There’s a Lot of Sickness Out There Now
First it was the noroviruses, then the flu, now strep is raging, and most folks I know have a cold. Before going to the medicine counter at the store, consider how you might help speed your recovery along with what you are eating or drinking. I am not advocating not getting medical attention. Contact your doctor or medical advisor if your symptoms don’t subside in a day or two or you’re in an at-risk group for infections and colds.
Is It Feed a Cold and Starve a Fever?
The immune system needs more calories to fight infection and recover when you’re sick. This means that the idea of starving fevers is a myth; feeding—and hydrating—a fever might be even more critical than feeding a cold.
Fevers can coincide with other symptoms—like sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea—that result in an increased loss of body fluids. Adequate hydration is equally, if not more, important when you have a fever.
How To Feed a Cold and a Fever
Eating and drinking when you’re sick is important. Only try to do so when you can and feel comfortable.
Most people may not feel like eating when they’re sick. Your appetite is naturally suppressed during an illness. Consider the following tips when your appetite comes back during a cold or a fever.
Consume Fluids With Calories
Prioritize fluids containing calories, like coconut water or a sports drink with electrolytes, if you can’t fathom eating a full meal. “Staying well hydrated helps keep airway passages moist, which supports our first line of defense against germs,” said Dr. Bergquist. Dr. Sharon Bergquist is a Yale and Harvard-trained internal medicine physician and scientist, with nearly three decades of experience working at the forefront of preventive care, healthy aging and lifestyle medicine.
A smoothie made with vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables may be helpful. Vitamin C helps support immune system function. You could try a smoothie made with strawberries, kiwi, orange juice, and a handful of kale.
Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids like herbal tea or broth keep mucus thin, which can help expel it from the nose and throat. Some hot liquids may also come with critical nutrients.
“Chicken soup always makes the list of healing foods. It’s a perfect mix of hot liquids that open up the sinus passages and provide electrolytes, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and spices that support the immune system,” said Dr. Bergquist.
Foods and Drinks To Avoid
Some foods and drinks can be unhelpful if you’re sick. You may want to avoid the following:
  • Alcohol, caffeinated coffee, and tea: These beverages can increase your risk of dehydration since they’re all diuretics.8
  • High-fat foods: These foods can increase the risk of infection and the amount of inflammation in your body.9
  • High-sugar foods: Foods that are high in sugar can add to the inflammation you may be experiencing when you’re sick.10
Tools to Fight Back
In the Evermore Farm store, we have several tools to help you fight back againt a cold and fever. These include honey, Fire Cider, marrow bones for making beef bone broth and whole frozen chickens for making wonderful chicken soup and have the meat for several other meals. Order online or stop by the farm store Fridays 10-5 and Saturdays 9-2. Come on down the lane.