What should children eat after catching a cold? 10 Nutritious Foods to Aid Recovery
Recently, with the change of seasons and the high incidence of influenza, children's colds have become the focus of parents' attention. How can you help your child recover faster through diet during a cold? This article combines the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days to sort out a scientific nutrition plan, and attaches structured data for reference.
1. Why is diet important during a cold?

When a child catches a cold, his immunity and digestion are weakened. Choosing the right food can not only replenish energy but also relieve symptoms. The following are 3 core views that are hotly discussed across the Internet:
1.Hydration: Fever or runny nose can easily lead to dehydration;
2.Easily digestible protein: Help repair damaged tissue;
3.Vitamin C and Zinc: Key nutrients that shorten the course of disease.
2. 10 recommended foods and scientific basis
| food | Efficacy | Food recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| millet porridge | Easy to digest, protects the stomach | You can add a little pumpkin or yam |
| Steamed egg custard | High quality protein source | Avoid frying or sautéing |
| kiwi | High in vitamin C | 1-2 pieces per day, take after meals |
| Lily and pear soup | Moisten the lungs and relieve cough | Suitable for dry cough symptoms |
| oatmeal | Rich in beta-glucan | Cooking with milk is more nutritious |
| White radish water | Relieve sore throat | Boil and drink |
| spinach | Iron supplementation enhances immunity | Blanch and serve cold |
| Mushrooms | Polysaccharides boost immunity | Make soup or porridge |
| honey | Antibacterial and antitussive | Suitable for children over 1 year old |
| Ginger brown sugar water | Dispel cold and sweat | A small cup before going to bed |
3. 3 types of foods to avoid
According to a recent interview with a pediatrician:
1.High sugar snacks: Inhibit white blood cell function;
2.Fried food:Aggravate throat discomfort;
3.cold dairy products: May increase sputum secretion.
4. Phased diet plan
| Stage of disease course | Dietary Focus | Sample recipe |
|---|---|---|
| fever period | Liquid food + electrolytes | Rice soup, lotus root starch, oral rehydration salt |
| cough period | Lung-nourishing foods | Tremella soup, Luo Han Guo tea |
| recovery period | High protein supplement | Fish paste, tofu curd |
5. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) for Parents
Q1: What should I do if my child has no appetite?
A: Eat small and frequent meals, giving priority to brightly colored foods (such as carrot puree, strawberries) to stimulate appetite.
Q2: Do I need additional vitamin supplements?
A: Prioritize food supplements. If you continue to eat insufficiently for 3 days, please consult your doctor.
Q3: Are folk remedies (such as green onion white water) effective?
A: It may partially relieve symptoms, but there is a lack of clinical evidence. It is recommended to combine it with regular treatment.
Conclusion
A reasonable diet is an important help for children to recover from colds. This article combines recent medical advice and nutritional research to provide systemic solutions. If symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical attention promptly.
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