Your mom said it.
Her mom said it.
Anytime a child complains of not feeling well during cold and flu season, the doctors at our urgent care centers in Washington, D.C. hear many parents say it: “Feed a cold and starve a fever.”
Like many proverbs and old wives tales that we repeat without questioning, many people fail to recognize the meaning behind this saying, and even fewer know whether it actually has any basis in medical science!
So what’s the verdict on “feeding a cold or starving a fever”? Is this really the right way to deal with a cold or the flu?
According to the medical experts at Medics USA urgent care centers in Washington, D.C, it’s time for this outdated adage to hit the bricks. Why? Because it’s only half true! You need to be sure to feed your body immune-boosting foods no matter what type of illness you have. Starving is never a path to health! More than likely this saying became popular because people who have a fever rarely have much of an appetite.
These Are The Best Foods To Eat If You Have A Cold
When you have a cold, your body needs antioxidants to help fight back against the virus that’s making you sick. These foods include raw fruits and vegetables, especially those high in beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E.
These Are The Best Foods To Eat If You Have A Fever
When you have a cold, your body is elevating its core temperature to try to “burn up” the invading viruses. In this case, it’s important to eat foods that are high in water content as well as vitamins, in order to remain well-hydrated. Try things like fruit and vegetable juice, chicken soup, hot tea, and bananas.
Remember, if you’re not feeling well and want to make sure it’s not something more serious than the flu or common cold, come into one of our Washington, D.C.-area urgent care centers today!