overeat<\/a>, however. The body is quick to turn recently digested food into energy, and it\u2019s also efficient at converting stored energy in fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe reasons to eat for fever are more interesting. Fever is part of the immune system\u2019s attempt to beat the bugs. It raises body temperature, which increases metabolism and results in more calories burned; for each degree of temperature rise, the energy demand increases further. So taking in calories becomes important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even more crucial is drinking. Fever dehydrates your system, in part through increased sweating from that elevated temperature. Replacing fluids is therefore critical to helping the body battle the infection. The same is true for combating colds. \u201cYou have to make yourself drink fluids, even though all you want to do is collapse,\u201d says William Schaffner, chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dehydration also makes mucus in the nose, throat and lungs dry up, which can then clog sinuses and respiratory tubes. When mucus hardens it becomes more difficult to cough, Schaffner notes, which is our way of trying to expel mucus and the germs it contains. Staying hydrated helps keep the mucus running, which, even though it may be disgusting, is one of our natural defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The challenge, of course, is that when you\u2019re sick you may not feel much like drinking and even less like eating. Loss of appetite is common, and might be part of the body\u2019s attempt to focus its energy on pounding the pathogens. Given the wisdom noted above, Schaffner says, don\u2019t force yourself to eat if you don’t feel like it. \u201cBut drink,\u201d he adds. \u201cIt\u2019s the liquids that are important.\u201d Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine enhances dehydration. So does alcohol, and it is also a depressant, holding us down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What about some other common conceptions for beating colds and fevers, such as eating chicken soup? Chicken soup doesn\u2019t possess any magic ingredients, but it has calories as well as the all-important liquids again. The warm vapor rising from the bowl can also moisten and loosen dried mucus. The same goes for vapor from hot tea, with or without lemon or honey. Taking a hot shower can soften mucus, too\u2014and if you dare, you can get rid of it by gently blowing your nose one nostril at a time while you\u2019re in there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Supplements are dubious at best. The data from studies about taking vitamin C are inconclusive, as they are for zinc. Solid studies of echinacea show no benefit. If there\u2019s any positive effect at all from any of these compounds, it is very small, Schaffner concludes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over-the-counter remedies may or may not help, but that\u2019s a whole \u2018nother story. They can relieve symptoms but they do not kill off viruses or bacteria. Cold and fever germs usually run their course, and the immune system eventually gets the upper hand. In the meantime, drink drink drink. And sleep as much as you can, to give your body the rest it needs to fight the good fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark Fischetti is a senior editor at Scientific American. He covers all aspects of sustainability.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The answer is simmering in a bowl of chicken soup. Scientific American Mark Fischetti Photo by IgorGolovnov \/ Getty Images . Maxims typically date back many years, but \u201cfeed a cold, starve a fever\u201d may beat them all. This saying has been traced to a 1574 dictionary by John Withals, which noted that \u201cfasting is<\/p>\n
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