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Does It Work to Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever?

Nicole Madison
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,831
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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 food may be altered; a person who has a sore throat may also feel less interested in eating, as swallowing may hurt.

An individual with a cold, even one that causes a stuffy nose or sore throat, may still have more appetite than a person with a fever, however. This may explain the reasoning behind the feed a cold, starve a fever advice. People who have fevers may experience short-term appetite loss, and the severity of the fever may directly affect appetite. Those who have high fevers may have less appetite than those with low-grade temperatures.

Fever is often accompanied by fatigue and headache, both things that can affect a person's appetite. Any other symptoms a person has, such as gastrointestinal changes or sore throat, may serve to further impair his appetite. If the fever is prolonged, a person’s lack of appetite may actually cause him to lose weight.

In general, it doesn’t matter much whether a person decides to feed a cold and starve a fever or opts to do the opposite. What does generally matter is that he continues to drink plenty of fluids. Physicians often recommend water and juice as the best options for those who are sick. Experts also say alcohol is best avoided during this time, as it can contribute to dehydration. If a person’s appetite is diminished for more than a few days or long after his symptoms have ended, he may do well to seek a doctor’s advice.

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Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

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Discussion Comments
By Wisedly33 — On Jun 29, 2014

Once I feel like eating again after I've caught a cold is something spicy. I will go to the Chinese place and get hot and sour soup, which has a lot of healthy, immunity boosting ingredients in it, anyway.

I also love curry, so eating that helps a cold, too. There have been times when I was so congested I could hardly breathe, and it was nearly too much effort to eat, but I ate some spicy curry and my nose started to run. I was able to clear out some of the congestion and felt better for a while, anyway. It didn't last forever, but it was long enough for me to enjoy my meal.

By Scrbblchick — On Jun 28, 2014

The only thing that cures either a fever or a cold is time, and maybe, antibiotics. You just have to wear it out.

Whether I have a cold, fever or both, I eat a lot of chicken soup and drink G2 Gatorade. It keeps me hydrated, goes down easily and if I have the flu, isn't likely to come back up.

Having either a fever or a cold is apt to dry me out, so staying hydrated is important, and the G2 helps with that, along with a lot of water. I'll also drink hot tea or hot spiced tea with a cold. It may be a placebo effect, but it sure does make me think I feel better.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
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