Scientists have found some truth in the old saying ‘feed a fever and starve a cold’. Studies conducted by the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, have shown that the balance of two chemicals which influence the immune system, change after a person has eaten. The chemicals are called cytokines. After a meal the blood of test subjects was seen to contain 400% higher levels of cytokine gamma interferon. This cytokine triggers the immune system against chronic infection by releasing killer white blood cells. The white blood cells destroy cells which have been infected with the invading pathogen.

Subjects who fasted were seen to have low gamma interferon levels but higher concentrations of cytokine interleukin-4. This cytokine is associated with the production of antibodies which form the first defence against any pathogen which enters the body.

The researchers believe these results show that fast acting infections cause fevers and slow acting ones cause the typical ‘cold’ symptoms. The variation between these different ailments may have prompted the adage.

Most doctors agree however that this evidence is circumstantial. The best thing to do in any infection is eat properly, drink fluids and rest. The body needs nutrients to fight disease and these come from food.