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Foods to Eat & Avoid during Cold and Cough for Babies, Toddlers and Kids
If your bundle of joy has a cold and cough, it must be really hard for you to see him suffer. Your child may have a poor appetite during this time and he may even refuse to eat. But not getting adequate nutrition can slow down his body’s natural response to fight an infection. No doubt, you will be dead worried about your child’s health. This is why it is essential to know which foods are good for your baby during this time.
Recommended Foods for Cough and Cold for Infants, Toddlers and Children
Offering nutritious foods which can be digested easily by your little one is the best option when he is sick. Here are some foods you should include in your child’s diet when he has a cough or cold:
1. Breast Milk
If you have a newborn or a baby below six months of age, his source of nutrition should be breast milk, and breast milk alone. Breast milk is a good source of antibodies and can strengthen the immune system of a child. Check to see if your baby is congested before you start feeding your child, as congestion can prevent your infant from feeding adequately.
2. Barley Water
Suitable for infants who are at least six months old, barley water is a great remedy for a fever, cold, and cough. However, it is not suitable for children with gluten allergy and caution must be exercised if a family member has such an allergy. This is because the allergy might have been passed on to your child and you could be still unaware of this fact.
3. Applesauce
Also known as stewed apples, these are easy-to-digest and help a baby stay hydrated. They come in handy during a cough and cold as they replenish the body’s fluid supply.
4. Rice Water or Gruel
Recommended for babies who are above six months of age, rice gruel is a soothing home remedy for a cough and cold. Rice water boosts the immunity of a child thereby helping him combat any infection.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of nutrients and strengthen the immune system. They also help the body in producing white blood cells. Sweet potatoes can be consumed in the form of porridge or you can mash and puree them for your little one aged six months and above.
6. Carrots
Carrots have medicinal properties and eating carrots can enhance the immune system and keep away bacteria and viruses. You can steam and mash the carrots and give it to your baby. You can also puree them or make carrot soup. However, give it your baby if he is above six months of age.
7. Pomegranate Juice
The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help subdue your child’s cold. Make pomegranate juice and add a bit of pepper powder and dry ginger powder to it. Give it to your baby if he is 6 months or older. This juice will help provide him relief from a cold and cough.
8. Moong Dal Porridge
Moong dal porridge is a wholesome and filling food for babies suffering from cold. It can be given during lunch or dinner. Suitable for children seven months and older, it is a soothing dish that little ones will enjoy.
9. Curd Rice
Once your child is over eight months of age, you can feed him curd rice with a little seasoning of ginger and cumin seeds any time he is unwell. If your child has a cough or a cold, ensure that the curd you serve him is at room temperature and not too cold or sour.
10. Idli and Dosa
Steamed idlis and dosas make great comfort food and can be given to kids when they are unwell and don’t feel like eating. You can give idlis or dosas at any time of the day to your child if he is eight months or older. You can also offer chutney or some homemade jam as a dip.
11. Sabudana Porridge
Sabudana is also known as sago; it is a good source of starch and can give your child a dose of energy. As it easy to digest, it is a preferred choice for children when they are sick. You can make sabudana porridge, serve it with vegetables, or you can simply give the water. It is good for babies aged seven months or older.
12. Broccoli
Rich in antioxidants, broccoli is a good pick for combating infections. It energizes the body’s immune system and is suitable for children over eight months of age. You can make broccoli soup or puree for your little one. He will soon feel better.
13. Tomato Soup
Almost all of us like tomato soup; it is tasty and healthy. And the good thing is that it can be even given to children older than eight months of age. It constitutes a healthy dose of Vitamin C - you can mix some mashed rice in it before offering it to your baby.
14. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes taste delicious and can be quite filling for a baby. Made from boiled potatoes, they usually appeal to children of all ages and can be introduced from eight months onwards.
15. Dalia Porridge
Being a soft food, it can be swallowed easily, especially if a child has a throat irritation or pain. It can be made without milk to speed up the digestion process when a baby is sick. Dalia porridge can be given to babies who are eight months and older.
