starve a cold feed a fever

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:12:53 +0000

Starve a Cold, Feed a Fever: Debunking the Myth and Exploring the Science of Illness Nutrition When you're under the weather—either fighting a cold or battling a fever—you’ve probably heard the old saying: “Starve a cold, feed a fever.” But what’s the real science behind this advice? Is it literally true, or is it just an outdated myth passed down through generations? Let’s dive into what researchers and medical experts say about nutrition when your body is fighting infection. ### The Origins of “Starve a Cold, Feed a Fever” This phrase dates back to at least the early 20th century and is often traced to folk wisdom rather than medical science. Traditionally, it discouraged eating when sick—especially during a cold and suggested doing the opposite during a fever. But where did this gut instinct come from?