Does Chicken Broth Help Rehydrate You?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, for most adults dealing with diarrhea, drinking water with added electrolytes, juice, or broth is often recommended to replace lost fluids and salts [1, 5]. The reason is, yes, chicken broth does help rehydrate you, particularly because it contains water and essential electrolytes, making it a powerful tool for recovery from dehydration [1, 2, 3, 5].

Quick Summary

Chicken broth is an effective rehydration method because it provides fluid and essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium. It can be more beneficial than plain water in certain situations, such as illness, due to its nutrient content and ability to aid fluid absorption. Homemade broth, in particular, offers superior nutritional value.

Key Points

Electrolytes are Key: Chicken broth provides essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are critical for effective fluid absorption and maintaining proper fluid balance in the body [5, 8].
More than Just Water: Unlike plain water, broth offers a mix of fluid, minerals, and amino acids, making it a more complete rehydration solution, particularly during illness or after exercise [2, 5, 11].
Soothing for Illness: When sick, warm chicken broth can help soothe a sore throat, loosen mucus with its steam, and provide nutrients that support the immune system [9].
Homemade Benefits: Homemade or bone broth is typically more nutrient-dense and free of the excessive sodium and additives found in many commercial varieties [6].
Aids Digestion: As a clear liquid, broth is gentle on the digestive system, making it an ideal way to receive hydration and nutrition when recovering from gastrointestinal issues [2].
Post-Workout Recovery: For athletes, consuming broth after a workout can help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating, supporting a faster recovery [11].
Better Fluid Retention: The sodium in broth helps the body retain more of the liquid consumed, which is essential for combating dehydration [2, 5].

The Science Behind Broth and Rehydration

When the body becomes dehydrated, it loses more than just water. It also loses vital electrolytes—minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium—that are crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve and muscle function [5]. While plain water is essential, it primarily replaces lost fluid without restoring the necessary electrolytes [2, 5]. This is where chicken broth offers an advantage. Broth naturally contains a mix of water and electrolytes, making it a more comprehensive solution for rehydration, especially during illness or after intense exercise [8, 9].

The Electrolyte Advantage: Broth vs. Water

For effective hydration, the body needs to properly absorb the fluids consumed. Electrolytes play a key role in this process [2, 5]. Sodium, in particular, helps the body retain water, while potassium is essential for proper fluid balance and muscle contractions [5, 8]. Broth, especially traditional homemade bone broth, is rich in these minerals due to the long simmering process that extracts nutrients from the bones and cartilage [3, 5, 6]. This makes it a robust alternative or complement to plain water for replenishing fluid and electrolyte stores.

Chicken Broth as a Comforting Remedy

Chicken broth's benefits extend beyond just its electrolyte content. It has long been a go-to remedy for colds and flu, and for good reason [9]. The steam from a warm cup of broth can help loosen mucus and clear nasal passages, providing relief from congestion [3]. Its nutrient profile also supports the immune system, with ingredients like onions, garlic, and celery providing vitamins and antioxidants [9]. For individuals who are unwell and have a poor appetite, a simple, warm cup of broth can provide easy-to-digest nourishment without overwhelming the digestive system [2].

Why Homemade Broth is Superior

While store-bought options are convenient, homemade chicken broth offers a superior nutritional profile. By simmering chicken bones and vegetables, one can create a broth rich in minerals, amino acids, and even collagen [5, 6]. Many commercial broths and bouillon cubes contain high levels of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and excessive sodium, which can counteract some health benefits [6]. Making your own broth gives complete control over the ingredients and quality. For those looking for an especially nutrient-dense version, slow-simmered bone broth is often recommended [3, 5].

Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe

Ingredients: Chicken carcass or bones, 1-2 carrots, 1-2 celery stalks, 1 onion, garlic cloves, fresh herbs (parsley, thyme), peppercorns, water.
Instructions:
1. Place all ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Cover with water, leaving an inch of space at the top.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 hours (or longer for bone broth) [6].
4. Strain the broth, discarding the solids.
5. Store in the refrigerator or freeze for future use.

