If you are a parent, then your disturbance about the food of your sick child is appreciable. Kids with colds have a lack of appetite due to irritation in the throat and runny nose. That thing poses a challenge to parents. Parents must manage the child's immunity in addition to noticing the taste of the baby.
Children lose immunity to cold and flu. Hence, immunity-boosting foods are helpful. The basic five food regimes helpful for cold are:
- Breast milk
The best source of nutrition for a new-born baby or a six-month-old baby is breast milk. Breast milk is the source of antibodies that strengthen the immune system of the toddler during cold.
- Chicken soup
It is one of the good foods for kids to eat when they have flu or cold. It contains a bulk amount of compound named carnosine, which treats the stuffy nose. Carnosine also has an anti-inflammatory effect by stopping the migration of white blood cells in the airways and soothing respiratory infections.
- Lemon honey water
Honey is the main ingredient of several cough syrups. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Warm water with some drops of lemon and a honey teaspoon is a complete package for kids. It gives relief from sore throat and soothes the itchiness of infection.
- Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is anti-infective and kills bacteria, but vitamin C is particularly important for colds. Recent studies showed that a small amount with immediate exposure to vitamin C does not affect the duration or severity of the cold. But when taking regularly, a considerable amount of vitamin C can shorten the duration and frequency of cold in children.
- Vegetable juice
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant compounds that prevent infection and treat the symptoms of infectious agents. They replenish the body fluid requirements and help to manage nasal congestion.
References- Crixell, S. F.-F. (2014). Improving children's menus in community restaurants: best food for families, infants, and toddlers.
- Crow, S. (1996). Development control: the child that grew up in the cold. Planning Perspectives, 399-411.
Keywords
Immunity-boosting foods, Breast milk, Chicken soup, Lemon honey water, Sweet potato, Vegetable juice
