$Unique_ID{BRK00818}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There Medical Evidence to Support "Feed a Fever, Starve a Cold"?}
$Subject{feed fever starve cold treatment fever Infections infection diet
diets food foods eat eating nutrients metabolism antidiuretic hormone salt
water amino acids protein Phenylalanine tryptophan acid}
$Volume{A-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Medical Evidence to Support "Feed a Fever, Starve a Cold"?


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QUESTION:  "Feed a fever, starve a cold."  Is there any medical evidence to
support this advice common in our medical remedies folklore?

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ANSWER:  The saying would probably be more accurate as "feed a fever, feed a
cold."  That's because research shows that the body may actually lose
nutrients during an infection.
     When you have an infection in your system, your body responds by changing
your metabolism in a certain way--no matter what the cause of the infection.
For instance, one study has shown that the level of antidiuretic
hormone--which reduces the output of urine--increases during illness.  For an
illness accompanied by a fever, one day before the fever starts, the body
excretes sodium in the urine.  During the fever, the body retains salt and
water.
     The way you handle proteins changes during an illness too.  Some research
has shown that the level of amino acids (building blocks of protein) in the
blood rises during the incubation period of an illness, and drops once the
illness sets in.  Even the changes in concentrations of individual amino acids
during an illness can be predicted:  Phenylalanine increases or remains the
same; tyrosine falls in relation to the change in phenylalanine; tryptophan
increases; alanine falls.
     During an infection, the body also appears to waste nutrients--more are
lost via excretion.  And during a fever, your metabolism increases 13% for
each degree centigrade of fever.  Plus, blood levels of such metals as iron
and zinc may decrease, the serum level of copper may increase, and serum
cholesterol may fall during mild viral illnesses.
     What does all this mean to you?  Basically, if you're ill, it's important
to eat right.  Good nutrition may help your body fight off the bug that is
attacking you and causing your illness.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.