Tag: Nutrition and illness

According to Bond University research, when we are sick, our immune system ramps up and requires a significant amount of extra energy to fight off pathogens. This increased metabolic demand is a primary reason why you might crave junk food with a cold, as your body seeks quick, high-calorie fuel. However, this is just one piece of the complex physiological and psychological puzzle.

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that affects millions globally, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. The common misconception about what vitamin deficiency causes typhoid needs clarification, as the illness is caused exclusively by the *Salmonella typhi* bacterium and is not a nutritional disease.

Research suggests that consuming too much sugar can temporarily suppress the immune system, a crucial function your body relies on to fight off infections. So, while the idea of a sugary treat as a comfort food is tempting, the question "Do sweets help with sickness?" has a surprisingly negative answer.

According to research, **up to 34% of hospital patients in Europe are either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition** upon admission. A complex interplay of physiological changes and medical conditions can lead to disease-related malnutrition, affecting everything from energy intake to nutrient absorption and utilization. This differs significantly from malnutrition due to external factors like poverty and requires specialized understanding and care.

The centuries-old adage 'feed a cold, starve a fever' is largely debunked by modern medical science, which emphasizes the body's need for fuel to fight infection. So, **is it better to not eat when you feel sick?** The answer is almost always no, as depriving your body of nutrients can hinder your immune system's ability to heal.