No one really knows where the idea to ‘feed a cold’ originated. Some people even think it’s the reverse: feed a fever, starve a cold. Either way, it probably goes back to medieval ideas about the body (always kind of a crapshoot to trust the same people who thought the devil caused disease).

However, it's not all just medieval folklore. Back in 2002, some Dutch scientists did a study to test the old wives tale. They found that food produced two different chemicals in the cells of the body’s immune system. Eating food boosted one kind of chemical that fights viral infections. Drinking only water boosted a different chemical that fights bacterial infections. We are a little fuzzy on the specifics beyond that.

Unfortunately, the small study was met with suspicion by the cranky scientific community. They aren't buying it just yet. And since 2002, no one has been able to replicate the experiment on a larger scale. (Thanks for trying Dutch!)

So for now, get rest and drink fluids to fight that cold – cuz that second burrito just might not cut it.

Next up on old wives tales debunked: Don't be so quick to pee on that jellyfish sting…

By Jessie, contributing