How to regain health, cure anorexia after Covid-19 for children

Good food group for children after Covid

According to Dr. Bui Thi Yen Nhi – Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, some lingering symptoms after Covid-19 infection such as change in taste, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, reflux, … make children tired. , increased loss of appetite, decreased food intake, thereby losing “muscle mass”, weight loss.

Regardless of the child’s weight, it is necessary to regain lost “muscle mass” to give the child the energy and strength to slowly return to physical activity.

Therefore, Dr. Pediatrics said that nutrition for children during this time prioritizes foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and energy to help rebuild muscles, maintain the immune system, and help them grow faster. quickly restore energy levels to be able to perform daily activities, helping children to eat again.

For babies up to under 6 months old should be exclusively breastfed, divided into several small meals a day.

For children over 6 months old, it is necessary to supplement with 4 food groups: Protein, milk and dairy products, cereals and nuts, fruits and vegetables. A diet rich in vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, iron, etc.) will strongly support the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.

Meat provides protein, zinc, iron, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12. Fish and fish oil provide protein, vitamins A, B6, B12 and selenium. Milk, yogurt, and cheese provide Vitamins A and B12.

Children infected with Covid-19 often fall into a state of anorexia. (Illustrated image).

Dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, spinach, broccoli, …) or yellow vegetables provide vitamins A and B6, folate and iron.

Grains, starchy foods (potatoes, bread, pasta, pasta,…), nuts, and seeds (almonds, walnuts, …) are sources of starch. , vitamins B, E, copper, iron.

Citrus fruits, strawberries,… provide vitamins A and C.

How to feed the child again?

Doctor Nhi said that children who recovered from Covid-19 often fell into anorexia. Therefore, in the first days of negative, children should eat small amounts and divided into many meals. Alternate snacks with nutritious snacks and drinks between the three main meals until your child knows how to eat.

If your child often spits up, has difficulty swallowing, or is short of breath, try to feed them little by little, divided into many small meals, choose soft and moist foods when they feel uncomfortable instead of solid foods. Give your child a variety of foods in the form of porridge and soup. If your child does not want to eat, you can try fruit juice, smoothies or high-calorie drinks (milk, cereal, …).

Children with dry mouth should add water regularly, in small sips during the day (at least 1.5 liters per day) and should use warm water. Add sauce to food. In addition, children can chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

Parents should limit high-energy foods that contain a lot of calories but do not provide many nutrients for the body such as french fries, fried chicken, carbonated soft drinks,… High-sugar fruit juice should only drink 1 glass (150 ml) per day.

For children to quickly regain their health, exercise and outdoor activities help keep muscles strong, help children be agile, improve mood, sleep quality, as well as reduce the risk of depression.

Pediatricians recommend trying to keep children active every day and do physical activities lasting at least 90-150 minutes a week in many forms of activity (walking, running, jumping, swimming, .. .). Prioritize activities that children enjoy

Getting enough sleep will help increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis. Therefore, encourage children to go to bed early before 10pm.

Maintain the habit of wearing a mask, do the 5K well, remind children not to put their hands on their faces, not to put their fingers in their mouths. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after sneezing, before and after eating, or when soiled.

Khanh Chi