Is Chicken Noodle Soup Good for Diarrhea and Vomiting?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, broth-based soups are a first-choice food when experiencing diarrhea and transitioning back to eating solids. But is chicken noodle soup good for diarrhea and vomiting in particular, and how can it best be used to support recovery?

Quick Summary

Chicken noodle soup can be beneficial for diarrhea and vomiting due to its hydrating, electrolyte-rich broth and easy-to-digest components. It aids in replenishing fluids lost from illness and provides gentle nourishment when consumed correctly.

Key Points

Hydration and Electrolytes: The broth in chicken noodle soup is excellent for replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes, which is crucial during diarrhea and vomiting.
Start Slowly: After vomiting has stopped, begin with small sips of clear liquids like broth before introducing more solid components of the soup.
Keep it Bland: A low-fat, mildly seasoned, and simple version of chicken noodle soup is best for a sensitive stomach. Avoid creamy or spicy varieties.
Lean Protein and Carbs: Tender, skinless chicken and simple noodles or rice provide easy-to-digest protein and carbohydrates to help with energy levels.
Follow a Phased Approach: Use broth-based soup as an initial step back to solid foods, following a period of clear liquids and eventually progressing to a more balanced diet.
Avoid Aggravating Foods: Steer clear of fatty, fried, spicy foods, and most dairy products while recovering, as these can worsen symptoms.

The Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup for an Upset Stomach

When recovering from gastroenteritis or a stomach bug, the body has a delicate digestive system that requires careful treatment. Chicken noodle soup, especially a simple, homemade version, can be a valuable part of this process. The primary reason is the broth. The fluid content helps prevent dehydration, which is a major concern with frequent vomiting and diarrhea. The broth also contains sodium and other electrolytes, which are essential minerals lost during sickness that need to be replenished for proper bodily function.

The noodles in the soup offer low-fiber, simple carbohydrates that are easy to digest. They can provide a gentle source of energy without stressing the gut. Furthermore, if lean, skinless chicken is included, it provides much-needed protein to aid recovery without introducing hard-to-digest fats. The warmth of the soup can also be soothing to the stomach and throat.

Reintroducing Food After Vomiting

After a bout of vomiting, it is crucial to give your stomach time to rest before reintroducing any food. A phased approach is recommended to avoid further irritation and allow your digestive system to recover smoothly.

Wait a few hours: After the last episode of vomiting, avoid all food and drink for a period, typically 1-2 hours.
Start with clear liquids: Begin by sipping small amounts of clear fluids like water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions. This helps to rehydrate slowly without overwhelming the stomach.
Introduce broth-based soup: Once clear liquids are tolerated, a mild, broth-based chicken noodle soup can be introduced. It is best to start with small portions and avoid greasy or heavily seasoned versions.
Gradually add other foods: Over the next couple of days, as symptoms improve, you can begin adding other bland, low-fat foods to your diet, eventually returning to your normal eating habits.

Comparison: Chicken Noodle Soup vs. BRAT Diet

When dealing with diarrhea and vomiting, two common dietary recommendations are clear soups like chicken noodle and the BRAT diet. Here is a comparison to help you decide which approach is right for you:


Feature	Chicken Noodle Soup (Broth-Based)	BRAT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
Primary Benefit	Hydration and electrolyte replacement.	Ease of digestion and firming of stools.
Nutritional Profile	Offers hydration, electrolytes (sodium), carbohydrates (noodles), and protein (lean chicken).	Contains low-fiber, bland starches. Lacks sufficient protein, fat, fiber, and vitamins for long-term use.
Best Used For	Initial rehydration and gentle reintroduction of nutrients after both vomiting and diarrhea.	Helping to bind loose stools after diarrhea has eased.
When to Transition	Start after a period of clear liquids is tolerated.	Use for a short period (1-2 days) and then progress to a more balanced diet.

