Feed A Cold And Starve A Fever – Or –

Starve A Cold And Feed A Fever?

Feed A Cold And Starve A Fever – Or – Starve A Cold And Feed A Fever?

Most of grew up hearing one of those phrases. The old wive’s tale has been around since at least the 1500s and has been used so many times throughout the generations, that no one can quite remember how it is supposed to go.

Did you ever wonder what it meant? Maybe your mom used to tell you that when you were sick? The idea behind it, at least in the minds of early Americans, was by feeding a cold, the warm food would heat up your body, helping you to fight off the cold. The reason you were supposed to starve a fever was by forcing it to cool down from lack of food.

Thankfully, having either a cold or the flu does not mean forced starvation. Quite the opposite, since good nutrition can have a positive effect on symptoms and duration of both a cold and the flu.

Feed A Cold And Feed A Fever – With Nutritious Food

Since we’ve gotten the good news that we should be eating during a cold or while having the flu, it’s time to take a look at some foods that may just help you get through this cold and flu season. Good nutrition is important every day but can be especially helpful when you’re battling that stuffy nose or a sore throat.

Fruits and Vegetables – A diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables will provide the natural vitamins necessary to boost the immune system and maintain overall good health. But did you know that a nutritious diet can actually help prevent you from getting a cold or the flu?

Eat Real Food – Many natural, whole foods have antioxidants, vitamins and essential amino acids that may just give the immune system enough of a boost to prevent you from getting sick. Stay away from processed food whenever possible.

Chicken Soup – One old wive’s tale that does appear to be true, is to eat chicken soup when you’re sick. Eating hot chicken soup may help clear nasal congestion and thins mucus for more productive coughing. Chicken soup (homemade is best) has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties that can help diminish cold symptoms.

Hot Tea – Drinking hot tea (as hot as you can stand) may help to thin mucus, which may help that stuffy nose or rattling cough. Green and black tea also have antioxidant properties.

Comfort Foods That Can Ease Your Symptoms

Sometimes when the cold and flu bug hits, all we want to do is wrap up in a fuzzy blanket on the couch. Getting plenty of rest is recommended, so it’s not a bad idea, but eating nutritious food is just as important.

When you don’t feel like eating, there are some easy and simple comfort foods that you can eat while lounging on the couch.

Meal Replacement Drinks – Choose a meal replacement drink that is low in sugar and lactose-free. Drinking one of these is an excellent way to get vitamins and nutrients into your body when you don’t feel like eating.

Toast or Crackers – Toast and crackers are easy on your stomach and go great with soup. Honey or jam may be used on toast, but try to avoid butter, margarine, and high-fat spreads.

Bananas – High in vitamin, potassium, and other essential nutrients, bananas can be a great go-to food when you’re not feeling well. Bananas can be eaten by themselves or blended into a smoothie.

Garlic – Try adding a small amount to soup or make a couple of slices of garlic bread. Garlic may boost the immune system and may improve congestion.

Vegetable And Fruit Juice – Drinking vegetable juice as often as you can while sick will help provide your body with important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential to help you recover from the cold or flu.

Turkey – When your appetite starts to return, you may want to try a lean turkey sandwich. Turkey has lots of protein that can help provide energy to your recovering body.