Should I really starve a fever?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:To fight off a fever, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially those loaded with vitamin C. Orange juice and other vitamin-rich drinks will help regulate your immune system and prevent dehydration so your body can heal.To fight off a fever, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially those loaded with vitamin C. Orange juice and other vitamin-rich drinks will help regulate your immune system and prevent dehydration so your body can heal. More -
Stacy Wiegman answered:The saying "feed a cold, starve a fever" has been around for a long time, but doctors are quick to point out that it's not wise to take the axiom too literally. If you have a fever and are hungry, there's no reason not to eat -- and denying yourself nutrition is never a good idea, especially when your body is working hard to get well. That said, you may not feel like eating much when you have a fever. That's fine, too.
The saying "feed a cold, starve a fever" has been around for a long time, but doctors are quick to point out that it's not wise to take the axiom too literally. If you have a fever and are hungry, there's no reason not to eat -- and denying... More -
Discovery Health answered:Most people don't feel like eating when they're sick because the same body chemicals that raise your temperature mess around with your appetite. But recent research says eating well when you have a fever is essential - at least in general. One study found that fasting might help the body fight a fever caused by a bacterial infection, not a virus, because of the antibodies produced by only drinking water. However, this same study and others indicate that restricting your food intake when you're sick actually hurts the immune system by hindering its ability to respond to an infection. Low nourishment deprives key cells of energy needed to create proteins that recognize and destroy infections, making your recovery time longer.
Most people don't feel like eating when they're sick because the same body chemicals that raise your temperature mess around with your appetite. But recent research says eating well when you have a fever is essential - at least in general. One study... More
