As parents, it’s natural for you to feel very concerned when your little one has a fever. However, fever is not a disease. A high body temperature is the body’s natural response to fighting infections that attack the child’s immune system.
When a child has a fever, they may seem weak and lack energy. They are also usually reluctant to eat and drink. However, it’s important to ensure that your child still gets adequate nutrition during this time.
To relieve a child’s fever, you don’t always have to immediately give them fever-reducing medication. One way to manage a fever is by providing a balanced, nutritious diet and ensuring proper fluid intake to speed up recovery.
Here are some foods and drinks that can help manage a child’s fever. Offer these to your little one to help reduce their fever.
- Chicken Soup
When your child has a fever, give them protein-rich foods to provide extra energy and boost the immune system to fight the virus and bacteria causing the fever. Protein-rich foods can also help speed up recovery once the child’s body temperature returns to normal.Chicken soup can be a great option. Besides being tasty and easy for children to digest, it is rich in protein and other nutrients that the body needs to fight infection. This food is also high in water content, which helps provide hydration and electrolytes, making it beneficial for a child with a fever.
- Honey
Honey has numerous benefits that can enhance immune system function. For this reason, honey is suitable for children with a fever. You can give honey directly to your little one or mix it into tea. But remember, if the child is under 12 months old, do not give them honey as it may pose a risk of botulism. - Fruits
Offering fresh fruits when your child has a fever can help strengthen their immune system and bring their body temperature back to normal. You can give them watermelon, which is rich in nutrients and water to help keep your child hydrated and accelerate recovery. Alternatively, you can give them oranges, which are high in vitamin C to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. - Coconut Water
During a fever, a child can lose a lot of fluids without realizing it. To help replenish lost fluids, give them drinks like coconut water. Not only does coconut water rehydrate the body, but it also contains various electrolytes that can help lower the fever quickly. - Yogurt
Yogurt, which is rich in probiotics, is also a good choice for children with a fever. Probiotic foods can help reduce fever in children because the beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy balance in the gut. - Warm Tea
Warm tea can be a good addition to the menu for a child with a fever. Tea contains polyphenols, compounds that help the body fight infection. Tea is also a good choice if the fever is accompanied by a cough and cold. You can add lemon or honey, which also have beneficial properties, to the tea. -
Oatmeal
When a child has a fever, they may have difficulty digesting food. Offer them soft foods like oatmeal, which are easier to digest. Oatmeal is rich in nutrients that can help a child manage a fever. To add flavor, you can mix in some berry pieces. Berries contain flavonoids like quercetin, which can help reduce fever.
