Children’s nutrition is of utmost importance for their physical and mental development. It is essential to provide them with a well-balanced diet based on scientific principles. This becomes even more crucial when children are sick, as proper nutrition can aid in their speedy recovery.
Coughing is a common problem among both children and adults. So, what should children eat to maintain good health, especially when they have a cough? Let’s explore some dietary precautions to consider.
1. What Should Coughing Children Eat to Be Healthy?
The Dishes are Cooked Thin and Easy to Digest.
Children who cough frequently often experience a sore throat, making it difficult and painful for them to drink water. In such cases, it is advisable for parents to provide their children with soft and easily swallowable foods that are cooling for the body, such as soups and porridge.
Foods Rich in Vitamin A, Zinc, and Iron.
When a child is coughing, it is crucial to supplement their diet with vitamins to regain strength quickly. Foods rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, green vegetables, and red fruits should be included in their meals.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to abstain from chicken and shrimp when a child has a cough. This practice should only be followed by individuals with a history of allergies. Shrimp and chicken are highly nutritious and can provide additional nutrients to aid in recovery. However, it is important to avoid giving children shrimp shells, as they can irritate the throat lining.
2. Easy-to-Cook Dishes for Children
Here are some suggestions for dishes that are beneficial for children’s health:
Course 1: How to Cure Cough with Steamed Duck Eggs with Alum Leaves
Ingredients:
- 3 duck eggs
- 10g shallot leaves
- Sugar
Method:
- Wash and chop the shallot leaves.
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped shallot leaves, alum, and eggs. Beat and stir well, then steam the mixture.
Usage:
- Serve on an empty stomach once a day.
- Continue for 3 to 5 days.
Plate 2: How to Treat Cough with Perilla Porridge
Ingredients:
- Fresh perilla leaves
- Fresh ginger
- Sugar
- Rice
Method:
- Wash the rice and cook it as porridge.
- Finely chop the perilla leaves and fresh ginger.
- Add the perilla leaves, ginger, and rock candy to the cooked porridge. Mix well.
- Simmer the porridge until it reaches a boil, then reduce the heat.
Usage:
- Serve when hungry.
- Repeat for 3 to 5 days.
Plate 3: How to Treat Cough with Garlic Porridge
Garlic porridge is highly beneficial for children with coughs.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Garlic
- Lemon leaves
- Lean pork
Method:
- Wash and mince the lean pork.
- Wash and crush the lemon leaves and garlic, then strain to obtain the juice.
- Cook the rice as porridge. Add the garlic juice, strained lemon leaves, and minced pork. Mix well.
- Simmer until the porridge reaches a boil, then turn off the heat.
Usage:
- Feed the children in the morning, or when they are hungry.
- Continue for about 4-5 days.
These dishes are not only effective in treating coughs and sore throats in children but also contribute to their overall well-being.
3. Foods Children Should Avoid when They Have a Cough
Certain foods should be avoided when children have a cough, as they can exacerbate the condition. These include:
- Foods high in fat, which can lead to digestive disorders and excessive phlegm production.
- Fish, especially crabs, which can cause an unpleasant aftertaste and induce vomiting. It is advisable to let the child recover before reintroducing fish into their diet.
- Foods high in sugar, as they can contribute to the heat in the lungs, resulting in more severe coughing.
- Peanuts and chocolate, which can increase phlegm production and cause discomfort in the throat.
- Ice and cold drinks, as they can irritate the throat and worsen cough symptoms. Carbonated drinks should also be avoided, especially by children with allergies.
Remember, providing nutritious and appropriate meals plays a crucial role in maintaining children’s health. By following these dietary guidelines, you can ensure your child’s well-being and promote a speedy recovery from coughs and illnesses.
For more information on respiratory health in children, visit Truth and Hope.
