Managing a child who is ill can be a nightmare! I guess all parents would agree with this.
Your child may fall sick often, right from suffering from a common cold to fever, sore throat, and diarrhoea. Children frequently fall sick as their immune systems are not fully mature until they are around seven or eight, which means they are still prone to infections when they start preschool or school.
Nutrition is vital to keep children hydrated and fuelled, and certain foods that may reduce fever, may also aid faster recovery. The ultimate objective is to get children feeling better quickly.
The same is the case with our friend Seema!
Seema is a working mother of a son (6 years old). Despite her busy schedule, Seema looks after her son in the best possible way. Over the past few days, she noticed her son had a fever and headache. Without wasting any time, Seema consulted a doctor who prescribed some medications to combat the fever. The doctor also explained to her what types of food to eat during fever and what she should provide to her son so that he may get a faster recovery.
Fever is the body’s way of fighting unwanted infections or foreign particles. Causes of fever could be infection, seasonal, or any inflammation in the body. Due to elevated body temperatures and the process of fighting infections, a lot of energy is utilized by the body during this time. Thus, a balanced diet is recommended by doctors.
Children are more susceptible to various illnesses and their immune systems are weaker than adults. Certain foods for fever may help your child feel better, recover more quickly, or stay hydrated. Here we are going to mention some food for kids to eat during fever.
1. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is the best food for fever due to an array of reasons. This easy-to-eat food item is a richer source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein. Your body may need all these essential nutrients in larger quantities while you are suffering from fever.
Chicken soup is also a good source of fluid and electrolytes. These two nutrients are essential if you have other side effects of fever, including diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, etc. The soup’s warmth will lessen congestion as it contains spicy and hot ingredients.
The chicken in the chicken soup also possesses the amino acid cysteine. N-acetyl-cysteine (a form of cysteine) breaks down mucus and has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Homemade chicken soup is also rich in collagen and nutrients that may boost the recovery process.
2. Garlic
Garlic has inscribed its name in the Indian kitchen due to its plethora of health benefits. For centuries, this spice has been used in herbal medicines. Garlic possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. A study was conducted on 146 participants who consumed garlic-based supplements and it has been revealed that nearly 70% of them had fewer sick days than the placebo group. Garlic supplements will enhance your immune function and lessen the severity of colds and the flu. If your child is suffering from cold or flu systems, then try to prepare foods with garlic as it will not only add flavor but also make foods more effective at fighting off cold or flu symptoms.
3. Coconut Water
This is an ideal beverage to drink when your child is suffering from fever and other symptoms. This contains electrolytes that need to be refilled along with fluids when the patient is vomiting, sweating, having diarrhea, or running a fever. Moreover, coconut oil also contains natural sugar that can give a quick and easy-to-use energy source for your body. Sometimes, coconut water may produce bloating as compared to other beverages, so start it slowly.
4. Banana
If you are looking for some fruits for fever, then bananas could be the best choice. Though they are bland, they contain many nutrients and fast-acting carbs. The potassium in bananas will replenish your electrolyte stores because potassium is the prime electrolyte that your body needs. Banana comes up with soluble fiber so it can reverse diarrhea by minimizing the amount of free water in your digestive system.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt comes up with many beneficial probiotics that are the strains of gut bacteria and offer an array of health benefits. Probiotics are beneficial for both children and adults as they help get colds less often, promote faster recovery, and you may need fewer antibiotics. One medical study has revealed that sick children taking probiotics felt better an average of 2 days faster, and their symptoms were about 55% less severe.
But if you think that dairy products are making your congestion worse, then you may take other fermented foods (like kombucha) or probiotic supplements.
6. Certain Fruits
Fruits are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. All these are beneficial for your overall health and improve your immune function. Fruits that are rich in vitamin C (An antioxidant) help your immune system function properly. Moreover, some fruits contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, which give colors (red and blue colors) to fruits like strawberries and blueberries.
Due to anthocyanins, berries are an ideal choice to eat when sick. Berries come up with strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties.
Several medical studies have proved that fruit extracts that are high in anthocyanins may prevent common viruses and bacteria from fastening to cells. They also stimulate your body’s immune response to foreign invaders. So, add some colorful fruits to a bowl of oatmeal to make them more effective or you can prepare a cold smoothie by mixing various fruits.
