Is that right? And does it work?
2006-12-05 04:30:14 · 5 answers · asked by Southpaw 7 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
It is an old wives tale. When you are sick you should eat to fuel the immune system, your body cannot fight a virus if it runs on empty. Your body will know when to eat and when not to. A fever is part of an immune response, most viruses cannot live above body temperature, so a fever is a way for the body to try and kill it.
2006-12-05 05:02:06 · answer #1 · answered by thelogicalferret 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the saying does go "Feed a cold, starve a fever?"
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, for which there is no cure. The best you can hope to do is support your immune system as it struggles to prevail. Fever or not, starving yourself is no way to show your support. Whether you’re thirsty or not, drink plenty of fluids. And, if you’re hungry–eat!
2006-12-05 17:40:55 · answer #2 · answered by Sensible_5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's the way the saying goes. I think it is pretty sound advice, with a cold u do need extra nourishment to strengthen the immune system, and if you eat with a fever you may just end up vomiting or sitting on the toilet all day and night.
2006-12-05 12:39:37 · answer #3 · answered by Stephan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The saying is correct, but you probably shouldn't overdo it either way (feeding yourself too much when you have a cold, or not eating anything at all when you have a fever).
2006-12-05 12:40:39 · answer #4 · answered by waltos_1999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It works right up to the point you have to go to the emergency room.
Coach
2006-12-05 12:37:30 · answer #5 · answered by Thanks for the Yahoo Jacket 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