“You should 'feed a cold, starve a fever.'”

The enduring advice about how to manage illness, suggesting you should eat when you have a cold but abstain from food during a fever, is a misconception that has persisted for centuries. This old adage can be traced back to historical beliefs, with a variation appearing in John Withals' 1574 dictionary, which stated that "fasting is a great remedy of fever." The reasoning behind this counsel stemmed from an outdated understanding of body temperature; people believed that eating generated internal warmth, which would be beneficial for a "cold" (thought to make the body colder), while fasting would help to "cool down" a fever, which was seen as an overheating of the body.

However, modern medical science debunks this notion. Whether you're battling a cold or a fever, your body needs energy and hydration to fuel your immune system and fight off infection. A fever actually increases your metabolism, causing your body to burn more calories, making it even more crucial to replenish those energy stores. Depriving your body of essential nutrients during illness can hinder your immune response and prolong recovery. Furthermore, both colds and fevers can lead to dehydration, emphasizing the importance of consuming plenty of fluids in either situation.

The myth's longevity is largely due to its deep historical roots and the intuitive, though incorrect, logic of its origin. People often cling to age-old wisdom passed down through generations. Additionally, a common symptom of illness is a reduced appetite, which might inadvertently reinforce the idea that not eating, especially with a fever, is a natural or beneficial response. While you might prefer lighter, easily digestible foods when sick, the key is to ensure your body receives the necessary fuel and liquids to recover effectively.