Dr. Vyas tells WCNC the most important thing when fighting any sickness is hydration and liquids.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It's that time of year again, with holiday parties, family in town, and colds and the flu. North Carolina is still registering "very high" flu activity levels. And when many people are feeling under the weather, they turn to mom's home remedy, a warm bowl of soup.
But does a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup actually help relieve cold and flu symptoms?
THE QUESTION
Does soup really help you feel better when you're sick?
OUR SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, soup can make you feel better when you're sick.
WHAT WE FOUND:
Vyas said the most important thing you can do when fighting any sickness is to stay hydrated. That means lots of fluids, including soup. There are a few things you should avoid, though.
"Drink lots of fluids non-caffeinated beverages are the best," Vyas said.
Penn Medicine also agrees that mother knows best. Consuming soup not only hydrates you, but the sodium can also help ease the pain from a sore throat. Plus, the heat of the broth will work to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. Chicken noodle soup is commonly mentioned as a home remedy because of its vitamins and minerals; however, if you're not a fan or have dietary restrictions, Vyas says any soup works.
"Whatever kind of broth you like or whatever kind of soups you like," Vyas said. "Whether it be lentil soups or any sort of miso soup, anything and everything that is water-based that you can get is quite helpful when you are trying to fight the common cold."
Of course, soup can't cure a respiratory virus, but lots of rest and hydration will help.
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FAQs
Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus. The herbs and spices sometimes used in chicken soup, such as pepper and garlic, also loosen mucus. The broth, which contains water and electrolytes, helps with rehydration.
Does soup actually help when sick? ›
Soup is good for colds, because it is both soothing, nutritious without being difficult to digest, and the salt content helps water retention and prevents dehydration which is a common side effect of your immune system fighting the illness.
Why do we crave soup when sick? ›
Chicken noodle soup ends up providing a considerable amount of the materials one's body needs keep functioning. The rich and salty broth can also help one stay healthy during an illness since it provides another critical nutrient for the body.
Why is soup healing? ›
Most soups have their benefits
Hot soups, in general, help keep nasal passages moist, thin out mucus, prevent dehydration, and soothe a sore throat. Any kind of vegetable-dense soup is going to achieve similar effects to chicken soup, though you may miss some of its more unique qualities.
Is it better to eat soup or salad when sick? ›
Chicken soup has been a go-to for sickness for generations — and for good reason. It's an easy-to-eat source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein, which are nutrients your body may need in larger quantities while you're recovering from an illness.
Does chicken noodle soup actually help? ›
Does Soup Help When Sick? The Answer is Yes, it Can! If your little one is battling the flu or a cold, chicken soup can help in a few ways. It may support the body's immune response, provide hydration and replenish electrolytes, moisten mucus, and even soothe a sore throat.
Why do I feel better after eating soup? ›
The steam from chicken noodle soup also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Heat relaxes the muscles, it soothes discomfort in sore throats, it dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow. When you're sick with a cold, white blood cells called neutrophils go straight to your throat, causing it to be inflamed.
Why do I want McDonald's when I'm sick? ›
When sickness strikes, our immune system springs into action, requiring additional energy to combat invaders. This heightened activity often leads to an increase in our metabolic rate , energy demands and nutritional requirements. Sugary treats and carbs are quick sources of energy, satisfying this increased demand.
Is pho or ramen better for colds? ›
No, ramen has more sodium than pho. The amount of sodium in ramen depends on the broth. Pre-packaged store-bought ramen is higher in sodium than restaurant prepared or homemade ramen. Pho is packed with ingredients that may reduce inflammation and fight colds.
Why do people eat chicken noodle soup when they're sick? ›
Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus. The herbs and spices sometimes used in chicken soup, such as pepper and garlic, also loosen mucus. The broth, which contains water and electrolytes, helps with rehydration.
Boosts Digestion. Another awesome health benefit of eating more soup is boosting your digestive system. Many soups contain whole foods that are full of fiber, which helps improve gut motility and regulate bowel health.
Does soup cleanse your body? ›
One of the best ways to improve your gut health is by going on a soup cleanse. When you puree' soups you can turn multiple pounds of vitamin and mineral rich veggies into smaller soups that are more easily digestible. Perfect way to flood your body with nutrients!
Why is soup good for you when you're sick? ›
Even the water or broth in chicken soup could offer benefits. When sick, it's easy to get dehydrated, Pike said, so consuming something water-based can be helpful. Plus, if you're losing electrolytes from gastrointestinal illness, chicken broth can replace them—it's rich in sodium at 924 milligrams per cup.
What is the healthiest soup you can eat? ›
6 delicious and healthy soups
- Chicken Vietnamese Pho.
- Green spring minestrone.
- Herb and yoghurt-based soup.
- Lamb shank and barley soup.
- Pumpkin soup with star croutons.
- Lentil and vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Foods to ease an upset stomach
- Bland carbohydrates. Choose bland carbohydrates like plain rice, toast, crackers, or pretzels when your stomach feels queasy. ...
- Ginger. Ginger has long been recognized for its ability to calm an upset stomach. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Herbal mint tea. ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Lightly steamed vegetables.
Much like chicken soup, broths are an excellent source of hydration for when you are sick. Broths are flavorsome and packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, folate, and phosphorous.
Does soup help break a fever? ›
Chicken Soup
The broth helps with your fluid intake, which can help lower your body temperature and flush out toxins, and the sodium can replenish electrolytes. Plus, chicken soup is full of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein—as long as it actually contains chicken.
Will soup help me feel better? ›
If you're looking for a nutritious, comforting meal after a long winter day, a warm bowl of soup might be the perfect option. Since it is very easy for the body to digest, soup can help your body feel relaxed and potentially relieve digestive issues like bloating or gas.
Is soup good for immune system? ›
Several cultures swear by chicken soup to nurse the sick back to health, and while of course it's comforting to sip, science shows that chicken soup can actually aid in fighting infections.
