Cough in children, a common and concerning health problem in a family. But do you know the relationship between food and cough?It's a common belief that cough is only associated with weather changes or colds, but in reality, eating habits also play an important role. Certain foods may worsen symptoms rather than help relieve cough.
Dairy products and cough: hidden risks.
Dairy products, especially full-fat dairy products, are often considered a healthy food choice, but they can exacerbate symptoms during a child's cough. When a child has a cough, these foods need to be chosen more carefully.
Full-fat dairy products are higher in fat, which may increase mucus production in the body. Excess mucus can accumulate in the respiratory tract and make coughing worse, especially if you have a cold or respiratory infection. For example, one study showed that some children experienced an increase in sputum volume after consuming whole milk, which exacerbated cough and other upper respiratory symptoms.
In addition, the protein in milk may cause an allergic reaction in some people, which may also cause a worsening cough. This condition is more common in children who are sensitive to dairy products or have a tendency to asthma.
To reduce coughing, consider reducing or avoiding full-fat dairy products for your child. Alternatives can be low-fat dairy products or non-dairy beverages such as soy milk or oat milk, which usually do not exacerbate cough symptoms. It's important to note that it's a good idea to consult a pediatrician or nutrition specialist before making any dietary changes to ensure that your child's nutritional needs are met and that cough symptoms are also effectively relieved.
Sugar overload: the first exacerbation of the child's cough".
Eating too much sugary food during a child's cough may worsen symptoms. Sugar is not only energy**, but can also be a catalyst for inflammation. Scientific studies have shown that a diet high in sugar stimulates the body to produce more inflammatory cells, which means more throat irritation and worsening symptoms for children who are coughing.
For example, one study found that excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease. This is not just because of the sugar itself, but also because the additives and artificial colors that are commonly found in these drinks can also cause irritation to the respiratory system in children.
Desserts and processed sweets should be avoided especially during coughing. They often contain a high percentage of sugar and artificial additives that can aggravate throat irritation and inflammation. In addition, these foods often lack essential nutrients and are detrimental to your child's overall health.
It is advisable to choose natural foods that are low in sugar, such as fresh fruits. In addition to providing essential vitamins and minerals, these foods also contain fiber and natural sugars, which are more beneficial for children's health. Apples and pears, for example, are rich in fiber and water, which can help relieve throat irritation without causing sugar overload.
Fried foods and cough in children: hidden irritants.
Fried foods, which are commonly found in children's diets, are easily attracted by their attractive aroma and crispy texture. But during a cough, these foods can be a sign of exacerbating symptoms. Fried foods, such as chips and fried chicken, contain a high percentage of fats, and certain compounds produced during processing can irritate the throat, cause throat irritation, and worsen coughs.
Scientific studies have shown that the oil in fried food will form trace amounts of aldehydes after being treated at high temperatures. These substances are irritating and may cause a mild inflammatory response in the throat, which can worsen the cough. Especially for children who already have cough symptoms, this irritation may make coughing more frequent and severe.
In everyday life, the practice of replacing fried foods is simple. For example, you can choose to prepare your food by roasting or steaming. Baked apple slices or steamed pumpkin are both delicious and healthy options that are not only nutritious, but also reduce throat irritation and help relieve cough symptoms.
Concerns about processed foods: how preservatives and additives affect cough in children.
Preservatives and additives in processed foods can be a non-negligible factor in your child's cough problem. Preservatives, such as sodium benzoate, are often used to extend the shelf life of foods, while additives, such as artificial colors and monosodium glutamate, are used to improve the appearance and taste of foods. Although these ingredients make foods look more appealing and have a stronger flavor, their potential impact on your child's cough symptoms is a cause for concern.
Studies have shown that certain food additives may irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing to worsen. For example, one study found that sodium benzoate may not only cause allergic reactions in children, but may also worsen cough and asthma symptoms. In addition, artificial colors and monosodium glutamate are also thought to increase respiratory sensitivity, which can cause coughing.
The ubiquity of processed foods is often overlooked in the diet on weekdays. They include not only the obvious fast food and snacks such as potato chips and candy, but also some less conspicuous products such as canned soups and ready-to-eat meals. When choosing food for their children, parents should read food labels carefully to understand the preservatives and additives they contain, and try to avoid choosing foods that contain these ingredients.
Alternatives include choosing fresh or naturally processed foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as homemade meals. Not only are these foods highly nutritious, but they can also help reduce the intake of preservatives and additives in your child's body, which can help reduce cough symptoms.
Cold drinks and ice cream: insidious exacerbations of cough in children.
Cold drinks and ice cream are often seen as harmless desserts during a child's cough, but in fact, they can be a hidden factor in the aggravation of the cough. These frozen foods cause an immediate irritation response when they come into contact with the throat. Especially for throats that have become sensitive due to colds or other respiratory illnesses, the low temperatures of cold drinks and ice cream may cause the laryngeal muscles to contract, further irritating the throat and causing coughing to worsen.
A study of children's cough and eating habits found that children who regularly consumed cold beverages had more severe cough symptoms during colds. This is not only because of the low temperature irritation, but also because ice cream and cold drinks with high sugar content can lead to increased mucus production, which is an additional burden for children who are coughing.
For parents looking to alleviate their child's cough symptoms, alternatives to these cold drinks and ice cream are essential. For example, choosing a mild juice or fresh fruit will not only provide the necessary nutrients, but also avoid the cough that can be aggravated by cold food irritation. In addition, warm drinks, such as warm water or herbal teas at the right temperature, are also good choices for relieving throat discomfort.
Dietary modifications: The key to soothing your child's cough.
When a child has a cough, dietary changes can not only reduce symptoms, but may also speed up the process. First, it's important to focus on your water intake. Adequate hydration can help thin the mucus in the throat and bronchial tubes, making it easier to drain. At least 8 glasses of water per day, including water from fruits and vegetables, is ideal. Consider warm water or mild herbal teas such as chamomile tea, which have a soothing effect on the throat.
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries and broccoli, have significant benefits in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C helps relieve coughs by boosting the body's resistance to pathogens. In fact, one study found that a daily intake of vitamin C was effective in preventing and alleviating respiratory infections.
Honey is also a great option, especially at night. A small spoonful of honey lubricates the throat and relieves coughs at night. However, it is important to note that honey is not suitable for babies under one year of age.
When it comes to food choices, easy-to-digest, mild foods such as oats, rice porridge or steamed vegetables are recommended. Not only are these foods easy to digest, but they also provide the necessary nutrients to help your child recover.