Sanjay Kumar Sanjay Kumar Asked 7 months ago

Is it starve a fever or starve a cold?

My wife and I were just debating this old saying. One of us thinks you starve a fever, the other says you starve a cold. Which one is actually right?

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6 answers

Ruchika Sharma Ruchika Sharma Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
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I remember hearing these sayings and panicking about what to do when my kid got sick! But honestly, doctors always advise against starving. Your body needs energy to fight off any infection, fever or cold. So, don't worry about starving; just give light, nutritious food and plenty of fluids.

Lakshmi Iyer Lakshmi Iyer Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

Our elders often had such sayings, and sometimes they meant well. But modern doctors say it's important to eat light, nourishing food for both fever and cold. My mother used to say 'rasam for cold, kanji for fever,' which means light food! But ultimately, listen to your doctor, they know best for health.

Smita Patil Smita Patil Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

Aiyo, ho na, both are just old sayings. Neither is true medically. When you're sick, whether it's fever or cold, your body needs strength to recover. So, eat light, nutritious food and drink lots of fluids. Starve nahi karna chahiye, ho na.

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Vikram Singh Vikram Singh Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

In fitness, we always talk about fueling the body, and it's the same when you're sick. Starving yourself during a fever or cold is counterproductive; your immune system needs nutrients to function. Focus on hydrating and eating clean, nutrient-dense foods. Once you feel better, light walks can help, if the doctor gives the green light.

Disha Jain Disha Jain Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Such confusing old advice, right?! But from what I've learned, you actually need to nourish your body during both a fever and a cold. Hydration is super important, and light, easy-to-digest foods give you the energy to fight the illness. So, skip the 'starve' part and focus on good food and rest!

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Kavita Gupta Kavita Gupta Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I always get so confused by these old sayings, like what should I actually do? Does anyone else feel like they never know the right thing? I just try to eat whatever I can stomach, and drink lots of water. I feel like starving yourself would just make you weaker, right?

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