You always associate chicken soup with a sick day—and for a good reason. Your mother (and her mother before her) knew what she was doing. You might have wondered: Does chicken noodle soup help with a cold? And the short answer is yes and no. While there aren’t any clinical trials to show that soup speeds healing any more than other foods, its combination of ingredients may help you feel better.
Here are some of the ways chicken noodle soup can help you or your little one when they’re feeling under the weather.
What’s in Chicken Noodle Soup?
Chicken noodle soup is more than just a feel-good meal; it’s a carefully balanced mix of ingredients that can support health. This classic soup contains chicken, noodles, carrots, celery, and onions—each adding unique nutrients. Chicken provides a high-quality protein essential for tissue repair. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body to support immune function. Celery offers antioxidants and essential minerals, while onions add a burst of flavor and vitamin C. Together, these ingredients create a comforting bowl that not only warms the body but also nourishes it.
Does Chicken Noodle Soup Help With a Cold?
Why does chicken noodle soup help colds? Chicken noodle soup offers several benefits when you're fighting a cold. The warm broth soothes the throat and helps hydrate the body, which is crucial when battling a cold or flu. Does chicken noodle soup help with a sore throat? Absolutely—the steam and warm liquid can relieve sore throat discomfort.
The soup also provides mucus relief by loosening congestion and helping clear nasal passages. This makes breathing easier when you’re feeling stuffed up. Moreover, understanding the differences in symptoms between a cold vs. flu can guide how you manage your illness. While both may benefit from the soup, the flu might require additional interventions like antiviral medications, especially if symptoms are severe.
Soup to support immune response
Chicken noodle soup is a delightful dish that combines the goodness of chicken, carrots, celery, onions, and herbs to provide a rich blend of protein, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants, all crucial for supporting your child’s immune system. Every spoonful can help boost your body’s immune response to help fight off your cold.
Soup for Hydration and Electrolytes
Chicken noodle soup isn't just comforting; it's also a source of hydration and electrolytes. The broth provides essential fluids to help combat dehydration, while the soup's sodium and potassium content replenishes electrolytes.
Remember, while chicken noodle soup can aid in hydration and electrolyte replenishment, it is important that your child drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to ensure optimal hydration. Water, herbal teas, and clear broths are also beneficial additions to your recovery regimen.
Soup for Less Mucus
One of the discomforting symptoms children often face when battling a cold or flu is excessive mucus that clogs their airways. Thankfully, chicken noodle soup can come to the rescue by offering some relief. The warmth and steam from the soup may help moisten and loosen dried mucus, making it easier for children to clear it away. As the mucus becomes more manageable, their bodies can effectively eliminate it, promoting respiratory comfort and helping them breathe easier.
Soup for Sore Throat
A sore throat can make a child's day miserable, but a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup might provide some much-needed relief. The soothing nature of the broth can help alleviate discomfort and irritation caused by a sore throat.
The warm temperature of the soup can provide a gentle and comforting sensation as it coats the throat, offering temporary relief from pain and scratchiness. Additionally, the steam from the soup can help to moisturize and soothe the throat, providing a sense of relief and promoting comfort.
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.
Cold and flu prevention tips include practicing good hygiene like regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. Additionally, getting vaccinated against the flu can significantly reduce your risk of getting the flu.
But for added cold and flu relief, reach for Cold & Flu products by Mucinex® for you or Mucinex® Children’s products for your child. The powerful over-the-counter medications can help you find cold and flu relief from many common symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough, fever, and congestion.
While chicken noodle soup may provide temporary relief, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
When taking OTC medication it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging and consult a healthcare professional for proper usage and dosage guidance. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of any potential allergies, drug interactions, or underlying medical conditions that may affect the suitability of Mucinex® or any other OTC medication.
