Fact or Myth? Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

We have all probably heard the old maxim "feed a cold, starve a fever." Fact or myth? The answer would be that it is part fact and part myth.

In ancient days, it was believed that colds were caused by a drop in the body's temperature and that the body needed to be fed to increase its temperature. As a result, cold-sufferers were encourage to eat -- usually comfort foods. How often has your mother given you chicken soup to eat when you had a cold? Well, as much as you may hate to admit it, your mother was right. Not only is a hot bowl of chicken soup comforting, it also helps to give your body nutrients that can help to boost your body's immune system, enabling it to better fight the cold. (I also remember hearing several years ago that cooked chicken releases certain enzymes that help to fight colds.) Some people like to eat hot, spicy foods. (I am one of those.) Hot peppers can actually help alleviate cold symptoms, especially stuffy noses. [For more information, see my Cayenne Pepper Plant Profile.] In addition, hot peppers contain antibacterial agents, which can fight the cold bacteria. When you feed your cold, however, do so with healthy foods full of nutrients, which your body needs to improve its immune system in order to better combat your cold. Steer clear of the sweets and junk food. Also, you should drink plenty of fluids. (Colds can cause you to become dehydrated.) Fruit juices and decaffeinated beverages are best.

As you feed your cold, what about the fever that may accompany it? It turns out that this second half of the old maxim; i.e., "starve a fever," is a myth. Just as it was once believed that the body needed to be fueled with food when afflicted by a cold supposedly caused by a lower body temperature, the opposite was believed when it came to fevers. The body was hot and burning fuel; therefore, eating would, so to speak, just add fuel to the fire. As a result, many people in earlier days were denied food when they were running a fever. Just as nutritional food can boost the body's immune system and make it more effective at fighting off infection, so, too, can it do the same thing to fight off a fever. Those people that think that eating just depletes the body's energy might also be interested to know that the body only uses 10% of its energy to metabolize food.

So, next time you get a cold, feed it, specifically with nutritional foods. If you catch a virus that causes your temperature to rise, feed the fever, too. Of course, always choose foods high in vitamins and minerals. (You might be happy to know that many of our comfort foods, such as chicken soup, actually do contain such vitamins and minerals.) You should also remember to drink plenty of liquids.

References:

Discovery Health. Should you really feed a cold? by Patrick Kiger

Discovery Health. Should you really starve a fever? by Patrick Kiger

Dobelis, Inge N., ed. Magic and Medicine of Plants. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 1986.