The Skinny:
Welcome to cold and flu season. It’s in full swing and so is the search for old and new ways to combat these age-old ailments. One of the most revered remedies is also one of the least understood and probably most often misstated: “Feed a cold; starve a fever.” Wait a minute, maybe it’s “feed a fever and starve a cold?” Okay, let’s work on clearing this up and getting some insights on its effectiveness.
The Slate:
Age-Old Confusion
The original focus of this adage stressed: ‘If you feed a cold, then you will have a fever to starve.” This ancient approach may not be all that surprising. Early cultures often saw diseases as invasive spirits or entities that could be nourished or starved out, so feeding simple colds would encourage them to grow into dangerous fevers. In recent centuries, the more modern interpretation of “feed a cold, starve a fever” simply means that colds and fevers require different treatments. This, of course, was coupled with the belief that eating—especially meat—
raised body temperature and fasting lowered it. John Withals nailed this all down in 1574 when he wrote: “Fasting is a great remedie of feuer.” By the middle of the 20th Century, the adage and approach became accepted as medical dogma.
Differ Takes For The Shakes
All colds are alike as are all flus—but they differ from each other. All colds are alike because they are diseases caused by viruses requiring similar treatment. Conversely, all fevers are symptoms and not diseases themselves. They are, in fact, reactions to various causes (e.g., viral or bacterial infections, heat exhaustion, inflammatory conditions, cancerous tumors and even medications or immunizations). Not surprisingly, they often require different treatments.
Hot Benefits
Fevers do have their good sides. In fact, one study indicated that patients with moderate fevers recover more quickly than feverless ones. More specifically, fevers below 104o F encourage healthy immune responses, boosting cell function and speeding delivery of dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Higher temperatures actually do more damage to pathogens and infected cells than they do to healthy ones, but there is a limit.
The Feeding Upside
Eating while fighting a cold-related disease actually has plenty of upside. The reason is simple. Fighting an illness ramps up metabolic rate, requiring more energy and calories. This is especially true in the case of fever. One study found that the body consumed 10 percent more energy for every one Celsius degree increase in body temperature.
Nutrients Empower the Immune System
Well-balanced, nutrient-rich diets not only prevent colds, they also help speed recovery from related diseases. Antioxidants like beta carotene, bioflavonoids, anthocyanins, lycopene, glutathione and vitamins C and E from fruits and vegetables target damaging free radicals and help the immune system. Phytochemicals from grains, fruits and vegetables are essential for wellness. Protein is also needed to build and repair body tissue and fight viral and bacterial infections.
Body Language
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of colds and fevers, thanks to nausea, malaise, fatigue and discomfort from sore throats and congestion. Appetites are quashed by substances released when inflammation and white blood cells fight infections. And that’s okay, according to Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist of Emory School of Medicine. “…you don’t need to force yourself to eat…Most of us can tap into our energy reserves.”
Intermittent Fasting Gains
Research has found that immune systems respond better and inflammation decreases during intermittent fasting. One big caveat, this effect only occurs in well-nourished people, not in patients with nutritional deficiencies or poor inflammatory reactions. Admittedly, more data is needed before intermittent fasting becomes a slam-dunk disease remedy.
Food “No-No’s”
Diuretic beverages with caffeine or alcohol don’t hydrate as well as other equivalent drinks. It is also important to avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods, which stimulate inflammatory responses. Spicy and greasy foods may also hurt because they can upset stomachs and take extra energy to digest. Any dairy product that increases mucus should be off-limits for those with respiratory infections.
Regardless of Approach—Hydrate
There may be arguments for both starving and feeding colds and flus at different points. What is undeniably more important is hydration. Water is needed for immune function, electrolyte balance and temperature regulation. Being well-hydrated speeds recovery and increases comfort by keeping mucus loose and helping prevent headaches. Even those who aren’t eating well will benefit from the soothing, hydrating effects of cool water or hot teas and the nutrition from warm broth, juices or commercial electrolyte-rich nutrition drinks.
Eyes Up:
Are you a starver or a feeder? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
