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It’s
winter, and regardless of how healthily you feed your child, she or he
will inevitably catch colds and other illnesses during the colder months
of the year. Food can help your child recover, by providing essential
nutrients to boost the immune system and to provide comfort.
Here are just a few suggestions, to help you choose the best foods for
your child when he or she is a little under the weather.
Coughs and Colds:
Mucus can often be a problem and it is best to avoid mucus-forming foods,
such as dairy, as well as eggs, fried foods, red meat and excessive sugar
or salt.
Great foods include citrus fruits which help to break mucuses down, garlic
and onion, chicken broth and green tea. Drinking plenty of fluids helps
to thin out the mucus, and bright orange veggies will help provide plenty
of vitamin C to booster the immune system.
Sore throats:
Often as a sideline to flu, chicken pox and tonsillitis, a sore throat
makes it really painful to swallow food. Plenty of water and fresh fruit
juices should help to ease the discomfort. The best juices are those that
are packed full of vitamin C. Blackcurrants and citrus fruits are fabulous
for reducing inflammation and contain the highest levels of vitamin C.
As with coughs and colds, offer brightly coloured orange fruits and veggies,
preferably in the form of a juice or soup, to help ease the sore throat.
Ear infections:
Ear infections are painful for children and distressing for parents, and
often require medical help. Again, dairy products should be avoided to
reduce the build up of mucus in the ear. Nuts, beans, seeds and green
leafy vegetables are the best sources of food as well as the foods recommended
for coughs and colds, as the mucus needs to be broken down. If your child
has to take antibiotics, then once the course has finished, you could
give him or her live yogurt regularly to help replace the friendly bacteria
in the gut.
Vomiting and diarrhea:
Dehydration is the greatest risk when children suffer from vomiting or
diarrhea. Again, plenty of water is extremely important. If your child
is vomiting frequently, then offer a rehydration drink which you can buy
in sachets from the chemist. Or you can make your own (1tsp sea salt,
2 dessertspoons sugar, 1 litre water, 600ml fresh orange juice –
offer one glass every hour after a bout of vomiting). Diarhhoa can cause
a temporary lactose intolerance so it is best to avoid dairy, including
milk or formula. This doesn’t include breast milk. Once the episode
has abated, you can offer foods to help rebuild the digestive system.
Rice cakes and rice are great for lining the stomach and reducing irritation.
Bananas are great when your child is feeling weak and will provide energy.
Soups and broths can also be extremely comforting.
Very important! These are just food suggestions offered to help
you increase your child’s immune system, however, should your child
show signs of illness for any length or time or if an illness becomes
worse, you should consult your doctor or paediatrician as soon as possible
to get medical help.
© By Sally Shuttleworth of babypure & purekids - fresh, nutricious, natural & tasty baby food and kids meals! See www.babypure.co.za for more info.
