Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:31:32 +0000

Why Doctors Revised ‘Starve a Cold Feed a Fever’—Science Just Proved It Works! For decades, the common saying “starve a cold, feed a fever” has sounded like old wives’ wisdom—something passed down through generations rather than backed by science. But recent medical research has shed new light on this age-old advice—and the updated conclusion is surprising: starving during a cold is no longer recommended, while feeding during fever plays a critical role in recovery. Let’s explore why doctors revised this decades-old belief and what science now confirms about managing cold and fever symptoms. ### The Legend Behind ‘Starve a Cold, Feed a Fever’ The phrase “starve a cold, feed a fever” dates back centuries and was originally meant to describe how body temperature affects metabolism. Early interpretations suggested that fevers required nourishment to fuel the body, while colds demanded reduced food intake to “cool” the body. However, this wisdom was never backed by scientific evidence and often misapplied.