Why feed a cold

Whether you have a cold or a fever, it is important to keep taking fluids. As for food, you do want to keep your strength up if you can, but it depends on what you can stomach. If you would like to comment on this article or anything else you have seen on Future, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter. All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health. Moyad says. Again, the answer is no.

One classic University of Nebraska Medical Center study published in the journal Chest suggests that traditional chicken soup made with vegetables contains many beneficial substances that help ease inflammation and other cold and flu symptoms.

And even earlier research in Chest found that eating hot chicken soup made it easier to blow germ-carrying mucus out of your nose. More importantly, soup is hydrating, and taking in lots of water, juices, or broth is crucial for preventing dehydration when you have a fever , says Soma Mandal, MD , an internist with the Summit Medical Group in New Jersey.

We asked experts to give us the lowdown on the popular adage. So, are the recs sound? Yes—and no. When the body is combating a cold, it needs energy in the form of calories to fight off infection and recover.

The catch? A healthy and strong immune system can help to protect you from cold and flu viruses in the first place. Vitamin C is vital for immune function — as well as bone structure, iron absorption and healthy skin.

This important vitamin is found in many healthy foods — including citrus fruits, strawberries, green vegetables and tomatoes. There are some at-home remedies you can do to relieve your symptoms. You can:. When you stay hydrated, your body has the ability to flush more germs out of its system.

Make sure you drink more fluids than you usually would as you recover. Chicken soup is also a delicious way to stay hydrated while allowing the warm broth to relieve your symptoms. Sleeping helps strengthen your immune system and prepare it to fight off viruses like the cold and flu. By adding moisture to the air, it can help you breathe in the vapor and reduce your congestion. Honey has antiviral properties that can relieve symptoms of a cold and flu.

Honey also has properties that can prevent the growth of small organisms in our system. Certain oils contain menthol, and menthol can help clear any congestion you might have. There are many other things that you can try at home to help treat a cold or fever, but if you need some quick relief, an over-the-counter cold and flu medicine can help. Fluid intake is an important part of treating a cold or flu.