Chicken noodle soup is a go-to food for many parents when their kids are sick. The warm broth, soft noodles, and bits of chicken make it easy to eat when you’re feeling under the weather. But does chicken noodle soup really help kids feel better when they have a cold or the flu? Here’s a look at the evidence behind this classic comfort food.
What are the benefits of chicken noodle soup?
Chicken noodle soup may help sick kids in a few key ways:
- The warm broth helps keep kids hydrated. When you have a fever, you can become dehydrated quickly. Sipping broth helps replenish fluids and electrolytes.
- The steam from hot soup can help clear congestion. Breathing in the steam helps loosen mucus so kids can cough it up and breathe easier.
- Chicken contains cysteine, an amino acid that thins mucus in the lungs. Thinner mucus is easier to expel from the body.
- Soup is easy on the stomach. The broth and noodles are gentle and easy to digest when kids lack an appetite.
So while it may seem like an old wives’ tale, chicken noodle soup really can help relieve some cold and flu symptoms in kids. The warm broth hydrates, the steam clears congestion, the cysteine thins mucus, and the noodles provide nutrients when kids need easy-to-digest comfort food.
Does the chicken or the broth matter more?
Both the chicken and the broth play a role in fighting cold symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of their key benefits:
Chicken
- Provides protein to help kids maintain strength.
- Contains cysteine to thin mucus.
- Gives flavor to make the soup more appetizing.
Broth
- Helps hydrate with fluids and electrolytes.
- Can be sipped easily to avoid dehydration.
- When hot, the steam loosens congestion.
- Provides a comforting warmth for kids who feel achy.
So for the maximum cold-fighting benefits, you want a soup with both chicken and broth. The two ingredients work together to keep kids hydrated, clear congestion, and provide nourishment at the same time.
Should you use canned or homemade?
You can use either canned chicken noodle soup or homemade when your child is sick. Here’s how they compare:
Canned
- More convenient – just open the can and heat it up.
- Often made with chicken broth for more flavor.
- Higher in sodium, less nutrient dense.
Homemade
- Fresher ingredients, you control what goes in it.
- Can customize broth for your child’s tastes.
- More work to prepare when you’re busy caring for a sick child.
Ultimately, canned soup can be a quick option when your child suddenly feels ill and you want something fast and comforting. But homemade soup may be preferable when you have time to prepare it. You can control the sodium content better and include lots of nutrient-rich veggies.
What are the best ingredients to use?
Here are some healthy ingredients to include when making homemade chicken noodle soup for sick kids:
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Provide lean protein without too much saturated fat.
- Broth – Opt for reduced-sodium or sodium-free chicken or vegetable broth. Limit excess salt.
- Vegetables – Add vitamin-rich veggies like carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Pasta or noodles – Use whole grain or gluten-free options. Limit refined carbs.
- Herbs and spices – Flavor with garlic, parsley, thyme, sage. Skip salt.
Avoid heavy cream-based broths and buttery noodles, as these are harder to digest. Stick to lean proteins and lots of vegetables to make a nutritious soup when kids are under the weather.
Are there any downsides?
Chicken noodle soup makes a smart choice when kids are sick, but there are a couple downsides to note:
- Canned soups are often very high in sodium. Too much can dehydrate kids further.
- The hot liquid poses a choking risk for very young children. Stick to warm, not piping hot.
- Chicken must be fully cooked to avoid food-borne illness. Simmer well and check internal temperature.
To avoid these risks, make homemade soup using reduced-sodium broth. Let the soup cool slightly before serving to very young kids. And always cook chicken thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
What do the experts say?
Research on chicken soup provides some evidence to back up this classic home remedy:
- A 1978 study found drinking hot chicken soup increased nasal mucus velocity in 15 healthy volunteers. Faster mucus flow could potentially help clear congestion.
- A 2000 study found ingredients in chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory properties that could theoretically help reduce cold symptoms.
- A 2012 study found homemade chicken soup with lots of vegetables eased inflammation from colds. But store-bought soup with lower veggie content did not have the same effect.
So while the data is limited, the consensus seems to be that homemade chicken noodle soup – loaded up with lots of vegetables and lean chicken – can offer real benefits for kids fighting colds and flu.
| Study | Findings on Chicken Soup |
|---|---|
| 1978 study | Increased nasal mucus velocity after drinking hot chicken soup |
| 2000 study | Soup ingredients may have anti-inflammatory properties |
| 2012 study | Homemade soup eased cold symptoms; store-bought did not |
What about other soups?
While chicken noodle soup is a classic, other soups can also be nourishing choices when kids are sick:
Vegetable Soup
Packed with vitamin-rich veggies in a savory broth. Provide hydration without chicken.
Minestrone Soup
Features beans, pasta, and veggies for plant-based protein and carbs.
Tomato Soup
The tang of tomatoes helps stimulate appetite. Pair with a grilled cheese for more calories.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Creamy, cheesy, and filling – a good choice for picky eaters who need more calories.
Any soup with broth, veggies, and lean protein can support immunity during illness. Avoid heavy cream soups for queasy tummies.
Putting it all together
When your child is congested and feverish, should you reach for the chicken noodle soup? The answer is yes – when prepared with care, chicken noodle soup can offer real benefits to sick kids. The warm broth hydrates, the steam clears congestion, the chicken provides cysteine to thin mucus, and the nutrients nourish a weakened body. Make your own homemade version using reduced-sodium broth, lots of vegetables, and lean protein for the maximum benefits. Have other mild, veggie-based soups on hand too for variety. Chicken noodle soup is tried-and-true comfort food that can genuinely help kids on the mend.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup has long been regarded as a healing food for sick kids. Science has shown some evidence that ingredients like chicken and hot broth can help relieve cold and flu symptoms. The warm liquid hydrates, the steam clears congestion, and the nutrients provide energy for recovery. Homemade soup with lower sodium and lots of veggies offers the most benefits. While not a cure, chicken noodle soup is a smart choice to provide comfort and nutrition when kids feel their worst. Keep some on hand to help your little ones get on the mend.