Feed A Cold?

[Scruffs]

You’ve all no doubt heard of the expression “feed a cold” but what about the expression “feed a toothache” or “make sure you have enough food in your tummy to accommodate the strong antibiotics that are needed to calm a toothache”? I’d be interested in others’ experiences of such eventualities, as I’m finding a weight loss programme that was going so well has suddenly ground to a halt in view of unforeseen health issues. I don’t want to throw away all my good work but I’m finding it tough to persevere. Tips, anyone? Sympathy? Rebukes?

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

I'm afraid I'm a little puzzled by your question, Scruffs. Are the antibiotics for your toothache, or a different health issue? Surely if you've seen a dentist, then toothache will be a short term problem, which will be resolved soon?

If your tooth is causing you problems, couldn't you eat some nice healthy home made soups, which shouldn't interfere with weight loss at all?

[Scruffs in reply to moreless]

Good thought, moreless. You’re right of course.

[Cosmo501 Restart May 2024]

Sympathies!! I know it's sometimes not so easy to get rid of toothache, depending on the cause and upcoming treatment.. particularly at the moment if you're somewhere where dentists are not back to full speed yet! I hope the antibiotics are helping reduce the pain and infection by now.... healthy soups sounds like a great way to nourish your recovery!

[Scruffs in reply to Cosmo501]

Thank you 😊 Cosmo501

[Subtle_badger]

Ah. This is going to be a tough time. Antibiotics are ruthless. They almost certainly will kill the infection in tooth, but they will also do a number on your gut microbiome. You will need to nurse that back to strength.

If your body says not to eat, listen to it. Your body heals better when not eating, because digestion requires a lot of energy and focus. If it asks for food, then feed it. I agree with moreless's suggestion: I would suggest boiling some chicken (eg wings are cheap, with lots of collagen) the with onion, celery, salt, pepper, vinegar for a few hours. You will make a delicious rich broth full of nutrients you need that won't tax your digestive system. You can eat the meat if it appeals, in the soup, or pop it in the freezer to use in a quick curry or something later.

If you need to buffer your stomach with something for the pills, maybe Greek yogurt. But check the insert with the drugs: some antibiotics cause lactose intolerance, so that could make things worse.

GWS!

[Scruffs in reply to Subtle_badger]

Hi Subtle_badger. Thank you v much for yr support. It’s much appreciated. I like the idea of listening to my body and that recipe sounds delicious. Interestingly these particular anti biotics insist on a full stomach before being taken. Scruffs

[Subtle_badger in reply to Scruffs]

Then you need to fill your tummy! Eat whatever appeals, and not just soups, you need something that will buffer the medicine. I haven't eaten bread since last year, but if I was in your situation and the only thing I could face was bread, I would get out the butter and jam, and go to town! OK, maybe not jam. Peanut butter 😋

The diet will have to wait until you are well. Tooth infections can literally kill you, so that's the first priority.

You will have to nurse your microbiome back to strength, as well as sort out the rest of your eating.

[Bee-bop Maintainer 2st 7lbs]

Hi Scruffs,

I only remember the saying as a way to differentiate between a cold and a fever yet tend to feel knocked out with a fever and more likely to not want food and with colds I up the garlic and make soups so, possibly eat more but aren't sure.

As for toothache, I tend not to be able to eat when in that kind of pain myself. The antibiotics should hopefully cure your issues quickly enough and if you feel you want to feed it, look for things that aren't going to hugely affect the scales such as fruit and veg and then you can look at getting back on track with your weightloss when you no longer have the pain?

[Scruffs in reply to Bee-bop]

Sensible thoughts here. Thanks Bee-bop!

[Bee-bop Maintainer 2st 7lbs in reply to Scruffs]

Good luck 👍