Should You Starve a Fever and Feed a Cold?

In the old days, medical wisdom indicated that a plunge in body temperature was the reason behind colds and a rise in body temperature was the cause of fevers. The reason behind the saying was that since eating created bony energy and resultant heat, eating a lot during a cold could bring back the normal body temperature, and not eating during a fever would bring down the temperature inside the body.

While this may seem like folklore, modern medicine sees patterns that indicate the truth of this maxim. Doctors say that during fevers, most people don’t feel very hungry at all. This is the body’s natural defense system. Because digestion is a process that uses a lot of energy and body mechanism, during fevers the body shuts down on the need to eat, and allows the body to put all of its resources into recovering from the fever.

Practically speaking, the maxim does have merit. However, it is important to remember to keep up the body’s energy by consuming simple foods and lots of natural fluids. During a cold, the same can be said for maintaining fluids, like juices and water, especially in maintaining vitamin C levels. In fact most doctors will prescribe rest and plenty of fluids for patients with fevers. They usually prescribe sufficient fluids, healthy food and vitamin C supplements if necessary.