No, you should not fast while sick.
Research has debunked the outdated idea that you need to "starve a fever." If you have a cold or fever, the guidance is to eat according to your appetite. It's perfectly normal for some people to lose their appetite when they are ill, which means they might eat less than they normally would. However, this reduction in intake is different from fasting.
Why Fasting While Sick Is Not Recommended
Your body is actively working to combat the illness affecting you. This process requires energy and nutrients.
- Nutrition is Crucial: Your body needs proper nutrition to fuel its immune system and recovery efforts. Denying it food through fasting can hinder its ability to fight off the sickness effectively.
- Debunking Myths: The notion of "starving a fever" is not supported by current understanding of how the body fights illness.
Therefore, while your appetite might naturally decrease when you're unwell, the advice is clear: don't fast while you're sick. Focus on listening to your body's hunger cues and consuming nourishment as your appetite allows to support your recovery.
