- Breads, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour.
- Refined hot cereals, such as oatmeal and Cream of Wheat.
- Fruit juices that are diluted by mixing half water and half juice. ...
- Frozen fruit pops or gelatin (Jell-O) are good choices, especially if the child is vomiting.
What food is good for the flu?
The best foods for fighting the fluBroth. Broth is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and it helps prevent dehydration. ... Chicken soup. ... Ice pops. ... Fruits and veggies with vitamin C. ... Leafy greens. ... Fruit or vegetable juice. ... Herbal tea. ... Garlic.More items...•
What should not eat during flu?
The flu often makes consuming food difficult, as flu symptoms can cause nausea or stomach symptoms....Foods to avoid when you have the fluCaffeinated drinks and alcohol. ... Greasy foods. ... Hard to digest grains. ... Sugary food or drinks.
Is banana good for flu?
Bananas. Bananas are a great food to eat when you're sick. They're soft and bland but rich in nutrients and fast-acting carbs. The potassium in bananas can help replenish your electrolyte stores as well, since potassium is one of the key electrolytes your body needs ( 34 , 35 ).
What helps flu fast?
9 Tips to Ease Flu SymptomsStay home and get plenty of rest.Drink plenty of fluids.Treat aches and fever.Take care of your cough.Sit in a steamy bathroom.Run the humidifier.Try a lozenge.Get salty.More items...•
How long does flu last?
The flu typically lasts three to seven days, according to the CDC. Serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia, can take longer to recover from. Some symptoms, such as a cough, can persist for more than two weeks.
What should I drink when sick with the flu?
Sip clear drinks to keep your fluids up. You can try chipped ice, juices, sports drinks, ginger ale, clear broths, gelatin, and ice pops. Start with small amounts, like 4 to 8 ounces at a time for adults and 1 ounce or less at a time for children. Only use clear liquids (clear broth, juice, lemon-lime soda).
Can we eat rice in fever?
You can consume rice during cold and fever. However, prefer comfort foods like warm soup, pulse water, milk, khichdi, oats as these are easily digestible and have soothing effect too.
What foods should you avoid when you have a cold?
What to Eat -- and Avoid -- When You Have a ColdChicken Soup. 1/8. You should have some, and not just because Mom says so. ... Citrus. 2/8. You've heard it before: To avoid colds, get plenty of vitamin C. ... Germ Fighters. 3/8. ... Bring the Heat. 4/8. ... Ginger. 5/8. ... Dairy. 6/8. ... Garlic. 7/8. ... Caffeine and Alcohol. 8/8.
What are some good foods for kids to eat?
Sweet Potatoes. These bright orange spuds are loaded with vitamin A, a key immune system nutrient that helps keep tissue in the mouth, intestines, and respiratory tract healthy. Just a half cup of cooked sweet potatoes has double the A that kids need every day.
What is the best food for the immune system?
Meat is naturally high in protein, a critical component of the immune system. Beef and pork especially are also some of the richest food sources of zinc, a mineral used by the body to make T-cells, which play a starring role in immunity. Other good sources of zinc are cashews, chickpeas, and kidney beans.
Does hot tea help with a sore throat?
For little ones, brew up some decaf tea with a drizzle of honey, which may help make a sore throat and cough feel better too.
Is yogurt good for kids?
Yogurt. It's smart to give your kids some kind of probiotic on a regular basis, especially during cold and flu season. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help strengthen the immune system by populating the GI tract and crowding out the bad bugs that can cause illness.
Who is Sally Kuzemchak?
Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian, educator, and mom of two who blogs at Real Mom Nutrition. She is the author of The Snacktivist's Handbook: How to Change the Junk Food Snack Culture at School, in Sports, and at Camp—and Raise Healthier Snackers at Home.
Why is vitamin E given to nursing homes?
Vitamin E. About 15 years ago, vitamin E was given to a certain nursing home population to study its effects on cold and flu prevention. It seemed, after the study, that those who took it didn't get sick as often. While the research was promising, it was in no way definitive.
What is the best vitamin for the immune system?
In the body beta carotene converts to vitamin A , another key nutrient that boosts your immune system. You'll find it in any orange or yellow fruit or veggie.
What is the best vitamin for a sore throat?
The great thing about vitamin C is that it's found in all kinds of sweet fruits that kids love. Blend up a fruit smoothie, which will feel great on a sore throat. If your kids are into salad (we can dream, right?), check out our recipe for Strawberry Mango Salad.
What are the nutrients in eggs for babies?
Eggs have both fat and vitamin E. Giving your kids scrambled eggs or an omelette with lots of cheese kills two birds with one stone. More: Vitamins and Minerals for Babies.
What is the best vitamin for colds?
Vitamin C. found in strawberries, oranges, potatoes, bell peppers and raw leafy vegetables. For decades vitamin C has been the go-to nutrient to prevent and treat colds. But, according to Mayo Clinic, it may not be doing much.
How to keep kids healthy during cold season?
Of course, the best way to keep your kids healthy is to make sure they get plenty of sleep, plenty of fluids and a diet rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and whole grains. I know.
Do fruits and vegetables help with colds?
We all know that fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals. While all vitamins and minerals are important in different ways, not all of them prevent or help fight colds and the flu. In fact, some of the old standbys our parents used don't actually work.
What Fluids Will Help?
According to the experts, just about any fluids are good for your sick child. Try some of these:
What to give a sick child?
According to the experts, just about any fluids are good for your sick child. Try some of these: Water. It's the easiest choice, but if your child says it's boring, add a little juice to liven it up. Fruit juices. Most kids love them. But when they come from citrus fruits, like OJ, they can irritate a sore throat.
How to help a 1 year old with a sore throat?
Just make sure it's not too hot so it doesn't scald or burn them. As long as they are older than 1 year old, add some honey to make their sore throat feel better and ease a cough.
How much fluid should a child drink a day?
It depends on their weight and age. Some experts say kids older than 1 need as many as 4 to 5 cups of fluid a day -- from both drinks and foods. If your child is older or weighs more, they'll need more fluid. Call your doctor for advice if they get dehydrated. Watch for these signs:
What can you use to make fun shapes?
Gelatin. Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes.
Is milk good for kids with colds?
Milk. Despite what you may have heard, it's fine for kids with colds or flu. It won't cause mucus buildup. The protein, calories, and fat in it can help keep up your sick child's strength.
Do kids need fluids?
Just like grownups, kids need plenty of fluids when they've got a cold or the flu. But if your little one won't play along when you say "drink up," it's time to get creative. Making it fun is the secret.
