What foods are good for a child with fever and diarrhea?

Sep 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Diarrhea usually refers to loose or watery stools. Generally, when children have a fever accompanied by diarrhea, it is appropriate for them to eat foods such as millet porridge, apples, Chinese yam, pumpkin, and well-cooked noodles. These foods are mild in texture, easy to digest, and can help replenish nutrients and fluids to alleviate discomfort. In addition, children with fever and diarrhea should avoid eating raw, cold, greasy, or spicy foods.

　　Diarrhea usually refers to diarrhea. Generally, when children have fever accompanied by diarrhea, they can eat foods such as millet porridge, apples, Chinese yam, pumpkin, and well-cooked noodles. These foods are mild in texture, easy to digest, and can provide nutrients and fluids to help relieve discomfort. The specific explanations are as follows:

　　1. Millet Porridge

　　Millet porridge is soft and has a high water content after cooking, which does not burden the weakened digestive system. During fever and diarrhea, children are prone to dehydration, and millet porridge can replenish fluids promptly to prevent dehydration. At the same time, the carbohydrates in millet provide energy to help restore strength, making it suitable for consumption during fever and diarrhea.

　　2. Apples

　　Apples can be eaten steamed or mashed. When cooked, the pectin in apples turns into a gel-like substance that forms a protective layer on the surface of the intestinal mucosa, reducing intestinal irritation and relieving diarrhea symptoms. In addition, apples contain vitamins that provide nutrients to the body, and their mild flavor does not irritate the stomach and intestines, making them suitable for children with fever and diarrhea.

　　3. Chinese Yam

　　Chinese yam is mild in nature and contains abundant mucin protein. This component can protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, reduce intestinal inflammation, and help relieve diarrhea. Chinese yam is also easily digested and absorbed by the body, providing energy for children with fever and diarrhea and maintaining basic bodily functions.

　　4. Pumpkin

　　Pumpkin has a soft texture and is rich in carbohydrates and various vitamins, making it easy for the digestive system to process without increasing the digestive burden. When children are weak from fever and diarrhea, pumpkin provides energy. The pectin it contains also helps protect the intestinal mucosa and alleviate diarrhea symptoms, making it suitable as a complementary food.

　　5. Well-cooked Noodles

　　Well-cooked noodles have a high water content and are easy to digest and absorb after cooking, replenishing fluids and carbohydrates for the child and preventing energy deficiency and dehydration caused by fever and diarrhea. When preparing, use less salt and oil to keep the flavor mild, reducing irritation to the digestive system and better suiting the gastrointestinal condition during fever and diarrhea.

　　In addition, when children have fever and diarrhea, they should avoid eating raw, cold, greasy, or spicy foods to prevent worsening gastrointestinal discomfort. It is also important to feed them in small, frequent portions and monitor their mental state. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

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