Dietary Restrictions when a Person is Sick

The old saying that you should "starve a fever and feed a cold" has long been debated within the medical community. However some dutch researchers have found that eating often boosts the immune system response which can destroy viruses. Fasting however focuses on the response that destroys bacterial infections which are commonly associated with fevers.

The Dutch study was published in the Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology journal in 2002 and showed that after only six hours of consuming a liquid meal gamma interferon levels had quadrupled. Thereby indicating that food consumption has a direct correlation to immune responses and the production of antibodies to attack cells that have been attacked by pathogens.

I have been a nurse for over 28 years and dieting when your sick only depletes your immune system further. Many physicians will often tell a person who is sick with any kind of flu or cold that a key to getting better is getting plenty of rest and maintaining proper hydration at all times. Unfortunately I will often ask a person who is very sick if they are eating and drinking and they will often answer, no they haven't felt like it. Usually these people however exhibit symptoms of dehydration and may often look emaciated to some degree.

I often find myself counseling patients that eating and maintaining good hydration are critical when a person has any type of a cold or inflammatory process. While fasting with a fever is fine, once the fever has been properly treated and resolves the body requires food to give boost the metabolism and provide the immune system fuel in order to replenish itself. Therefore anyone who diets should refrain from dieting when they are sick with any kind of illness.

There are many good food choices for immune boosting such as meat, nuts, vegetables, whole grains and fruits. The key is to listen to your body, try starting with something light such as whole wheat toast or crackers. Then add more foods as your body is able to handle them. This will not only give your body the necessary nutrients to fight off the illness but also the energy to ward off many of the common medical complaints such as fatigue or lack of energy.

After the illness resolves the person who diets can restart their normal diet regimen, however it is important to always maintain a good fluid intake under any situations. Good hydration is a basic bodily need that not only flushes the body of toxins but helps every part of the body to function properly.

References for this article include:www.dukehealth.org/health_library/health_articles/feed_a_cold
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163719.htm
www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/starve-cold-feed-fever
www.webmd.com/diet/guide/healthy-eating-when-you-are-sick