Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

Last night, getting ready for bed, I told Michal how weird it was to feel hot and cold at the same time. He said I must have a fever. I didn't think I did because I had taken my temperature a couple of times during the day, with no fever. He took my temperature, and I sure had a fever! I can't even remember the last time I had one.
I fell asleep pretty hard, but woke up at 3AM. My pajamas, sheets, and pillow were soaking wet because I had been sweating all night (hopefully sweating out the fever). I ended up falling asleep again, and didn't get up until 9AM. I was up for about half an hour before falling asleep for another hour! So, I've definitely been getting my rest. I feel a lot better tonight than I did yesterday, but the couch is still pretty nasty.
When I told my grandma a couple of days ago that I thought I had a cold, she told me to feed my cold. I'm assuming this goes back to that saying: "Feed a cold, starve a fever."
How accurate do you think this advice is? Well, if you look at it from the standpoint of food, it is not at all accurate. When you are sick, you should not overfeed or underfeed yourself. Your body needs a lot of rest and nutrients to get better. Whether you have a cold or the flu, you need to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids. The best you can do is listen to your appetite. Being hungry or stuffed will not get rid of a cold, flu, or fever any faster. Starving an illness is a bad idea because it will make it harder for you to recover from your illness.
So, what should you do?
1. Drink plenty of fluids: At least 8-12 cups during the day. You will probably need to drink more if your illness causes you to vomit or have diarrhea, as both of these will dehydrate you. Water will help fight your infection. If you have a fever, the extra water will help keep you hydrated.
2. Vitamin C: I'm a Vitamin C addict when I get sick. It won't prevent you from getting sick, but it sure will help lessen the blow and help you get better faster. You should take 250 milligrams each day for 5-7 days. The cool thing about Vitamin C is that it isn't harmful if you take a bit too much, you will simply pee it out.
3. Soup: There is something about the smell or taste of chicken soup that triggers something in us to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. If you are like me and don't eat chicken, try the Better than "Chicken Soup" Soup Recipe.
4. Rest, Rest, & Rest: That's right, get some rest! Try to skip those over-the-counter products that mask your symptoms, fooling you into doing more than your body can handle. Your body needs rest to get better, so take some time to pamper yourself and take it easy.

Hopefully, you will have a healthy year! I know I can't wait to feel better.