Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever
Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever
With the start of Fall comes the start of cold and flu symptoms. So just how much truth is there in the adage, “Feed a Cold and Starve a Fever”?
Well scientists at the Academic Medical Center in Amesterdam conducted a small study to see if alcohol had any effect on the immune system. What they found out suprised them: alcohol had no effect but eating actually stimulated T-cells, those very same cells used in fighting viral infections, while not eating stimulated antibodies that fight bacterial infections.
Since the common cold is a viral infection, eating actually stimulates the body’s defense mechanisms to fight the virus. If on the other hand you’ve been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, not eating (always drink plenty of fluids) will help you overcome a bacterial infection.
To find out more about this study, check out this short, interesting article in The New Scientist.
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Hi! This is great useful info. My habit has always been, feed a cold, feed a fever, and feed when you’re feeling good. Maybe next time the temp elevates, I’ll back off the food bit.
The site looks good! I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed, and I’ll be looking forward to future info.
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