16. Citrus Fruits
Drinking orange juice or lemon juice can help prevent cell damage while easing congestion and thinning out mucus. Make the juice with lukewarm water and add a dash of honey. It is generally recommended for children who are one year or above.
17. Turmeric Milk
A little turmeric powder mixed in warm milk with a dash of pepper acts as a natural antibiotic and can cure a cold as well as throat infection in babies who are one year or above.
18. Mushroom Soup
The health benefits of mushrooms are plenty, and their ability to keep infections away is well known. You can give warm mushroom soup to your baby; it is a great comfort food for toddlers with a cold and cough. It is usually given to children who have attained the age of one.
19. Poha or Beaten Rice
It is soft and can be chewed by babies easily. Poha is also easy-to-digest and makes for a filling meal, especially for a child who is unwell. You can give poha to your child if he is 1 year or older.
20. Fruits and Vegetables With Vitamin C
If your child has a cold, try and include fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C in his diet to increase the production of antibodies and white blood cells in his body. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables help fight infections.
21. Tulsi Water
Tulsi or Indian basil can provide relief from a cold and cough. Boil a few leaves of tulsi in half a litre of water for about 5 minutes. Strain and give it to your child. You can give it to babies above 6 months of age.
22. Garlic Lentil Soup
Just like rice water, dal ka pani is good for babies. But if your baby is suffering from a cold and cough, you can give him garlic and lentil soup. Garlic has antiviral properties and can boost the immune system. Its antiviral properties can prevent infections as well as speed up the healing process.
23. Ajwain Water
Giving ajwain water can also provide relief from cough and can clear chest congestion. Boil a tablespoon of carom seeds in water for some time. Let it cool then strain the liquid, then give it to your baby at regular intervals.
Foods to Avoid During Cold and Cough
There are certain foods that you should avoid including in your child’s diet if he has a cold and cough. This is because some fruits and vegetables are likely to have a cooling effect and can lead to respiratory infections. These include:
1. Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is believed to aggravate congestion. It can be given to children who are above the age of 1 year. You can reduce the quantity of milk your child consumes or stop it altogether when he is sick. You can give him other forms of dairy products such as cheese or use soy milk during this period.
2. Certain Fruits and Vegetables
When your child has a throat infection, avoid some fruits such as grapes, bananas, lychee, watermelon, tender coconut, and oranges to speed up the recovery process. This is applicable to children above the age of six months. Cucumber, bitter gourd, and pumpkin are also not recommended for children under the age of one, primarily due to the cooling effect they have on the body. So avoid including these fruits and veggies in your child’s diet if he has a cold or cough.
3. Refined Sugar and Sweets
Too much sugar is not good for anyone, especially for babies and toddlers. Hence, sugar and sweets laden with sugar should not be given to a child when he has a cold or cough.
4. Dry Fruits and Nuts
Your child may find it hard to chew or swallow dry fruits and nuts if he has a cold or cough. There is also a risk of pieces getting stuck in your his throat if he coughs while eating. So it’s best to not give dry fruits and nuts to your child when he is sick.
5. Spicy and Oily Foods
Spicy or oily food can irritate the throat and worsen your child’s cough and cold. Thus, it is best to not give them to your kiddo.
6. Curd
Curd has a cooling effect on the body hence it should not be included in your child’s diet if he has a cold or cough or other respiratory infections.
Tips to Feed a Child Suffering From a Cough and Cold
If your munchkin is unwell, he is bound to get cranky and may fuss while eating. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure he gets the required nourishment:
Babies aged six months and younger should be breastfed or can be given formula if they have a cold and cough.
Babies who are 6 months and above should have frequent small meals instead of big meals thrice a day.
If your baby’s doctor prescribes oral rehydration solution(ORS) to your toddler, be sure to give it to your child as and when required.
If your baby does not want to eat something, give him what he wants to eat. Do not force feed your sick child.
Ensure that your baby who is above six months of age stays hydrated. Offer him different types of fluids. These can include water, milk, broth, and fresh fruit juice made with slightly warm water.
