Can I eat chicken noodle soup while having a stomach virus?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, broth-based soups are often recommended during recovery from a stomach virus because of their high water content, which aids in rehydration. This makes chicken noodle soup a potentially helpful food to eat while having a stomach virus, provided it is prepared blandly and consumed in moderation to avoid irritating the digestive system further.

Quick Summary

Broth-based chicken noodle soup is often a good choice during stomach virus recovery. The broth helps replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea, while the simple ingredients are easy to digest. Bland preparations are key to avoid irritating a sensitive stomach.

Key Points

Start with the broth: Begin by sipping the broth first to ensure your stomach can tolerate it before adding solids.
Opt for low-sodium: Choose a low-sodium broth to help control electrolyte intake without overdoing it.
Prepare it bland: Avoid adding heavy spices, fats, or creamy ingredients, which can irritate a sensitive digestive system.
Shred lean chicken: Use skinless, lean chicken breast shredded into small pieces for easy digestion and a protein boost.
Cook noodles until soft: Overcooking the egg noodles slightly can make them easier for a delicate stomach to process.
Add ginger for nausea: Grating fresh ginger into the soup is a time-tested remedy for relieving nausea associated with the stomach flu.
Prioritize hydration: The primary benefit of the soup is hydration from the broth, which is critical when combating a virus.
Listen to your body: If nausea returns after adding solids, revert to clear liquids or broth until you feel ready to try again.

Why Chicken Noodle Soup is Often Recommended for Illness

For generations, chicken noodle soup has been the go-to comfort food for anyone feeling under the weather. The tradition isn't just a cultural myth; it has a basis in both scientific and nutritional factors that make it particularly suitable for recovering from an illness like a stomach virus, medically known as gastroenteritis.

The Role of Hydration and Electrolytes

During a stomach virus, frequent vomiting and diarrhea can rapidly lead to dehydration. This is the most dangerous and common complication of the illness, which is why health professionals emphasize rehydration. Chicken noodle soup, especially the broth, is primarily water. The warmth is also soothing, and sipping the broth helps to replace lost fluids without overwhelming a sensitive stomach. Furthermore, the salt in the broth replaces lost electrolytes like sodium, which are crucial for fluid balance and nerve function.

Ease of Digestion and Nutrient Replenishment

An upset stomach needs rest. Bland, low-fiber foods are easiest to digest, which is why the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is a classic recommendation. The simple, mild ingredients in a standard chicken noodle soup—cooked chicken, egg noodles, carrots, and celery—fall into this category. The protein from the chicken supports the immune system, and the carbohydrates from the noodles provide easily accessible energy for the body. Avoid adding fatty, spicy, or rich ingredients that can aggravate a healing gut.

Comparison Table: Stomach Virus Diet Options


Food Item	Pros for Stomach Virus	Cons for Stomach Virus	Recommendation
Chicken Noodle Soup	Excellent hydration, replaces electrolytes, easy to digest, protein source.	Store-bought versions can be high in sodium; some heavy broths may contain fat.	Recommended (bland version)
BRAT Diet	Very bland, low fiber, helps firm stool, gentle on stomach.	Lacks essential nutrients like protein and vitamins for recovery.	Recommended (short-term)
Dairy Products	Yogurt with probiotics may help restore gut bacteria.	High fat content and lactose can worsen diarrhea and stomach upset.	Avoid (except low-fat, low-sugar probiotic options)
Spicy/Fatty Foods	N/A	Highly irritating to the digestive tract, can increase nausea and diarrhea.	Avoid completely

Making Chicken Noodle Soup Stomach-Friendly

To ensure your chicken noodle soup is beneficial and not irritating, a few modifications can be made. First, use a low-sodium broth to control the salt intake. While sodium is needed to replace electrolytes, excessive amounts can be counterproductive, especially for those with specific health conditions. Second, use lean, skinless chicken breast and shred it finely for easy digestion. Overcooked, mushy noodles can also be easier for a tender stomach to process. Finally, consider adding grated fresh ginger to the broth, as ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea.

Gradual Reintroduction of Solids

It's important not to rush back into a full meal. Start by sipping only the broth. If tolerated, move on to adding small amounts of soft ingredients like the chicken and noodles. This process of gradual reintroduction allows your digestive system to ease back into its normal function without being overwhelmed. The key is to listen to your body; if nausea or other symptoms return, pull back on the solids and stick to clear fluids.

The Final Word on Stomach Virus Nutrition

While can I eat chicken noodle soup while having a stomach virus? is a common question, the answer is generally yes, but with careful consideration. The soup serves as an effective tool for rehydration and providing easily digestible nutrients. However, it is not a cure. The stomach virus, caused by viral gastroenteritis, must simply run its course. Your role is to support your body with rest, fluids, and bland, nourishing foods that won't hinder the healing process. For severe symptoms, bloody stools, or signs of severe dehydration, it is crucial to consult a medical professional. Following the BRAT diet and incorporating a bland version of chicken noodle soup can significantly aid your recovery and provide much-needed comfort during a difficult time. For more information on supportive care during illness, visit the CDC's recommendations on gastroenteritis management.

CDC Guide to Viral Gastroenteritis

Conclusion: The Right Way to Enjoy Chicken Noodle Soup

In conclusion, a simplified, bland version of chicken noodle soup can be a beneficial and comforting part of your recovery from a stomach virus. Prioritizing rehydration with the broth, opting for lean protein, and avoiding fatty or spicy additives are the cornerstones of using this traditional remedy effectively. Start slow, listen to your body, and you can leverage this classic meal to aid your return to health.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can start with small, slow sips of just the broth as soon as you can tolerate clear liquids. If that goes well, you can gradually add the more solid components like shredded chicken and soft noodles.

No, chicken noodle soup does not cure a stomach virus, which must run its course. It is a supportive food that helps manage symptoms by aiding rehydration and providing easily digestible nutrients.

Homemade soup is often better because you can control the ingredients, keeping it low-sodium and free of heavy fats or additives that could irritate your stomach. If using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium, clear broth version.

You can often tolerate noodles, but it's best to start with the broth first. If your stomach can handle it, the simple carbohydrates in the noodles can provide much-needed energy.

Avoid any fatty or creamy additions, as these are harder to digest. Stick to a clear, broth-based soup with lean chicken and simple vegetables.

If the aroma of hot soup is off-putting, wait a bit or try eating cold, bland foods instead. Sucking on ice chips or sipping clear, cold fluids might be a better start.

Yes, a bland, low-sodium chicken noodle soup can be suitable for children recovering from a stomach virus. Ensure the pieces are small and soft, and monitor their tolerance carefully.