribed.
• Enough time to rest. Do not go to work or school until your temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. The exception is when influenza complications lead to a secondary bacterial infection.

Even if you don’t have much of an appetite, you need energy to fight the flu. You don’t have to eat as much as you normally would, but it’s important to choose healthy foods.

If you have nausea and vomiting, try some broth and dry crackers until it goes away. Vomiting and diarrhea can get worse if you drink fruit juices, so stick to water until your stomach gets stronger.

Fever treatment

If you have a fever, your immune system is fighting an infection. Subfebrile temperature can go away on its own within a few days.

For fever:

• Drink water, juice or broth.
• Eat when you feel hungry and your stomach can tolerate it.
• Avoid tying too much. Although a fever makes you feel chilly, over-wrapping can raise your body temperature.
• Enough time to rest.
• Take an over-the-counter NSAID.

If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, see your doctor. Whether it’s the flu or not, you may need more than home remedies.

When should I see a doctor?

Most people do not need to see a doctor if they have a cold or mild flu. Call your doctor if your symptoms last more than a week and either show no improvement, or if your symptoms start to get worse.

Also call your doctor if your temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, or if your fever is accompanied by:

• severe headache, sensitivity to light
• neck stiffness or pain when you tilt your head forward
• new or worsening skin rash
• persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, or pain when urinating
• trouble breathing or chest pain
• confusion, convulsions, or convulsions

Bottom line

Research has yet to confirm the age-old adage “feed the cold, starve the fever.