These are just some general guidelines you should follow if your child is down with a cold or cough. However, if there are symptoms like wheezing or ear pain, then it is best to consult a doctor immediately as it can be an ear infection or something more serious. Also, do not introduce any new foods when your baby is ill as these can aggravate the symptoms or cause allergies, worsening the matters. Consult your doctor if your child’s condition doesn’t improve over a couple of days. Since dehydration is a possibility because of infections, so keep an eye on your child, note these early signs to ensure you can get your child the help he needs immediately.
Disclaimer:
This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
Also Read:
Cold and Cough Medicine for Infants and Children
Home Remedies for Children's Colds and Flu
How to Deal with Dry Cough in Babies Read more
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Yoga for Diabetes - 10 Poses to Try
In order to stay healthy, it is important that we exercise and eat nutritious food. For people with diabetes, this becomes all the more important, since they have a hard time healing or recovering from illness or injuries. In India, Yoga has been a part of the lifestyle for many people for a very long time and the physical exercises that it involves help make our body stronger and encourage us to lead a more balanced lifestyle.
How Is Yoga Beneficial for People with Diabetes?
It is common knowledge that yoga is good for health because it combines breathing techniques, body movements, and postures along with techniques for learning meditation, all of which will have an impact on your overall health. Here are some ways how yoga helps a diabetic patient.
It helps improve blood circulation.
It improves the functioning of the pancreas, which is responsible for stimulating the production of beta insulin cells.
It helps to lower blood pressure and sugar.
It lowers the levels of depression and anxiety.
Yoga helps improve immunity.
It helps in weight loss.
It improves energy levels.
Best Yoga Asanas for Diabetes
The movements and body postures that are learnt in yoga are called Asanas. Here we have some of the best yoga Asanas for type 2 diabetes:
1. Legs Up the Wall
A pose that helps in reducing the levels of stress by improving circulation will lead to lower levels of blood pressure and blood sugar.
Impacted Muscles
This asana will help strengthen your front torso, hamstrings, pelvic muscles, back of the neck, and lower back.
How To Do
Use a yoga mat, a blanket, or just a mat to perform this asana.
Sit close to a wall in your room. Your legs should be stretched in front.
You should face the wall.
Lie gently on the yoga mat and slide up your legs on the wall.
Your back should be straight on the mat and your legs should be straight on the wall. You will be at an angle of 90 degrees.
Relax in this position for about five minutes.
Slide your legs back down and do a few more reps.
2. Reclining Bound Angle
An excellent pose for calming the nervous system and aiding the functioning of the kidney, bladder and abdominal muscles.
Impacted Muscles
This asana works on your groin muscles, pelvic muscles, adductors, and psoas.
How To Do
Lie down on a yoga mat and press the soles of your feet together. Your knees will be on the sides.
Relax your hips.
Rest your hands; they should be next to your hips with your palms facing up.
Remain in this position for ten minutes. Inhale and exhale slowly and let your thighs stretch.
Slowly release by pushing your knees together with your hands.
Sit up slowly and repeat this asana.
3. Seated Forward Bend
This Asana helps lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety and fatigue, and aid in weight loss.
Impacted Muscles
This works the erector spinae, gastrocnemius, pelvic muscles and gluteus maximus.
How To Do
Sit with your legs stretched out, using a cushion under your knees if you need it.
Keep your feet straight with the toes pointing toward the ceiling.
Bend forward at the hips and keep moving your hands towards your feet.
Rest your hands on the floor, leaning over your legs for at least three minutes before releasing.
4. Plough Pose
This asana helps in stimulating the thyroid gland and increase the circulation of blood and reduce stress levels.
Impacted Muscles
This works the muscles in the hamstrings, rotator cuffs, spinal extensors, and trapezius.
How To Do It
Rest your shoulders on a yoga mat and rest your arms alongside your body.
Lift your legs straight up in the air using your arms to help balance.
Place your hands on your lower back for support so that your fingers face upwards.
Bring your feet together and try to reach the floor above your head.
Remain like this for at least one minute before releasing.
5. Cobra Pose
This asana can help lower your blood pressure and build strength.
Impacted Muscles
It works your triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, spinal extensors and glutes.
How To Do
Lie on your stomach with your toes flat on the floor.
