Eggs are a protein-rich food. Precisely because of their high protein content, many believe eating eggs during a cold burdens the body, leading to the notion that eggs should be avoided when sick. Many question whether consuming eggs while feverish increases body heat, exacerbating the fever. This concerns those who regard eggs as an optimal nutritional supplement. So, can you eat eggs when you have a cold? Below, we explain.
Can You Eat Eggs When Sick?
Can you eat eggs when sick? Online opinions generally advise against it. This stems from the belief that a sick person's caloric intake directly impacts their ability to fight off viruses and recover. Eggs primarily consist of ovalbumin, a complete protein with 99.7% bioavailability.Therefore, eating eggs produces some extra calories, raising body temperature and potentially worsening fever symptoms.
This concern is unnecessary. Experts explain that body temperature naturally rises slightly after eating. This occurs because food oxidation and breakdown not only release energy but also slightly increase the body's basal metabolic rate, stimulating extra heat production—though this effect is minimal.Consuming 1–2 eggs daily while feverish should pose no issue.
Experts note: During colds and fevers, the body expends significant energy, leading to reduced immunity and poor appetite. This nutritional deficiency makes it beneficial to supplement with protein-rich foods like eggs to aid recovery.
It's important to note that whether eggs are suitable depends on the individual. Since colds and fevers may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and eggs themselves are not easily digested, those with weak stomachs should reduce or avoid consumption.
Avoid fried eggs after catching a cold
While eating eggs during a fever is generally fine, cooking methods should avoid frying or pan-frying.Steamed egg custard or egg drop soup are preferable. Avoid fried or scrambled eggs, as fried foods can generate stomach heat and are harder to digest.
Compared to steamed or boiled foods, fried items are generally more difficult to digest. However, the calories consumed during a fever are crucial for patients, determining whether they have sufficient resistance to fight the illness.
Physiologically, the hypothalamus near the base of the brain automatically regulates body temperature. When this thermostat temporarily rises, fever occurs; however, it also controls the body's utilization of caloric intake from food. Thus, the total calories obtained from food do not exacerbate fever.
Individuals with colds often experience reduced gastrointestinal function. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies colds as exogenous diseases, primarily manifesting as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, and fever.
Regarding the notion that one should avoid eggs or refrain from consuming high-protein foods like fish, lean meat, and tofu during fever, this should be determined based on the patient's specific condition, the cause of the fever, and the type of fever.Generally, gastrointestinal function is already compromised during colds, making it difficult to digest and absorb fats. Excessive oiliness in the esophagus and throat also hinders the expulsion of secretions. When gastrointestinal function is disrupted, poorly digested high-protein macromolecules like eggs, lean meat, and fish can penetrate the damaged gastrointestinal mucosa, potentially triggering certain allergic conditions.
Therefore, eggs are not entirely off-limits during colds and fevers; rather, cooking methods should be prioritized. This means avoiding poached or scrambled eggs. Additionally, increase vegetable intake and consume more fruit juices and plain water. Winter wellness benefits from light, easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid foods, while avoiding spicy and greasy items.
Should you drink more water when sick?
"Drink more water to recover faster" is a common advice we hear when sick. But is this practice truly effective? Experts point out that the notion of "drinking more water when sick" is not entirely accurate.
It's commonly believed that colds result from viral infections or secondary bacterial infections, and drinking more water can indirectly help flush toxins from the body. However, Australian researchers analyzed data on fluid intake from patients with respiratory infections over half a century and found that in many cases, drinking large amounts of plain water not only failed to speed recovery but also disrupted other bodily functions.