By Dr. Scott Bloomberg and Dr. Luke Bloomberg
Bloomberg Chiropractic Center
Before there were shelves of immune supplements, there was a pot of chicken soup simmering on the stove. Was it simply comfort—or was there some science behind the tradition? Researchers have actually studied that question. Their findings offer an interesting lesson: helping someone feel better during an illness can involve more than attacking the germ.
The surprising white blood cell connection
In 2000, researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center tested chicken soup in the laboratory. They found that it reduced the movement of neutrophils toward chemical signals. Neutrophils are white blood cells involved in our early immune response. They help defend us, but their activity can also contribute to inflammation. The researchers proposed that an effect on this movement might help explain some of chicken soup’s reputation for soothing respiratory symptoms. Here is the key distinction: this was a laboratory experiment, with soup applied to cells. It did not prove that eating soup has the same effect in your airways or makes a cold end sooner. Still, it is an intriguing scientific clue behind a familiar tradition.
Warmth and moving mucus
Our airways have a natural cleaning system that moves mucus and trapped particles. A small 1978 study tested 15 healthy volunteers. Sipping hot chicken soup or hot water temporarily increased the speed of nasal mucus movement. Most measurements returned to baseline by 30 minutes. That suggests a short-lived effect on airway function. It does not establish that soup clears an infection.
A separate 2008 study of 30 people with cold or flu-like symptoms found that a hot fruit drink relieved several reported symptoms. Interestingly, people felt their noses were clearer even though measured nasal airflow did not improve. Feeling better and changing a physical measurement are not always the same thing. Both deserve careful attention.
Build a bowl that nourishes
Soup also offers a practical way to get fluids and food when your appetite is low. Chicken supplies protein. Vegetables add variety and nutrients. Rice, noodles, or potatoes contribute energy. Together, they can make a manageable meal when a large dinner sounds unappealing. A bowl containing actual chicken will generally provide more protein than plain broth. Consider a lower-sodium broth if you need to limit sodium, and enjoy it comfortably warm rather than scalding hot. There is no need to claim that one ingredient “boosts” immunity. A nourishing meal has value on its own.
An old tradition with a thoughtful explanation
Chicken soup has interesting laboratory findings and limited evidence for temporary symptom relief. We do not have strong evidence that it prevents respiratory infections or reliably shortens them. But warmth, nourishment, and the comfort of being cared for make it a sensible part of getting through a sick day. Grandma’s advice still has a place at the table.
For help fitting nutrition into your wellness plan, contact Dr. Scott Bloomberg and Dr. Luke Bloomberg at Bloomberg Chiropractic Center, 618-783-2424, or visit drbloomberg.com.
References
Rennard and colleagues, 2000. Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035691/
Saketkhoo and colleagues, 1978. Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/359266/
Sanu and Eccles, 2008. The effects of a hot drink on nasal airflow and symptoms of common cold and flu. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19145994/