Keep your legs together and your body straight.
Your hands should be under your shoulders.
Breathe in and lift your head and chest up and hold the position for at least thirty seconds.
Return to the resting position and do a few reps.
6. Bow Pose
This will open the chest cavity and may also lower blood sugar levels.
Impacted Muscles
This asana works your quadriceps, hamstrings, pectorals, and glutes.
How To Do
Lie on your stomach with your feet hip-width apart. Keep your arms aside.
Bring your lower legs up such that your knees are lifted.
Hold onto your ankles and hold this position for about 30 seconds before relaxing.
7. Half Lord of the Fishes
This twisty asana, also called as ardha matsyendrasana, helps lower blood sugar and boost energy.
Impacted Muscles
This works out your spine and your pectorals.
How To Do
Start by sitting cross-legged.
Bring your left leg over your right thigh and place your foot (of the left leg) on the ground.
Sit straight and twist your body towards the left.
Your right arm should go around your left leg, and your gaze should be over your shoulder.
8. Supine Spine Twist
This asana stimulates the abdomen, which helps in lowering the blood sugar. It can also help in relieving pain in the lower back.
Impacted Muscles
This will work your spine, abdomen, and pectorals.
How To Do
Lie on your back.
Bring your knees up towards your chest.
Keep your arms on the floor by your side, palms facing down.
Keep your back on the floor but bring your knees down to the right side, keeping them together.
Remain like this for at least thirty seconds.
Repeat the asana.
9. Child Pose
This asana will help you relax, which may help to promote the beta insulin-producing cells.
Impacted Muscles
This works on your spine, glutes, and hamstrings.
How To Do
Kneel on a yoga mat.
Your knees should be together and your feet too.
Sit on your heels and bend. Your forehead should touch the ground and arms should be extended forward.
Remain in this position for at least five minutes then repeat.
10. The Corpse
This asana helps in relaxation and reduce blood pressure.
Impacted Muscles
This pose helps in relaxing the muscles of the body after a session.
How To Do
Lay on your back and keep your arms at your sides. Keep your feet spread out.
Deep breath and remain in this position for about 20 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about yoga for diabetes:
1. Can Yoga Prevent Diabetes?
As many of the poses in yoga tend to massage the pancreas and increase the production of insulin, yoga has the ability to prevent diabetes. Many studies have also shown that it can work wonders for the prevention and management of diabetes. For people with Type 2 diabetes, yoga asanas can prove effective.
2. Can Yoga Protect Me from Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy?
About 18% of women experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy. High blood sugar during pregnancy can cause many other problems as well including preeclampsia, which brings with it many other problems. Yoga for high blood sugar can help to solve this problem by reducing perceived and oxidised stress, which is a huge factor for causing high blood sugar.
3. Does Yoga Help Control Blood Sugar?
Yoga helps reduce adrenaline and cortisol levels in the body, which make it a great way to help in managing your blood sugar levels. Many different types of yoga asanas can affect your blood sugar differently. There is yoga to help with high blood sugar and yoga for low blood sugar as well.
Diabetes is often the result of a bad lifestyle, so it becomes necessary that you follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Yoga has been practised for thousands of years and can bring about a balance in your lifestyle, both mentally and physically. Yoga when coupled with a balanced diet, it can do wonders in helping you regain your health and control your diabetes.
Also Read:
Health Benefits of Hot Yoga for Losing Weight
Reasons for Starting Yoga Immediately
Unique Yoga Poses for Woman to Try Out Read more
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5 Secret Ways to Get Big and Beautiful Eyes
Eye makeup serves to add volume to your looks. Once there, you will be stunned by the transformation in your looks and how your eyes look BIGGER. So, just go all out with these effective makeup tricks to make your eyes look all the more mesmerising.
if you are used to getting off-handed compliments about those big eyes of yours, it's time you introduced them to eye makeup to accentuate them further. Yes, there is absolutely no dearth of makeup ideas but you need to be aware of what would suit you best. Along with kohl and eyeliner, you need a little color, a dash of concealer, and of course the magical mascara to highlight your eyes in better ways. Find here the variety of makeup looks you can dabble in and make your peepers pop.
