Why Do We Eat Chicken Noodle Soup When We Are Sick? (2024)

FAQs

Why Do We Eat Chicken Noodle Soup When We Are 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.

The soup contained a wide range of vegetables, including sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, and celery. Organizers found that chicken soup provided a mild anti-inflammatory effect—one that could help mitigate infections in the upper-respiratory area, such as the common cold.

Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used as a remedy for colds and flu. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved dish that is cherished for its warmth and nourishment.

“Chicken is also high in tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin that can enhance your mood and give you the feeling of 'comfort' that helps make chicken noodle soup a true comfort food,” Allonen says.

Chicken soup is a staple for upset stomachs for a reason. It provides vitamins, protein and other nutrients, and it can help keep you hydrated. You don't need to use a lot of different ingredients to get the benefits either. This basic chicken soup recipe can help you feel better in no time.

Chicken soup has long been used as a home remedy for cold and flu. Some scientific evidence indicates that the soup could be anti-inflammatory. Though research is scant, experts say chicken soup is worth a try when you're sick.

The warmth of the soup can help ease a sore or scratchy throat. Also, chicken contains a lot of carnosine, a compound that has been found to help loosen congestion. This can reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract to ease a cough. Add garlic and onions, add you get more anti-inflammatory help.

Soup for Hydration and Electrolytes

Chicken noodle soup isn't just comforting; it's also a source of hydration and electrolytes.

As it does with turkey, the body uses tryptophan from chicken to make melatonin—which can help you rest—and serotonin, the chemical that signals your nerves and makes you feel happy and at ease. Both of these are reasons chicken soup is associated with comfort food: you literally feel a physiological sense of comfort.

Chicken contains an amino acid cysteine which has been shown to reduce and break up mucous congestion in the lungs. Garlic- Garlic is a must in a chicken soup as nature's best natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent to help your body fight infection and get better quickly.

Why is chicken soup immune boosting? ›

Chicken Soup

The protein in chicken also helps bolster your immunities. Add plenty of extra veggies for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are an additional ally in your fight against cold and flu. Eat it: Load up on soup when you're sniffly, but avoid high-sodium canned soups—homemade is best.

Research shows that some soups – such as chicken and vegetable flavours – can help the body to kick a cold by easing congestion and inflammation. Stock up on Campbell's Soup collection to get you through the seasonal sickness.

In addition, chicken, when added to soup, releases an amino acid called cysteine. Cysteine thins out mucus in the nose and lungs and can help the body heal. This works in combination with soup's other benefits as well, such as helping hydrate the body.

Clear Liquid/ Bland Diet

Both children and adults need to drink plenty of fluids while they're sick to prevent dehydration. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution such as Pedialyte can help replace lost electrolytes. Broth or broth-based soups (chicken noodle, vegetable, etc.)

Axe says bone broth is also rich in nutrients, including collagen, gelatin, and glycine, which help to protect and nourish the gut lining, improve joint function, and regulate the immune system.

Plus, it's delicious. The broth in chicken soup soothes a sore throat and helps inhibit the movement of white blood cells called neutrophils, which help the immune system fight infection, the hot fluid promotes movement of nasal mucus and keeps you hydrated, and the salt helps your tissues retain fluids.

Fluids are often better tolerated than solid food when you're nauseous. That's why broths and soups may be a good first step toward eating again. They also provide hydration and electrolytes, which are particularly important if you have been vomiting or have a fever.

Low-fiber foods like plain yogurt, white bread, and white rice. “Dry” forms of grains, such as crackers, pretzels, and toast, may be easiest to handle. Try light meals of clear soups, such as chicken soup or bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water. Drink plenty of fluids to replace what you are losing with diarrhea.