45 Myths and Old Wives Tales People Still Believe Even Though They Have Been Debunked Long Ago

The saying “starve a fever, feed a cold” is a well-known piece of folk wisdom, but its origins are somewhat unclear. This old adage suggests that when you have a fever, you should avoid eating, whereas with a cold, you should eat to help your body recover. The saying may have arisen from a misunderstanding of traditional beliefs about the body’s energy and heat production.

In the past, it was thought that a fever was a sign of excess heat and that fasting might help cool the body. Conversely, a cold was believed to be associated with a lack of warmth, so eating was seen as a way to generate heat and boost the immune system. However, modern medical advice emphasizes the importance of staying well-nourished and hydrated regardless of whether you have a cold or a fever.