Feed a Fever, Starve a Cold?

September 27, 2003

You’ve probably heard of the saying “starve a fever, feed a cold”. It’s an old saying that goes back hundreds of years to ancient medicine. The idea is that if you’re hot, you need to put less fuel into your body so you’ll cool off: starve a fever, and if you’re chilled or weak, you need to eat to stoke up your internal fires: feed a cold.

The starving/feeding part isn’t really a good idea. When you’re sick, your appetite often decreases because food doesn’t taste as good and you’re tired. Fighting off a cold or flu demands energy. You’re best off eating light, healthful food –whole grains, protein, veggies–soup and, of course, drinking lots of water. A healthy diet everyday–rich in vitamin C and antioxidants–has been shown to help boost immunity, too.