Does it Work to Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever?
Many people have been advised at one time or another to feed a cold or starve a fever. They may wonder whether there is any benefit in following this advice. So far, there is no solid proof that following this advice facilitates recovery. There may be some logic in this advice, however, as it seems to be patterned after what many people are likely to do when they are feeling ill. For example, people who are caught in the throes of fever may be less likely to feel up to eating anyway. The feed a cold, starve a fever advice may have come from personal observations of behavior during colds and illnesses that cause fever. Often, people who have colds still have at least some appetite, even if it is somewhat diminished. Interestingly, a person’s appetite may be directly related to his symptoms. For example, a person’s sense of smell influences the taste of the food he eats. If a person’s cold includes a very stuffy nose, he may feel less enthusiastic about eating because the taste of his fo
