Foods You Should Feed a Feverish Child

I swear by the ways I'm going to tell you, every time my kids get sick. Having children is just difficult to begin with, let alone getting to eat anything at all. The fact of the matter is, the digestive system literally just shuts down completely when we're sick. It shuts down so the body can reserve it's metabolism for fighting infections. It takes a lot of energy to fight anything. It's so vital to take care of gut health first and foremost and not place it on the back burner.

If you have a really hard time getting your child to eat with a fever, just know its normal. It's more important to focus your efforts on hydration. We will talk more about the best ways to accomplish this. Ultimately, the best foods to feed a child with a fever are anything ultra nourishing and easy- to- digest.

Should you starve a fever?

You may have heard that old wives tale that starving a fever sill feed the cold to die. While there is some truth behind this, if your child has a high fever, its best to limit the type and the amount of foods in the beginning of the illness. I always say the liquid diet is the best approach. Keep in mind you feed a child inflammatory foods during illness, you can further aggravate the problem internally by making the immune system work harder.

It's always tempting feed your child and give them things that will build their carb intake. Its common for parents to think building carb diet while being sick is good but in fact its quiet opposite. My rule health approach to tackling a cold is never give milk or other forms of dairy to a child during fevers. It's very hard for them to digest and increase the mucus formation and inflammation responses. Other foods to avoid include wheat, heavy protein diets, and stay far away from processed foods.

Best Foods to Feed a Child with a Fever

Citrus Fruit Popsicles

High fevers means the body is strong enough to fight. I never suppress a fever with medication. However, as soon as I know my littles have a fever, I make a quick trip to Whole Foods and buy some organic orange juice or Pineapple Juice and put in some elderberry juice. Then I fill up the popsicle molds with the juice.

Popsicles are the easiest ways to get children to eat when they're sick. I always make my own popsicles. Store bought doesn't make sense because I don't know the ingredients. This will help hydrate and give an extra boost of flavonoids and Vitamin C, leaving out the fake ingredients.

Herbal tea

Different teas can be given throughout the day to hydrate and help soothe the uncomfortable side effects that come with a fever.

- Ginger tea can help nausea

-Chamomile tea can be given before bed to help with sleep.

Add raw honey into their tea * Make sure your child is over the age of one* Raw honey is a powerhouse for boosting immunity!

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera is an excellent plant to feed as well. Aloe is a superfood with its powerful medicinal properties which can help shorten the duration of the illness. I put it in my popsicles or smoothies or kombucha.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is a great hydration option that replaces lost electrolytes. If your child is going to the bathroom and its coming out both ways, coconut water is an excellent way to replace these vital nutrients while hydrating your child.

BRAT Foods

Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. These foods are very gentle on the stomach and loaded with lots of nutrients. I prefer homemade gluten free bread which is easy to make.

Once your child is feeling better and moving around, then its safe to offer these mild foods.

Fevers should not be feared

I couldn't end this article without a friendly reminder not to worry. When you worry, you're suffering twice. Fevers are proof that your child has a vitality. If they didn't, their body would be too weak to run a fever and the infection could take over.

Next article will be about home remedies for a fever. They're will be great information there. This will include essential oils for fevers!

After you've read this post, you will be armed with what to feed a child with a fever. If you follow dietary guidelines and resist the temptation of artificially surpassing a fever, your child will have enough nutrients and hydration to sustain the fever safely.

Friendly Reminder- Fevers should not be feared

I could not end this article without saying not to worry because your suffering twice.