We were having a discussion in our FB group Happy Parents Clans about the myths surrounding food and cough and cold and experts answered to questions related to â Can we give curd, banana, milk during cold and fever for children?â
As a parent, we hear so many advises, home remedies, Â tips for prevention and treatment of fever, cough and cold that bewilders a new parent and ultimately we end up doing nothing due to fear of harming our little one.
Myths surrounding foods and ailments are always not true except for a few genuine home remedies.
Myths associated with Cough and Cold in Children
1. Donât allow the kid outside the house if he has cold.
2. Do not give fruits like Banana, pomegranate, watermelon, orange and grapes.
3. Do not give dairy products like Milk and Curd.
4. Donât bath the child during cold.
5. Do not give Ragi in winter or during cold.
6. Do not give ghee during cold.
Here are the answers for all these myths
1. Can I allow my child to play outside if he has cough and cold ?
This is a very tricky question, since it largely depends on the weather and the intensity of the cold and cough of the child. If you think the child has a mild cold and the weather is amicable you can send your little one to play outside for a hour or so. Please also be aware that if he has an infectious type of cold or cough he might infect his playmates as well (this is the most common reason for contracting cold in children)
2. Can I give Bananas, grapes, watermelon, oranges during cold and cough to my child?
It has been programmed into our brain that âNo fruits during cold and cough in Childrenâ and many of us follow blindly. This is a myth that has been proved wrong now.
It has been proved scientifically that increase in fruits rich in vitamin C are in fact protective against cold and cough in children. This doesnât mean that that you stuff your children with fruits when they have, consumption of fruits in moderation is the ideal way to combat cough and cold.
The fruits can be given in the first half of the day.
Research articles emphasizing the protective & beneficial effects of fruits in cough and cold
1. Consumption of fresh fruits rich in Vitamin C and Wheezing symptoms.
2. Effect of fresh fruit consumption on lung function and wheeze in children.
3. Nutrition and childrenâs respiratory health.
According to our Homeopathic Expert Dr Bhavi Mody, fruits can be safely given during cough and cold, especially fruits rich in Vitamin C.
If you are still worried about banana causing cold for your baby, you can try our Raw Kerala Banana Powder for babies which can be given even during the cold season. You can also try other baby foods that include Raw Kerala banana like Banana Rice Cereal, Banana Wheat Cereal and Banana Oatmeal.
3. Can I give Milk, Curd during cold and cough for my child?
In my childhood days, if I had cold, then my mom would ban milk till I recover completely which may be weeks đ
Now this is also has been proved wrong, milk and curds can be safely given to babies and children during cold and cough.
Milk consumption does not lead to mucus production or occurrence of asthma.
How to feed milk and curd to children during cough and cold â Dhvani Shah
- The best way to give curd is season it (Tadka) with jeera, curry leaves and ginger.
- Ginger Powder can be added to Milk.
4. Can I give Bath to my child during cold and cough, Fever?
Usually elders advice not to give baths to babies during fever, cough and cold, it may hold good if you are planning to bath with cold water. But most of us bath our children in either hot or luke warm water. It is absolutely fine to bath the child with luke warm water. Not giving bath to the child for a long duration may exacerbate infections due to poor hygiene so try to bath atleast once in 2 days during cold and cough.
5. Can I give my baby Ragi during cold and cough?
Ragi and Bajra are good winter foods and Ragi can be given to babies and children during cough and cold.
6. Can I give my Ghee during cough and cold?
According to Nutritionist Dhvani Shah
â Ghee is one of the most nutritious Indian foods. It is therapeutic in Nature, helps line the lungs, prevent infection, prevent dry cough and throw out mucous from the bodyâ.
Do you want to clear your doubts regarding any other myth surrounding Cough and cold in children? Ask away, we are here to help you đ
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