A fair amount of temperature with a runny nose is a common sign of fever in a child. However, although your child will be in visible distress, it’s her body fighting against the microbes to ward off infection. This is the time you should ensure that your little one gets a lot of rest along with adequate nourishment so that she recovers faster. Your kid is most likely to have a reduced appetite during a cold but it’s crucial to remember that the right diet can boost her immunity and aid in a speedy recovery. Here are 5 comfort foods that you can give your sick child as they are proven to be very soothing.1
1. Chicken Soup
It’s common knowledge how a warm bowl of chicken soup can relieve almost everything from a stuffed nose to an upset tummy. Made with scraps of chicken, bones, herbs, and veggies like celery and carrots, chicken soup is an easily digestible food. Chicken soup has a strong anti-inflammatory action as well as the ability to clear phlegm from the respiratory tract faster. Having two bowlfuls a day is all your child needs to keep him feeling full as well as boost his immunity. Bone broth is also a healthy alternative to chicken soup, as long as it’s warm and freshly made.2
2. Gruel
Gruels are liquid-based foods that have been used for ages to keep a sick child nourished. When suffering from a cold, children often refuse to eat properly. Rather than losing your wits over it, parents should get creative with simple recipes like gruel that are both healthy and yummy. Prepare gruel with rice, oatmeal or semolina in milk or water depending on how your kid would prefer. You can even enhance the nutritional values of the gruel by adding crushed almonds or sliced fruits to it. Researchers have proven that it will leave your kid feeling rehydrated and full especially if the cold is accompanied by diarrhea.3
3. Fruit Juice
Fruit juice and smoothies are what most parents swear by when their children are fighting a cold. Fruits like apples, oranges, pomegranates, and bananas can be easily juiced. Refrain from feeding your sick child packaged juices as they are loaded with artificial sweeteners and other additives which can do more harm to her. It’s best to put your blender to some good use by adding delicious fruits and honey to get a colorful and immunity-boosting juice, no sick child can resist.4
4. Vegetable Soup
Soups are a great way to sneak in some essential antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins into your child’s diet. Beans, carrots, celery, leafy greens, potatoes, pumpkins and tomatoes are loaded with nutrients as well as become easily digestible when added in soups. Serve it warm to comfort your little one and for some added crunch, team it up with whole-wheat bread or croutons.5
5. Warm Water
Sipping warm water all day long not only leaves your child rehydrated but also helps in unclogging congestion and sinuses. Keep her sippy cup or water bottle filled with water and encourage her to drink water. You can even add more flavor to the water by adding a dash of freshly squeezed lemon into it or even crushed ginger as they have excellent antimicrobial and immunity boosting properties.6
In addition to the above cold fighting liquids, ensure that your little one catches up on a lot of quality restful sleep so that he can get back to being his active and vibrant self soon.
References
