By Riley Kusuma | Dietitian
2 minute read
Published 29 March 2026
When you’re feeling unwell, you might be tempted to try some home remedies to kick your cold or flu faster. But they’re not all backed by science.
Let’s break down a few common food myths and what actually helps you recover from a cold or flu.
Fact or fiction? 3 cold and flu myths busted
Hi, I'm Riley. There are lots of myths about what to eat when you're sick.
You may have heard the saying feed a cold and starve a fever.
The truth is your body always needs energy and nutrients.
So, if you don't feel like eating, you can try having smaller, more frequent meals and snacks instead of the usual three main meals.
Another common myth is that drinking milk increases mucus.
While the texture of milk may feel thick, it doesn't cause the body to produce more mucus.
So, unless you have an allergy or intolerance, you can safely enjoy dairy while you're sick.
Some people swear by eating spicy food to clear the sinuses.
Just know that while these may give temporary relief of some symptoms, they won't make you recover faster from your cold or flu.
See you next time.
This saying has been around for generations, but it’s not evidence-based and doesn’t reflect what your body actually needs when you’re feeling unwell.1
You need energy and nutrients to support your immune system, whether you have a cold or a fever. Eating helps your body recover, fight infection and maintain strength.
If your appetite is low, try eating smaller meals or snacks more frequently throughout the day instead of 3 large meals. Simple, easy to swallow options like soup, stews, yoghurt or fruit can be easier to manage, especially if you have a sore throat.
This is one of the most common beliefs, but there’s no strong evidence that milk or dairy increases mucus production.2
Milk can feel thicker in your mouth and throat, which may give the impression of more mucus. But it doesn’t actually make your body produce more.
Unless you have a dairy allergy or intolerance, it’s safe to include milk, yoghurt and cheese in your diet when you’re sick.
Some people find that spicy foods help clear a blocked nose or sinuses.
Whilst these foods may provide temporary relief, they don’t shorten how long your illness lasts.
Focus on staying hydrated, eating what you can tolerate, and getting enough rest.3 These are the most important steps to support recovery.
Instead of focusing on food rules, aim for simple, practical support:
Recovery takes time, but nourishing your body can help you feel more comfortable along the way.
Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.
This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.
Flu symptoms can be debilitating, but an annual vaccination, certain medications and some tried and tested home remedies can help you get better faster.
Cold and flu tablets can ease symptoms like pain, congestion and a runny nose, but they don’t cure the illness or speed up recovery.
Cold and flu can cause debilitating symptoms. But when is the right time to see your GP? Learn more here about when to seek help and when to stay home.
When a bad cold or the flu strikes, it can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, body aches and fevers. Some chemist medications can help.
1 Healthdirect Australia. 2026. Coughs and colds in children.
2 Venter, C., et al. (2020). Mythbuster: milk, mucus and respiratory illness. Archives of Disease in Childhood.
3 Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Cold and flu – self-care and recovery.
