Short Stuff: Feed A Cold, Starve a Fever

Podcast Summary: Stuff You Should Know – "Short Stuff: Feed A Cold, Starve a Fever"

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Hosts: Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to the Old Wives' Tale

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark delve into the age-old adage: "Feed a cold, starve a fever." This saying has been widely circulated for centuries, but what’s the truth behind it? Is there any scientific merit to this traditional advice, or is it simply a myth passed down through generations?

Historical Context and Origins

Chuck begins by exploring the historical roots of the phrase. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the adage can be traced back to 1574. In a dictionary compiled by John Withals, it was suggested that "fasting is a great remedy of fever," laying the groundwork for the second part of the saying: "Starve a fever." Furthermore, Chuck mentions that the concept can be linked even further back to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, who advocated for an "exquisitely slender diet" during severe illnesses ([00:34]).

Notable Quote:
Chuck Bryant ([00:56]): “Our friends at the Cleveland Clinic... trace this back at least half a millennium to 1574.”

Evolution of the Adage

Josh adds that the current interpretation of "Feed a cold, starve a fever" became more prevalent in the 18th century, particularly around 1853, when discussions about feeding during colds and fasting during fevers became more standardized ([01:53]). This period solidified the saying's place in popular culture, despite its ambiguous punctuation—which Chuck humorously attributes to a lack of sophistication in historical language use ([02:11]).

Analyzing the Adage: Warning or Advice?

Chuck offers a different perspective, suggesting the phrase was originally a warning rather than straightforward advice. The ambiguity, stemming from the comma placement, implies that feeding a cold could lead to developing a fever, which would then require fasting ([02:36]). Josh humorously remarks on the logic behind this interpretation, indicating skepticism about its original intent ([02:45]).

Medical Perspective: Debunking the Myth

Transitioning from historical context, Chuck asserts that the medical community today disapproves of the advice encapsulated in the adage ([03:05]). He emphasizes that both parts of the saying—feeding a cold and starving a fever—are considered bad advice in modern medicine. The hosts agree to explore why this traditional wisdom doesn't hold up under scientific scrutiny ([03:25]).

Dutch Study on Feeding vs. Fasting During Illness

Chuck introduces a pivotal 2002 study conducted by Dutch researchers, aiming to determine the effects of feeding versus fasting on individuals with colds and fevers ([09:03]). Participants were divided into two groups: one that continued to eat ("cold feeders") and another that fasted ("fever starvers") for 24 hours. Following this period:

Interferon Gamma Levels: The cold feeders experienced a 450% increase in interferon gamma, an immune protein vital for regulating responses to infections ([10:15]).

Notable Quote:
Josh Clark ([10:10]): “They starved. Well, I guess fasted. Same thing.”
Interleukin 4 Levels: Surprisingly, the fasting group saw an 83% decrease in interferon gamma but a significant 400% increase in interleukin 4, another crucial immune component dealing with the body’s innate response ([11:17]).

Implications of the Study

The contrasting results highlight that while feeding boosts specific immune responses (interferon gamma), fasting inadvertently enhances others (interleukin 4). Chuck explains that this doesn't translate to a straightforward benefit, as the immune system requires a balanced approach rather than selective stimulation ([11:50]).

Notable Quote:
Chuck Bryant ([12:15]): “Especially when people rewind and listen a couple times. I hope so.”

Conclusions: Why Eating When Sick is Beneficial

Both hosts concur that modern medical advice strongly recommends eating if hungry during illness. The body's metabolism ramps up during a fever to combat infections, necessitating adequate nutrient and calorie intake ([06:25]). Starving oneself can undermine the immune response, depriving the body of essential resources needed to fight off pathogens.

Practical Advice:

Stay Hydrated: Regardless of appetite, maintaining fluid intake is crucial. Options include water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks, and nutrient-dense broths.
Listen to Your Body: If you feel hungry, it’s beneficial to eat. Forced feeding when not hungry is unnecessary, but ignoring hunger signals can be detrimental.

Notable Quote:
Chuck Bryant ([07:06]): “Fevers are no fun. But I love when I... feel good about it.”

Final Thoughts

Chuck and Josh wrap up the discussion by reinforcing that the "Feed a cold, starve a fever" adage lacks scientific backing and that proper nutrition and hydration are essential for effective immune function. They encourage listeners to follow contemporary medical guidelines over traditional sayings when managing illnesses.

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