Is it true that you should feed a cold and starve a fever?
Briefly

Tom Wilkinson, a professor of respiratory medicine, points out that during respiratory viral infections, your immune system needs nutrient-dense foods to function optimally. An experiment shows that those who were nourished exhibited a stronger immune response than those who were starved for 24 hours. He warns against dieting while sick, especially for those with weakened immune systems, as they need higher calorie intake. Furthermore, Wilkinson discusses the potential misinterpretation of the saying 'starve a fever,' suggesting that adequate nourishment can play a role in preventing secondary infections, highlighting the importance of diet and hydration during colds.
Tom Wilkinson emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet during respiratory viral infections, stating that activated immune cells are metabolically demanding and require ample energy and nutrients.
In conducting an experiment, volunteers who were given food showed a stronger immune response compared to those who were starved for 24 hours, indicating the need for calorie-rich intake.
Wilkinson cautions against dieting while ill, noting that maintaining a high calorie intake is crucial, especially for those with compromised immune systems or malnutrition.
He also mentions a common phrase about feeding a cold, suggesting that proper nourishment may help in preventing secondary infections, underlying its significance during illness.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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