Six readily available foods that fight cold and flu in kids

Your kids are prone to cold and flu infections due to changes in climate and other environmental factors. Cold and flu are viral infections and are among the most common ailments that most kids suffer from during their childhood. While there are many remedies for this infections including over the counter medication, you can help your child get better by giving them the right foods.

Foods that have proven helpful for flu and cold in kids include

Chicken soup

Research done over a long period of time suggests that chicken soup subdues the inflammation which causes many cold symptoms. Secondly, the steam from chicken soup helps relieve a congested nose and throat. Giving chicken soup to your young ones also steams them hence loosening nose congestion and keeps them hydrated.

Garlic

The oily compound allicin (that gives garlic its distinctive smell) is an anti-bacterial and anti-viral known to fight or reduce the severity of colds and the flu by boosting the immune system.  Adding a clove of two will reduce the pungent heated and spicy taste that kids dislike but still give them the benefits. Adding a chopped clove to hot drinking water may also help your baby recover faster.

Honey

This natural golden liquid has been used for ages and is known to have an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing effects. Giving a teaspoonful of honey to your ailing child will soothe their throat and also work as a cough suppressant. In addition, honey coats the throat and triggers the swallowing mechanism which is usually a task when your child has a cold. You can also mix honey with hot water and lemon to achieve even better results. However, honey should not be given to babies below I year.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains friendly bacteria called probiotics that boost immune system function and help prevent secondary infections from a cold. Additionally due to its nutritional value, yogurt may offer some relief for your child’s cold symptoms by providing required nutrition. Probiotics aid your child’s immune system function giving them an edge for fighting cold. Give unsweetened yogurt to your baby for better effects.

Ginger

This spicy and aromatic flowering plant is popular for its anti-rhino-viral properties whereas one of the main reason behind all the common cold in kids and babies is rhinovirus. Ginger also plays the role of a decongestant and antihistamine helping to lower the symptoms of cold. The presence of ginger natural oil gives it an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties making it an apt option for fighting flu in kids. Chopped ginger added to hot water and lemon is a big relief when your child has flu. Adding powdered ginger to food is also a great way to help cure your baby’s flu faster.

Spinach

Just like kale and other green leafy vegetables, spinach boosts your child’s immune system due to high content in vitamin C and vitamin E which are both immune-enhancing nutrients. Steam them or serve as smoothies to avoid loss of nutrients and serve them to your sick baby for a quicker recovery.