Eye Makeup Ideas to Make Your Eyes look Bigger
1. Goodbye Dark Circles
Stress, lack of sleep, or a poor diet lead to dark circles under your eyes, which make you eyes appear dull and small. These dark circles render your efforts of eye-makeup worthless and pull your overlook appeal down. Fortunately, help is close at hand in the form of colour-correction concealers, cover-sticks, and other eye makeup tools that make such dark circles disappear in a wink. Before using a concealer, gently rub a cube of ice on your eyes to reduce the puffiness. Are you ready to get rid of those unsightly dark circles? Act now.
2. Curl it Up
If your curler has been lying unused on your dresser, its time you made it your most favourite eye makeup tool. Ranking among the top makeup tips for eyes, small moments spent with the curler will make your eyes look bigger and wider than you may ever imagine. Remember, straight lashes, apart from looking plain, also create a shadow on the other parts of your eyes. So, use lash curlers, no matter what, and see more eyes turn your way.
3. White Eyeshadow Anyone?
If you are still wondering about how to make your eyes look bigger with makeup, then you need to know a little more about using white eye shadow for a lovely dewy effect. Just dab a small portion of the same on the inside of your eyes, just where they start near your nose and look at yourself with brighter and bigger eyes. The best part about getting hung up on this tip is that you can create your distinctive look on the go or even when you're short of time.
4. Dramatic Waterlines
Have you ever invested in a gold or white eye-pencil? If the answer is ‘no’, then reach out for the same and carefully shade your waterline to give an extra punch to your eye makeup. The 'Rx' recommended by makeup experts globally, these eyeliners go a long way in making your eyes look more open and attractive beyond compare. Go for them!
5. Mystics of The Mascara
Your mascara will never fail your attempts of creating those large, doe-like eyes. Best when applied on the lower and upper eyelashes to make eyes look bigger than what they are; your mascara can give you ‘Barbie doll-like’ lashes. Feel like flirting anyone? Also, if you long for more 'eye zing', then go in for an additional swipe, right at the middle of your upper lash line. This will make your eyes get drawn upwards for a sizzling effect.
Regardless of whether you're in love with a subtle or more pronounced look for your eyes, knowing how to apply eye makeup will make your eyes pop. Remember, with different eye makeup looks in your beauty arsenal to play with, your eyes will surely grab eyeballs, and how. Read more
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Simple and healthy oats recipe for 1 - 2 years old kids.
Ingredients:
Oil / desi ghee -1/2tsp
Mustard seed - 1/4 tsp
Ginger garlic paste - 1/4 tsp
Salt - As per your taste (Asp)
Red chilli powder - a pinch (Asp)
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Oats - 1/4 cup
Carrot shredded - 1 tbsp
Boneless chicken - small piece diced
Tomatoe - 1/2 (diced)
Corrainder leaves finely chopped - 1/2 tsp
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan on medium flame.
2. Add mustard seeds ( you can also add cumin seeds or chopped onions alternatively) to the oil.
3. Add ginger garlic paste to it when the mustard seeds starts crackling (or till onions get translucent) .
4. Add diced chicken and stir fry for about 2 - 3 minutes.
5. Add grated carrots and diced tomatoes to the pan.
6. Keep stirring continuously, so that it does not stick to the pan and get burned.
7. Then add oats to it and mix thoroughly.
8. Add salt, turmeric and red chilli powder ( you can also substitute it to black pepper powder, adding these spices in very little amount develops taste in kids) to it and add a cup of water, then cover n cook on low flame for about 7 - 8 minutes.
9. Check if the chicken is nice and tender, then add Corrainder leaves to it.
And baby's healthy food is ready!
Note:
You can also grind this in to a fine paste after it cools down a bit, if ur child does not like to get chunks in his bite :).
And also keep the consistency of the oats depending upon your child. Many other vegetables can also be added to keep variation. Because kids usually get bored with same repeated taste. Diced Potatoes, finely sliced cabbage, spinach leaves can also be added to it and in this recipe oats can also be replace by coursly grinded rice. Read more
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
7 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
54 mins ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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