Does chicken broth promote healing? Exploring the science behind the comfort food

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

For centuries, warm chicken soup has been a go-to remedy for colds and illness, a tradition now supported by modern research into its therapeutic properties. The question of does chicken broth promote healing goes beyond simple comfort, with scientific evidence suggesting it provides significant nutritional and immunological support.

Quick Summary

This article explores the scientific basis behind chicken broth's ability to aid recovery. It details how the broth's key nutrients support the immune system, maintain hydration, reduce inflammation, and enhance gut health for overall healing.

Key Points

Immune Boost: Compounds like carnosine and anserine in chicken broth have been shown to help regulate immune response and improve white blood cell function.
Hydration Support: Rich in fluids and electrolytes, chicken broth is more effective than water at rehydrating the body, especially during illness or fever.
Inflammation Reduction: The anti-inflammatory properties of certain amino acids in broth can help soothe respiratory and digestive tract irritation.
Gut Healing: The gelatin and amino acids derived from bones can help repair and strengthen the intestinal lining, aiding overall gut health.
Better with Bone Broth: For the highest concentration of healing nutrients like collagen and minerals, bone broth made from simmering bones for extended periods is the superior choice.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade broth provides more nutrient density and less sodium than most commercial options, maximizing the healing benefits.

The Science Behind Chicken Broth's Healing Properties

For generations, the comforting ritual of a warm bowl of chicken soup has been associated with fighting off illness. While traditionally viewed as folklore, a growing body of scientific evidence is revealing the mechanisms through which chicken broth, and its more concentrated cousin, bone broth, can genuinely support the body's healing processes. From providing crucial hydration and electrolytes to delivering key amino acids and anti-inflammatory compounds, the seemingly simple liquid is a complex nutritional powerhouse.

Immune System Modulation

Research indicates that components within chicken broth possess immunomodulatory effects, meaning they can help regulate the body's immune response. Specifically, histidine dipeptides like carnosine and anserine, which are released from chicken muscle during cooking, have shown promise in laboratory studies involving immunosuppressed mice. These peptides were found to boost immunity by:

Stimulating the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes.
Improving white blood cell counts.
Increasing the production of beneficial cytokines like IL-2 and IFN-γ.
Inhibiting the overproduction of immunosuppressive cytokines like IL-10. By supporting cellular immune responses, chicken broth can help the body's defense system operate more effectively during periods of illness. Furthermore, a study published in CHEST Journal found that chicken soup can inhibit the migration of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, which can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory infections.

The Importance of Hydration and Electrolytes

When the body fights infection, fever, sweating, and reduced appetite can lead to dehydration. Chicken broth is an excellent source of fluids and natural electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper cellular function. Unlike plain water, the presence of these minerals in broth aids the body's ability to absorb and retain fluids, making it more effective for rehydration, particularly during or after an illness. This is a key reason why a clear liquid diet, often including chicken broth, is recommended for those recovering from sickness.

Gut Health and Digestive Support

Healing often starts in the gut, and chicken broth plays a supportive role in digestive health. Broth, especially bone broth simmered for longer periods, contains gelatin and amino acids like glycine and glutamine.

Gelatin: Formed from the breakdown of collagen, gelatin can help repair and strengthen the intestinal lining, making it beneficial for conditions like leaky gut syndrome.
Glycine: This amino acid aids in the production of stomach acid, which is crucial for proper digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive tract.
Glutamine: Acting as a fuel source for intestinal cells, glutamine supports the healing of damaged gut lining.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation can hinder the healing process, and the compounds in chicken broth offer a soothing effect. Glycine and other amino acids possess anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritation throughout the body, including the digestive tract and respiratory system. Reducing inflammation can lessen discomfort and support a healthier environment for recovery.

Homemade vs. Commercial Broth

For maximum healing benefits, homemade broth is generally considered superior to commercial versions. The simmering process for homemade broth, especially bone broth, extracts more nutrients and beneficial compounds. However, if using store-bought products, it's advisable to choose low-sodium options to control intake.


Feature	Homemade Chicken Broth	Commercial Chicken Broth	Homemade Bone Broth
Preparation Time	Short (1-2 hours)	Instant	Long (12-48+ hours)
Nutrient Density	Moderate, contains vitamins and minerals from meat and vegetables	Lower due to processing, may have high sodium	High, rich in collagen, gelatin, and minerals
Collagen/Gelatin	Low to moderate	Very low	High, creates a gel-like texture when cold
Flavor	Lighter, savory	Varies, can be artificial	Rich, deep
Best for	Quick nourishment, lighter soups, mild flavor base	Convenience	Maximum healing benefits, joint support, gut health

Conclusion: More Than a Myth

While chicken broth isn't a magic cure, the claim that it helps promote healing is far from a myth. Through its rich content of hydrating fluids, electrolytes, immune-modulating amino acids, and anti-inflammatory compounds, chicken broth provides the body with the necessary building blocks and support systems to aid recovery from illness. Its ability to enhance immune function, support gut health, and combat dehydration makes it a valuable addition to a healing diet. Whether homemade or carefully selected from a store, the nourishment offered by a warm bowl of chicken broth provides both physical and psychological comfort on the road to recovery.

To learn more about the specific immunomodulatory effects of chicken broth hydrolysates, you can review this research paper: Immunomodulatory Effects of Chicken Broth and Histidine Dipeptides on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The steam from hot chicken broth acts as a natural decongestant, while the fluid helps thin mucus and prevent dehydration. The nutrients also support the immune system.

Bone broth is generally considered better for healing due to its longer simmering time, which extracts a higher concentration of beneficial nutrients like collagen, gelatin, and minerals from the bones.

Key nutrients include electrolytes (sodium, potassium), amino acids (carnosine, glycine, glutamine), and for bone broth, collagen and gelatin. These support hydration, immune function, and gut health.

Yes, chicken broth contains compounds like carnosine and glycine that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. This can help ease symptoms like nasal congestion and general body aches.

Chicken broth, particularly bone broth with its high gelatin content, is believed to help repair and strengthen the intestinal lining, which may be beneficial for individuals with leaky gut syndrome.

Making your own broth ensures higher nutrient density and lower sodium compared to many store-bought options. This gives you greater control over the ingredients and maximizes potential healing properties.

Yes, even commercial chicken broth provides hydration and nutrients. It's an easily digestible, comforting food. Opt for low-sodium varieties to avoid excess salt.