Comparison: Chicken Broth vs. Plain Water for Rehydration


Feature	Chicken Broth	Plain Water
Primary Function	Replaces both fluid and essential electrolytes [5].	Primarily replaces fluid [2, 5].
Electrolyte Content	Contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals [8].	Contains no electrolytes [2, 5].
Nutritional Value	Provides amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, especially homemade versions [2].	Provides no nutritional value other than hydration.
Digestive Comfort	Easy to digest, soothing for an upset stomach [2].	Can be bland; large quantities may be difficult to tolerate during nausea [5].
Calorie Content	Contains minimal calories; more in bone broth [2].	Calorie-free.
Best for	Dehydration from illness (vomiting, diarrhea), post-workout recovery, or during poor appetite [1, 5, 11].	General, everyday hydration needs [2, 5].

Other Hydrating Foods and Drinks

While chicken broth is a great option, it's part of a broader spectrum of hydrating foods and drinks. Coconut water, for instance, is another excellent source of electrolytes [5]. Certain fruits like watermelon and honeydew have very high water content, as do vegetables like lettuce and cucumbers [2, 5]. A varied diet rich in these water-dense foods can complement fluid intake [2].

Practical Applications

During Illness: For symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, sipping on warm chicken broth can help replenish fluids and lost electrolytes gently, often when more solid foods aren't an option [1, 5].
Post-Workout: After a strenuous workout, broth can be a great way to replace both the fluid and electrolytes lost through sweat, aiding in faster recovery [11].
Boosting Nutrients: Adding broth to other foods like rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes can boost hydration and add flavor and nutrients to a meal [11].

Conclusion

Yes, chicken broth helps rehydrate, and its efficacy goes beyond that of plain water due to its valuable electrolyte and nutrient content. It is a particularly useful rehydration tool during illness or following strenuous exercise when electrolytes have been depleted. While water remains the foundation of daily hydration, incorporating chicken broth can provide a more robust and comforting solution when the body needs more than just fluid. For the best results, consider a high-quality homemade or bone broth to maximize nutritional benefits without excessive additives.

For more in-depth information on electrolytes and fluid balance, consult reliable sources like the National Institutes of Health 5.

Stay Hydrated Effectively with Broth

Electrolyte replenishment: Chicken broth contains essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that are crucial for rehydration, especially when recovering from illness [8].
Superior to plain water: Due to its electrolyte content, broth aids the body's fluid absorption more effectively than water alone in cases of significant fluid loss [2, 5].
Soothes during sickness: The warmth and steam from chicken broth can help clear nasal passages and provide a comforting, easy-to-digest source of nourishment when feeling unwell [9].
Homemade is best: DIY broth, especially bone broth, maximizes nutritional benefits by extracting collagen, amino acids, and minerals without the additives found in many store-bought options [5, 6].
Versatile and nutritious: Use broth as a rehydrating beverage, a soup base, or to cook grains and vegetables for added flavor and nutrients [11].

Frequently Asked Questions

For basic, everyday hydration, water is sufficient. However, for rehydration caused by illness (like vomiting or diarrhea) or strenuous exercise, chicken broth can be better because it contains both water and crucial electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which aid in better fluid absorption and replacement [2, 5].

Chicken bone broth is typically simmered for a much longer period than regular chicken broth, which extracts higher levels of minerals and other nutrients, like collagen and amino acids, from the bones. This can make bone broth a more potent source of electrolytes for hydration [3, 5, 6].

The speed of rehydration depends on the individual's level of dehydration. However, because chicken broth contains electrolytes, it facilitates quicker and more efficient fluid absorption by the body compared to plain water, helping to restore balance faster [2].

Yes, drinking chicken broth daily is generally safe and can contribute positively to hydration and nutrient intake. For consistent use, consider a homemade, low-sodium version to control salt intake [6].

Store-bought chicken broth can work for rehydration, but it is important to check the ingredients. Some commercial brands contain high levels of sodium and artificial additives. Opt for low-sodium or natural options for the best health benefits [6].

The temperature of the broth does not significantly impact its rehydration properties. However, warm broth can provide additional comfort and may help with respiratory symptoms like congestion, while cold broth can be soothing when overheated [5, 9].

Chicken broth can be an effective way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes lost during exercise, especially in cases of long-duration endurance activities. Its natural electrolyte content can help restore fluid balance post-workout [11].