The Old Adage ‘Feed a Cold’ Could Actually Be True

I never understood what that meant. Why would you feed a cold and starve a fever? Actually whoever coined that phrase may be on to something. A new study in Nature suggests experiments in mice and humans found that certain immune cells, known as T cells, seem to get a boost from food:

“The researchers found that after people had eaten, their T cells could more easily access the nutrition required to go through the energy-demanding activation process than when they had fasted overnight. After feeding, the cells were better able to take up sugars, had more fats and more-efficient mitochondria. Ultimately, this boosted the T cells’ ability to respond to threats; experiments in mice showed that the cells were better able to proliferate and to provide protection against infection.”

The study didn’t isolate which foods are better, but it did determine that this immunity continues even after you have recovered and are back on your feet.

I’m curious. Are there foods that actually help prevent a cold in the first place?

This article by Tomah Health suggests that eating these foods might prevent you from getting as many colds this year:

-Almonds and Nuts

-Chili Peppers

-Garlic

-Oranges

-Peppermint Tea

I am kind of into the peppermint tea. It is supposed to be good for motion sickness and I am trying to find natural remedies so I can go on a cruise! I have had luck with ginger and a little with the peppermint tea.

So, kill two birds with one stone, maybe?

Is It OK to Exercise When You Have a Cold?

Now I know it is OK to eat whatever feels OK to you, when battling a cold. But what about exercise? I have always refrained from anything too strenuous because most of the time I feel so rundown I can barely even clean the house, let along work out.

My husband, however is in the other camp. He thinks exercising helps him “sweat out” the cold.

Which is better or worse? According to this article by the Mayo Clinic, generally it is OK as long as you limit the duration and intensity of your workout, and your symptoms are "above the neck." These include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and minor sore throat:

“Don't exercise if your signs and symptoms are "below the neck," such as chest congestion, a hacking cough or upset stomach. Let your body be your guide. If you feel miserable, take a break. A few days off from exercise when you're sick shouldn't affect your performance. Resume your normal workout routine gradually as you begin to feel better. Check with your doctor if you aren't sure whether it's OK to exercise.”

Also, it says not to exercise if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches. The author adds that if you exercise at your regular intensity, you might run the risk of getting even sicker.

So, my husband and I are both right. He can still work out on the treadmill, but only at about half the speed and incline he is used to. And it is OK if I don’t work out at all. But a little walking and an easy Peloton ride might help clear up my congestion.

I supposed the lesson here is, listen to your body. Never overdo it (that goes for when you are healthy as well) get a lot of rest and do enough exercise to make you feel better, but not add extra strain to your body. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to sip a little peppermint tea while your at it.