Like millions and countless more, I’ve had more colds than any other illness.
A cold is one of the most common illnesses children and adults face one or more times yearly.
And I detest them!
No more colds for me, please.
The hacking coughs are head-splitting.
The phlegm is disgusting!
No one likes feeling rundown, lousy, and like a rotten tomato.
What can we humans do?
Yes, only we can prevent forest fires, but who can avoid the common cold? No one lives in a bubble! Social beings share and pass on stuff like viruses.
After all these centuries, there’s still no cure for the common cold!
Because there’s no cure, some seek and try old wise-tales remedies like a hot toddy, a mixture of whiskey, lemon, honey, water, and spices.
No whiskey for me!
But what about this common and popular advice—”Feed a cold, starve a fever?”
Maybe it’s ‘Starve a cold, feed a fever.’ These sayings can be confusing. Is it I before E or I before C?
Whatever!
I’m more interested in knowing how to deal with a cold than in verifying middle school spelling rules.
Should one have a bowl of chicken soup or other foods when one has a cold or fever? That’s the question.
Several days ago, I had a cold but no fever.
Yes, chicken soup for me!
I also tolerated chicken broth; it’s the next thing to starving. Maybe a burger, fries, frozen or freshly cooked vegetables would be good.
Is there any truth to ‘feeding a cold and starving a fever?’
Losing one’s appetite during a cold or fever is not unusual, but food and fluids are necessary to maintain energy and strength.
Eating and drinking fluids are self-care advice, whether one has a cold or a fever. Sometimes, we must take the advice that we give to others.
Several days into my cold, I stuffed myself with a McDonald’s fish sandwich and fries and washed everything down with a Sprite.
The fries, sandwich, and drink were comforting as I thought about feeding my cold. I had hoped to leave my husband half of the apple pie.
I ate the whole thing!
I had all the comfort I could eat. And I felt better.
The age-old saying feed a cold and starve a fever is traceable to a passage in John Withals” dictionary in 1574. Mr. Withals wrote, “Fasting is a great remedy of fever.”
Many believe that his premise was that food helps to generate warmth, and without food, less warmth is generated—warmth for colds and cooling down for fevers.
Like many old adages, ‘starve a fever and feed a cold’ is still popular advice.
I was conscientious about drinking more water to avoid dehydration. I didn’t want the mucus to harden in my throat and chest. Some say warm or room-temperature water is best.
What are the benefits of adhering to this feed and starve adage?
Appetite is a factor during a cold or fever, and the length of a cold varies for each individual. I would rather not starve anything, a cold or fever; I will even drink chicken broth.
Scientists and medical professionals say the verdict is still out relative to the adage’s claims.
There is no cure for the common cold, but most agree that some tried remedies may help with symptoms and people feeling better.
I still do what Mom told me as a child, “Rest and drink plenty of fluids.” She also insisted that I try to eat something.
Thanks to this, my cold is almost gone.
Be well.
Betty
I gravitate to soup filled with red pepper when I have a cold! Depending if you are feverish is a determinant of your appetite.
Whatever adage; feed a cold or starve a fever or visa versa having a cold is no fun. Also, people with flu or cold like symptoms should be aware of how contagious each can be and remain out of public if all possible!! As usual, very enlightened article my oldest sister!
Thanks for reading and your personal viewpoint.