The use of chicken broth when a person is unwell is a tradition so widespread it has earned the nickname “Jewish penicillin.” This long-standing custom has a genuine scientific basis rooted in the biological and chemical mechanisms activated by components extracted from the chicken, bones, and vegetables during simmering. By delivering hydration, supporting the immune system, and easing the work of the digestive tract, chicken broth offers a multi-faceted approach to recovery.
Hydration and Mineral Replenishment
Illness, particularly when accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, rapidly depletes the body’s fluid reserves and essential minerals. This loss can quickly lead to dehydration, which exacerbates fatigue and general malaise. Chicken broth functions as an immediate and easily absorbed source of water to counteract this fluid deficit.
Beyond simple hydration, the broth carries dissolved electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals are necessary for maintaining proper nerve signaling, muscle function, and fluid balance across cell membranes. Replenishing these electrolytes helps the body restore cellular equilibrium, directly combating the physical weakness often experienced during sickness. The mild salt content in the broth also aids in encouraging the body to retain the fluid, making the hydration process more effective than drinking plain water.
Supporting the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation
The medicinal reputation of chicken broth is supported by its influence on the body’s inflammatory response. Research has shown that chicken soup can inhibit the movement of neutrophils, a common type of white blood cell involved in the inflammation that causes many cold symptoms. By slowing the migration of these cells to the site of infection in the upper respiratory tract, the broth may mildly reduce the stuffiness, congestion, and swelling that contribute to discomfort.
The anti-inflammatory effect is linked to specific compounds that leach into the liquid during cooking. Chicken protein releases the amino acid cysteine, which is chemically similar to acetylcysteine, a pharmaceutical agent used to help break down thick mucus. Cysteine also serves as a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant naturally produced by the body, which helps to neutralize damaging free radicals and supports immune cell function. Broth made with vegetables also contributes immune-modulating nutrients like zinc and various vitamins, providing the necessary building blocks for a robust defense.
Easing the Digestive Burden
When the body is fighting an infection, it redirects significant energy resources toward the immune system, often slowing down non-essential functions like digestion. A nutrient-dense liquid like chicken broth provides calories and vitamins without requiring the digestive system to expend energy to break down solid food. This allows the body to prioritize recovery while still receiving necessary fuel.
Slow-simmering chicken bones and connective tissue releases gelatin, a cooked form of collagen, into the broth. Gelatin is rich in amino acids like glutamine and glycine, which support the health of the intestinal lining. This may help soothe and repair the mucosal barrier of the gut, which can become irritated during periods of illness or stress. By promoting a healthy gut lining, the broth facilitates better overall nutrient absorption as the body recovers.
The Role of Warmth and Comfort
Beyond the chemical and nutritional benefits, the physical properties of warm chicken broth offer immediate, noticeable relief. The simple act of consuming a hot liquid helps to increase the temperature of the nasal passages and throat. This warmth can temporarily soothe a raw, irritated throat and loosen thick mucus.
The steam rising from a hot bowl of broth acts as a natural inhalant, which can help open congested nasal airways and improve the flow of secretions. Studies have indicated that hot chicken soup is more effective at promoting nasal mucus clearance than other warm or cold liquids. Furthermore, the established tradition of using chicken broth for comfort triggers a positive psychological response. This response may reduce stress and contribute to a sense of well-being that promotes rest and healing.