Home Remedies to Treat Colds and Flu for Kids

There are many options available for kids who have cold or flu symptoms. For stuffy noses, home remedies include salt water, Nasal spray drops, Vitamin C, as well as avoiding smoking. If the symptoms don't go away after three days, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. A child's lifestyle can play a role in triggering symptoms such as a cold or flu.

Home remedies for a stuffy nose

If you have a child with a stuffy nose, you should consider home remedies for cold and flu for kids. Children under the age of 6 may not be able to take over-the–counter medication for cough. It may worsen the condition by drying out their nasal passages. Encourage your child to drink lots of water to maintain nasal tissue moisture. You can also make 100% strawberry popsicles, or buy them in the grocery. Your child may enjoy these more than water, so you should be sure to avoid products with caffeine.

Gargling with saltwater

The use of salt water gargling has been around for centuries. A study of 400 people discovered that gargling salt water led to 40% less upper respiratory tract infection. Gargling with saline removes fluid from the inflamed throat tissues. This loosens mucus, and flushes other irritants. Gargling with salt water is recommended by the Mayo Clinic and should be done for about three seconds.

Nasal saline drops

Children who are sick with the common cold, respiratory infections, or congestion may experience congestion. These congestion can be relieved using nasal sprays and drops. These remedies can help children breathe better by thinning the mucus membrane and reducing swelling. Pediatricians recommend them for infants as well as children because they don't contain medications. You can learn more about how to apply these drops onto your child's nostrils.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has long been promoted as a remedy for common colds, but currently there is little evidence to support it as a therapeutic treatment. While a prophylactic dose of vitamin C, as a preventive measure, might be effective in reducing cold symptoms, the benefits for children are not clear. The optimal timing and dose of vitamin C supplementation is still unknown. The effects of prophylactic vitamin C on children are much greater than those seen with therapeutic doses.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an excellent option for parents who want natural remedies for colds and flus. Coneflower is a perennial flowering plant that has brightly colored flowers around a spiky head. It can be either red or purple. There are many types of Echinacea. The medicinal properties of each one can vary. This herb is rich in phenols, which are active compounds that control enzymes and receptors on cells.

FAQ

What are 10 healthy lifestyle habits?

1. Have breakfast every day.
2. Don't skip meals.
3. Keep a balanced diet.
4. Drink plenty of water
5. Take care of yourself.
6. Get enough sleep.
7. Stay away from junk foods.
8. Do some form of exercise daily.
9. Have fun
10. Make new friends

Is cold a sign of a weak immune response?

Cold makes you weaker because you have less white blood cells to fight infection. Cold can also make you feel better as your body releases endorphins to your brain, which reduce pain.

How often should you exercise?

A healthy lifestyle requires regular exercise. There is no time limit on how much you should exercise. Finding something that you love and sticking with it is the key.

If you work out three times a week, then aim to complete 20-30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity. Moderate intensity will mean that you'll continue to be exerting yourself afterward. This type workout burns about 300 calories.

If you prefer to walk, go for 10 minute walks four days a week. Walking is low impact and easy on your joints.

Jogging for 15 minutes three days a week is a good option if you prefer to run. Running is an excellent way to lose weight and tone your muscles.

Begin slowly if your are not used to working out. Begin with 5 minutes of cardio every other day. Gradually increase the amount of cardio you do until you reach your goal.

What are the ten best foods to eat in America?

These are the 10 best foods to try:

1. Avocados
2. Berries
3. Broccoli
4. Cauliflower
5. Eggs
6. Fish
7. Grains
8. Nuts
9. Oats
10. Salmon

What is the difference of a virus from a bacteria?

A virus is a microscopic organism which cannot reproduce outside of its host cell. A bacterium (or single-celled organism) reproduces by splitting itself into two. Viruses can be as small as 20 nanometers, while bacteria can grow up to 1 micron.

Viruses are often spread through contact of infected bodily fluids like saliva, urine or semen. Bacteria can easily be spread from direct contact to contaminated surfaces and objects.

Viruses can get into our bodies through cuts and scrapes on the skin, bites, and other injuries. They can also penetrate the skin through the eyes, nose or mouth.

Bacteria can get into our bodies through cuts, scrapes and burns, insect bites, or other skin breaks. They can also be introduced to our bodies by food, water and soil.

Both bacteria as well as viruses can cause illness. But viruses can't multiply within their hosts. They only cause disease when they infect living tissue.

Bacteria can multiply within their hosts and cause illness. They can spread to other parts of our bodies. Antibiotics are needed to eliminate them.

Statistics

• The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping added sugar intake below 10% of your daily calorie intake, while the World Health Organization recommends slashing added sugars to 5% or less of your daily calories for optimal health (59Trusted (healthline.com)
• According to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains is needed for optimal energy. (mayoclinichealthsystem.org)
• In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake. (who.int)
• WHO recommends reducing saturated fats to less than 10% of total energy intake; reducing trans-fats to less than 1% of total energy intake; and replacing both saturated fats and trans-fats to unsaturated fats. (who.int)

External Links

nhlbi.nih.gov

• Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk

health.harvard.edu

• Supplements: A scorecard - Harvard Health
• How Much Exercise Do You Need? Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Health

who.int

• WHO appeals to countries to cut sugar consumption in children and adults.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• Sources and Intakes for Added Sugars in Young Children, Adolescents and Adults with Low and Higher Intakes of Sugars - PMC
• PubMed: Long-term associations of nuts consumption and body weight.

How To

27 Steps to a healthy life when your family eats only junk food

The best way to eat healthily is to cook at your home. But, it can be hard to make healthy meals because many people don't know how. This article will show you how to make healthier eating choices at restaurants.

1. Choose restaurants that offer healthy options.
2. Before ordering meat dishes, order salads and other vegetables.
3. Ask for sauces with no added sugar.
4. Avoid fried foods.
5. Request grilled meats instead of fried ones.
6. You shouldn't order dessert unless it is absolutely necessary.
7. You should always have something to eat after your dinner.
8. You should eat slowly and chew well.
9. Drink plenty of water while eating.
10. Do not skip breakfast or lunch.
11. Include fruit and vegetables with every meal.
12. Consider drinking milk instead of soda.
13. Sugary drinks should be avoided.
14. Limit salt in your diet
15. Try to limit the time you go to fast food places.
16. Ask someone to join if temptation is too much.
17. Make sure your kids don't spend too much time on TV.
18. When you are eating, keep the television off.
19. Avoid energy drinks
20. Regular breaks from work
21. Get up early in the morning and exercise.
22. Get active every day.
23. Start small and then build up slowly.
24. Set realistic goals.
25. Be patient.
26. You can exercise even when you don't feel like doing it.
27. Positive thinking is key.