Starve a Fever, Feed a Cold? Really?
This bit of medical advice goes back to the 16th century, and it might even be true.
By Everyday Health Staff
It's one of the oldest of old-wives tales, going back at least to the 16th century. A dictionary from 1574 includes the entry: "Fasting is a great remedie of feuer."
Back then, colds were believed to be caused by a drop in body temperature (hence the name), while fevers of course were the opposite. So it followed that to reduce a fever you would deprive the body of fuel, while to battle a cold you would increase your calories.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/starve-a-fever-feed-a-cold-really-8446.aspx