7. Avocados
Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are one of the greatest options that you can offer to your child when he is sick. These fruits provide calories, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs when you are unwell. They are soft and easy-to-eat food items. Avocados contain healthy fats like oleic acid that can decrease inflammation of your immune system.
8. Salmon
When you are sick, your body needs more protein and salmon are the ideal protein source that will fulfill your daily protein requirements. It is soft, easy to eat, and full of high-quality protein. Salmon contains higher omega-3 fatty acids that have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, this fish will make your immune system work more efficiently. Salmon is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals including vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an imperative role in immune function.
Foods to avoid when your child has a fever
- Foods high in sugar
While your child may need their favourite comfort food while they are ill, sugary foods such as cakes, doughnuts, and other types of sweet treats have little, if any, beneficial nutrients. Excessive sugar may also trigger stomach inflammation and make your child’s immune system work even harder. - Caffeinated drinks
Even though most children do not drink tea or coffee, they might drink fizzy drinks and soda, which ultimately contains too much caffeine in them. The drinks may dehydrate your child, and above all, such beverages contain too much sugar which is not good for a fever (as explained above). - Processed foods
Processed foods such as fried foods and packaged snacks are often high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, which can worsen inflammation, lead to stomach discomfort, and make it harder for your child’s immune system to fight off the infection.
The Bottom Line
The aforementioned food items are the best choices that you can provide to your child when he is sick. These food items are also beneficial for adults and even make their recovery faster. Staying hydrated, adequate resting, and taking proper nutrition are the most important things to recover faster when sick.
Right Food For Children FAQs
What food to give child in fever?
When a kid has a fever, it is critical to ensure that they are hydrated and provide them with nutrient-rich foods that are easy to digest. Water, coconut water, clear broth soups, mashed bananas, oatmeal, and smoothies are all good options. Foods that are hot, fried, or greasy, hard foods (crunchy), and also sugary foods and beverages, should be avoided. If you have any questions about your child's food while he or she is sick, you can always consult a doctor.
Which fruit is best for fever?
When your child has a fever, it is important to provide nutrient-rich foods to boost their immune system and overall health. While no single fruit is the best for fever, there are several options that may provide crucial nutrients to aid in recovery. Here are some fruits to consider if your child has a fever.
• Citrus fruits, including lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, are high in vitamin C and flavonoids.
• Berries
• Bananas
Can we eat chicken during fever?
Yes. Chicken soup is often considered a comforting food when you have a fever. It provides multiple benefits for your body. When you eat chicken soup, you not only enjoy the delicious chicken itself but also the flavourful broth that is made with nutritious ingredients like celery, carrots, capsicum, and coriander. The broth is packed with essential nutrients that are good for your health. Chicken soup is a great source of protein and iron, which are important for maintaining a healthy body. Additionally, when you have a fever, you may not feel like drinking a lot of water, but chicken soup helps keep you hydrated.
Is avocado good for fever?
Avocados are packed with beneficial nutrients such as healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent choice of food when you're feeling sick because they supply your body with the necessary calories, vitamins, and minerals it needs to recover. Avocados have a soft texture, and a mild taste, and are easy to consume, making them ideal for individuals with a reduced appetite.
Are smoothies good for fevers?
Fruit smoothies made with lemons, oranges, mangoes, strawberries, bananas, and other fruits are loaded with vitamins and are a great option when you have a fever. These tasty smoothies not only provide a boost of vitamins but also help in reducing fever and replenishing lost electrolytes.
Are blueberries good for fever?
Yes, blueberries contain beneficial compounds like vitamin C, anthocyanin, iron, and copper which all contribute to boosting your immunity and protecting you from infections.
Can we give a banana to the baby during a fever?
Bananas are an excellent choice when your sense of taste is affected during an illness. Their mild taste and soft texture make them a perfect addition to your diet when you're dealing with a viral fever. Not only are they easy to eat but they also provide important nutrients for your body.
What food can you give to a child with a fever?
When your child has a fever, it's beneficial to include certain foods in their diet. These include cereal with milk, nourishing broths, khichdi (a rice and lentil dish), soft fruits, mashed curd rice, and boiled vegetables. These foods are easy to eat, gentle on the stomach, and provide important nutrients to support your child’s recovery.
Can I Eat Strawberries in Fever?
Yes, you can eat strawberries when you have a fever. Strawberries are a nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed during illness. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support your immune system and overall health.
