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cover of episode Short Stuff: Feed A Cold, Starve a Fever

Short Stuff: Feed A Cold, Starve a Fever

2024/12/18
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Stuff You Should Know
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Josh和Chuck讨论了谚语“喂养感冒，饿死发烧”的起源和现代医学观点。他们追溯了该谚语的历史，从1574年John Withels的字典中关于禁食治疗发烧的记载，到18世纪该谚语的流行，以及早期人们对该谚语的误解（将其视为警告而非建议）。他们指出，现代医学界普遍认为该谚语并非好的建议，感冒时不必强迫进食，发烧时如果感到饥饿则应该进食，因为身体需要额外的营养和卡路里来应对新陈代谢的增加。此外，无论是否感到饥饿，都应该保持水分充足。他们还提到了发烧是身体对抗病毒的一种自然反应。最后，他们引用了2002年荷兰研究人员的一项研究，该研究表明进食或限制卡路里会影响免疫系统，禁食会降低干扰素γ水平，但会提高白介素-4水平，因此不能仅仅依靠饿肚子来增强某种免疫细胞，需要平衡多种免疫细胞的反应。 Josh和Chuck详细阐述了“喂养感冒，饿死发烧”这一谚语的演变过程，从古代的禁食疗法到现代医学对该谚语的重新解读。他们强调了保持水分充足的重要性，并指出即使在不感到饥饿的情况下，也应摄入足够的液体，以补充因发烧导致的体内水分流失。他们还解释了发烧时身体新陈代谢加快的原因，以及为什么需要补充足够的营养和卡路里来支持身体的自我修复过程。此外，他们还深入探讨了2002年荷兰研究的结果，该研究揭示了不同免疫细胞在进食和禁食状态下的不同反应，从而说明了均衡饮食的重要性，以及盲目节食可能对免疫系统造成的负面影响。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why is the old adage 'feed a cold, starve a fever' considered outdated?

Modern medical advice suggests that both feeding a cold and starving a fever are not beneficial. If you're sick, whether with a cold or fever, you should eat if you're hungry to maintain nutrients and calories, which are crucial for your immune system.

What does the medical community recommend when you're sick with a fever?

The medical community advises eating if you feel hungry during a fever, as your body needs nutrients and calories to support your immune response. Starving yourself can weaken your immune system.

How does your body's metabolism change during a fever?

During a fever, your body raises its core temperature to combat the virus, which increases your metabolism and burns more calories and nutrients.

What did a 2002 Dutch study reveal about the effects of eating versus fasting on the immune system?

The study found that eating a meal replacement drink increased levels of interferon gamma, an immune protein, by 450%, enhancing the immune response. In contrast, fasting decreased interferon gamma levels by 83%, weakening the immune response.

Why is staying hydrated important when you're sick?

Staying hydrated is crucial because your body doesn't have reserves of fluids to last long when you're sick. Even if you're not hungry, you need to consume liquids to maintain hydration and essential nutrients.

What role does interferon gamma play in the immune system?

Interferon gamma regulates the immune system's response to infections by helping produce antibodies that target specific infections.

What is the significance of interleukin-4 in the immune response?

Interleukin-4 is part of the immune system's innate response, activating cytokines already present in the body to fight infections.

Chapters
This chapter explores the historical roots of the common saying, tracing it back to 16th-century writings and earlier mentions by Hippocrates. The evolution of the saying's interpretation and its ambiguity are also discussed.
  • The saying's origins can be traced back to at least 1574.
  • Hippocrates may have alluded to a similar concept.
  • The saying's modern interpretation differs from its original meaning.
  • The medical community largely views the advice as outdated and potentially harmful.

Shownotes Transcript

You know that old adage that you should feed a cold but starve a fever? It’s an ancient idea and what’s surprising is that it’s kind of correct. 

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