Does chicken noodle soup broth hydrate you?

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to health experts, broth-based soups are a reliable way to boost fluid intake and stay hydrated, especially when feeling under the weather. Yes, chicken noodle soup broth hydrates you effectively by providing both fluid and essential electrolytes that your body needs.

Quick Summary

Chicken noodle soup broth effectively contributes to hydration by delivering fluids and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Its composition makes it more beneficial than plain water for replenishing fluid and mineral losses during illness, fever, or excessive sweating.

Key Points

Effective Hydration: Chicken noodle soup broth effectively rehydrates the body by supplying both fluids and essential electrolytes.
Electrolyte Replenishment: The broth contains key electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance and are often lost during illness.
Comparison to Water: While plain water is hydrating, the added electrolytes in broth can make it more effective for rehydration in specific situations, such as recovering from sickness.
Sodium Content Matters: Pay attention to the sodium content in store-bought broths, which can be excessive. Homemade or low-sodium options are healthier choices, especially for those with blood pressure issues.
Beyond Hydration: In addition to rehydration, the warmth and steam from the broth can help soothe sore throats and clear nasal congestion.
Nutrient-Rich: The combination of chicken and vegetables in the soup provides a range of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that support the immune system and aid recovery.

The Science of Hydration in Broth

For generations, chicken noodle soup has been a go-to remedy for colds and flu. While a large part of its power is psychological comfort, the hydrating benefits of the broth are very real and backed by science. The primary reason for its effectiveness lies in its unique composition, which is more complex than plain water.

The broth, especially if homemade from bone broth, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Crucially, it contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. When you are sick, running a fever, or sweating, your body loses these vital electrolytes along with water. Replenishing both fluids and these key minerals is essential to prevent a drained, sluggish feeling that comes with dehydration.

The Role of Electrolytes

Electrolytes play a critical role in maintaining the body's fluid balance at a cellular level. Sodium, for instance, helps regulate how much water is inside and outside your cells. Without the right balance of electrolytes, your body cannot properly absorb and utilize the water you consume, which means drinking plain water alone isn't always the most efficient method for rehydration in certain scenarios. The small amount of salt in chicken broth, in combination with its water content, helps your body retain fluid more effectively, aiding in recovery. Healthline's explanation of electrolytes provides further insight into their functions and sources.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Sodium Considerations

While the hydrating properties are evident, it is important to be mindful of the source of your chicken noodle soup broth. Commercial, store-bought varieties can be notoriously high in sodium, sometimes containing almost twice the amount of other brands. For most people, consuming a salty meal won't cause dehydration, but for those with health conditions like high blood pressure, kidney disease, or congestive heart failure, excessive sodium intake is a significant risk. High sodium can lead to fluid retention, putting a strain on the body.

For this reason, experts often recommend homemade chicken noodle soup, as it allows you to control the ingredients and, most importantly, the sodium content. Low-sodium store-bought options are a great alternative if you are unable to make your own. Adding flavor with fresh herbs and spices is a healthier way to season your soup without relying on excessive salt.

Beyond Hydration: Additional Benefits of the Broth

Chicken noodle soup offers several other benefits beyond simply rehydrating the body:

Relieves Congestion: The hot steam rising from a warm bowl of soup can help open nasal passages and thin out mucus, providing temporary relief from congestion.
Soothes a Sore Throat: The warm, clear liquid is soothing to an irritated throat, making swallowing easier and more comfortable when you are sick.
Provides Nutrients: The broth, especially homemade bone broth, is rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that support gut health and joint function.
Gentle on the Stomach: As a light, easy-to-digest meal, it provides essential calories and nourishment when your appetite is low.

Broth vs. Plain Water: The Hydration Comparison


Feature	Chicken Noodle Soup Broth	Plain Water
Primary Hydration Source	Water and electrolytes	Water
Nutrient Content	Contains sodium, potassium, and other minerals (varies)	Generally contains no electrolytes
Effective Rehydration	Highly effective, especially when sick or after sweating	Effective for basic hydration, less so for electrolyte replacement
Palatability	Satisfying and flavorful, appealing to a low appetite	May be less palatable when sick
Additional Benefits	Soothes sore throat, clears congestion via steam	None beyond basic hydration
Sodium Level Concern	Can be high in store-bought versions	No sodium concern

Conclusion

In conclusion, the claim that chicken noodle soup broth hydrates you is not a myth but a fact rooted in its nutritional makeup. Its combination of water, electrolytes, and other nutrients makes it a superior choice for rehydration compared to plain water, particularly during periods of illness or recovery. It helps replenish fluids and minerals lost through sweating and fever, and its warmth provides additional symptomatic relief. However, to maximize the health benefits and control sodium intake, especially if you have health concerns, opting for a low-sodium store-bought brand or making a homemade version is the best approach. Ultimately, chicken noodle soup broth remains a comforting and scientifically sound choice for staying hydrated and feeling better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in certain situations, like during illness or after heavy sweating, chicken noodle soup broth can be more hydrating than plain water. The broth's electrolytes help the body absorb and retain fluids more effectively than water alone.

No, consuming moderate amounts of sodium in a water-based solution like broth does not cause dehydration. Sodium is a vital electrolyte that helps the body regulate fluid balance. However, excessive sodium intake from heavily processed soups can be a concern for people with certain health conditions.

Chicken noodle soup broth typically contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are extracted from the chicken and vegetables during the cooking process.

Both homemade and store-bought broths can hydrate you. However, homemade broth often has lower, more controlled sodium levels and potentially higher nutrient density if made with bones. Store-bought options can be high in sodium, so choosing a low-sodium version is recommended.

Yes, the hot steam from the soup can provide a mild anti-inflammatory effect and help loosen and thin mucus in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.

Chicken noodle soup is an excellent choice for hydration due to its balanced combination of fluid and electrolytes. Other broth-based soups like vegetable or bone broth are also highly hydrating, especially when made with a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients.

Chicken noodle soup broth is most beneficial for hydration when you are ill with a fever, cold, or flu, as it helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes while also soothing symptoms. It can also be beneficial after moderate physical activity or anytime you need a hydrating and nourishing meal.