The Truth About "Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever"

The meaning behind "feed a cold, starve a fever" is that you can take care of a common cold with adequate food intake and take care of a fever by fasting. This centuries-old advice comes from thoughts about food and body temperature. Calorie restriction lowers a person's body temperature while eating raises it.

The truth is that you want to feed a cold and a fever. Your body needs energy from calories to help the immune system function. Read on to learn more, including when to see a healthcare provider with a cold or a fever.

Is It Feed a Cold and Starve a Fever?

The immune system needs more calories to fight infection and recover when you're sick. This means that the idea of starving fevers is a myth; feeding—and hydrating—a fever might be even more critical than feeding a cold.

"When you have a fever, it is essentially increasing your body's temperature to fight an infection and in turn also increasing your metabolism and your body's use of calories," Albert Ahn, MD, a clinical instructor of internal medicine at NYU Langone Health, told Health. "Hence, you would likely benefit from more caloric intake during a fever."

Fevers can coincide with other symptoms—like sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea—that result in an increased loss of body fluids. Adequate hydration is equally, if not more, important when you have a fever.

How To Feed a Cold and a Fever

Eating and drinking when you're sick is important. Only try to do so when you can and feel comfortable.

"While responding to the need for more calories is important to support the immune system, you don't need to force yourself to eat," Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at the Emory School of Medicine, told Health. "Most of us can tap into our energy reserves."

Most people may not feel like eating when they're sick. Your appetite is naturally suppressed during an illness. Consider the following tips when your appetite comes back during a cold or a fever.

Consume Fluids With Calories

Prioritize fluids containing calories, like coconut water or a sports drink with electrolytes, if you can't fathom eating a full meal. "Staying well hydrated helps keep airway passages moist, which supports our first line of defense against germs," said Dr. Bergquist.

A smoothie made with vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables may be helpful. Vitamin C helps support immune system function. You could try a smoothie made with strawberries, kiwi, orange juice, and a handful of kale.

Drink Hot Liquids

Hot liquids like herbal tea or broth keep mucus thin, which can help expel it from the nose and throat. Some hot liquids may also come with critical nutrients.

"Chicken soup always makes the list of healing foods. It's a perfect mix of hot liquids that open up the sinus passages and provide electrolytes, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and spices that support the immune system," said Dr. Bergquist.

Foods and Drinks To Avoid

Some foods and drinks can be unhelpful if you're sick. You may want to avoid the following:

• Alcohol, caffeinated coffee, and tea: These beverages can increase your risk of dehydration since they're all diuretics.
• High-fat foods: These foods can increase the risk of infection and the amount of inflammation in your body.
• High-sugar foods: Foods that are high in sugar can add to the inflammation you may be experiencing when you're sick.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

See a healthcare provider if you've attempted to treat a cold or fever without success or have worsening symptoms. Medical attention is also necessary if you have:

• Alertness problems or confusion
• Breathing problems or blue lips, nails, or tongue
• A fever of 105 degrees that doesn't come down with treatment, lasts more than 48 to 72 hours, or comes and goes for at least a week
• New rashes or bruises
• Painful urination
• Recently traveled to another country
• Seizures
• Serious conditions, such as diabetes, heart problems, long-term lung problems, or a weak immune system
• Severe headache
• A stiff neck
  

A Quick Review

The adage "feed a cold, starve a fever" has been around for hundreds of years, but it's only partially true. Your body needs energy to keep your immune system functioning and recover from a cold or a fever. You get this energy from the foods you eat.

Certain foods and drinks can be helpful for recovery when eating and drinking during a cold or when you have a fever. You'll want to avoid options like alcohol, coffee, tea, or high-fat and high-sugar foods. Consult a healthcare provider if you continue to have cold and fever symptoms that won't go away or worsen.