How to Prepare a Diarrhea-Friendly Soup

To ensure your chicken noodle soup is as gentle as possible on your stomach, follow these preparation tips:

Use a low-sodium, clear broth as the base. Store-bought or homemade is fine, but avoid fatty, creamy versions.
Opt for lean, skinless white meat chicken. It is easier to digest than fattier cuts or red meat. Boil or bake the chicken rather than frying.
Cook simple carbohydrates like white rice or noodles separately and add them to the soup. This prevents them from absorbing too much liquid and keeps the soup texture light.
Keep seasonings mild. Avoid spicy ingredients, excessive black pepper, or strong herbs that could irritate the digestive tract.
Cook vegetables until very soft. Carrots and celery are good choices, but avoid high-fiber or gas-producing vegetables like broccoli or cabbage.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

To aid recovery and avoid worsening symptoms, it is essential to steer clear of certain foods and beverages:

High-fat and fried foods: Greasy foods are difficult to digest and can aggravate diarrhea.
Dairy products: Many people develop temporary lactose intolerance during a stomach illness. Yogurt and kefir may be exceptions as they contain probiotics that can aid gut flora.
Spicy foods: These can irritate the digestive system and cause stomach upset.
Caffeine and alcohol: Both can be dehydrating and stimulate the digestive system.
High-sugar foods and drinks: Candy, soda, and sweet fruit juices can worsen diarrhea.
Raw vegetables and high-fiber foods: These can be hard to digest and overstimulate the bowels.

The Recovery Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating your diet after diarrhea and vomiting can help you get back on your feet faster. Following a simple, progressive plan is often the most effective strategy:

Step 1: Hydration First (Immediate hours after symptoms)

Suck on ice chips or popsicles.
Take small, frequent sips of water or a clear electrolyte beverage.

Step 2: Gentle Solids (After 6-24 hours)

Introduce clear broths, like a mild chicken broth.
Gradually add bland, starchy foods such as saltine crackers or plain white toast.

Step 3: Expanded Bland Diet (Day 2)

If symptoms have not returned, add more elements from a bland diet.
List of recommended foods:
- Bananas and applesauce
- Plain white rice
- Plain boiled potatoes
- Well-cooked vegetables like carrots or green beans
- Small portions of lean, boiled chicken or scrambled eggs.

Step 4: Reintroduce Normal Diet (Day 3 onwards)

Slowly add back regular foods, monitoring for any returning symptoms.
Avoid the foods listed in the 'Foods and Drinks to Avoid' section for a few more days.

Conclusion

Chicken noodle soup, specifically a bland, broth-based version, is a beneficial and comforting food choice when recovering from diarrhea and vomiting. Its primary advantage lies in its ability to provide gentle rehydration and replenish electrolytes lost during illness. While more nutritionally complete than the restrictive BRAT diet, it should be introduced gradually after clear liquids are tolerated. By following a staged approach to reintroducing foods and avoiding aggravating items, you can use chicken noodle soup as an effective tool to aid your digestive recovery. For further medical guidance, consult with a healthcare professional regarding your specific condition and dietary needs.

For more information on stomach bug recovery, see this guide from the Mayo Clinic Health System: Best foods to eat for a stomach bug.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should wait until you can tolerate clear liquids for several hours without vomiting. Start with just the clear broth first, and then gradually add small amounts of noodles and lean chicken as you feel better.

Either is fine, but read the label on canned soups to choose a low-fat, low-sodium variety. A simple homemade soup allows for better control over ingredients and seasonings, ensuring it's as bland and gentle as possible.

The broth is high in water content and sodium, an important electrolyte. It helps your body absorb more water and replenishes the fluids and minerals lost during diarrhea and vomiting, which helps prevent dehydration.

No, you should avoid creamy soups. The high fat and dairy content can be difficult to digest and may irritate your stomach or worsen diarrhea.

Chicken noodle soup provides better hydration and a more balanced nutritional profile with protein than the BRAT diet, which is low in essential nutrients. However, the binding effect of BRAT foods (rice, toast) can be helpful once you have tolerated liquids and are focusing on firming stools.

If you are unable to keep even small sips of water or broth down, try sucking on ice chips or popsicles for hydration. If vomiting persists for more than 48 hours or you show signs of severe dehydration, seek medical attention.

Yes, avoid spicy ingredients, excessive herbs, high-fat additions like butter or cream, and gas-producing vegetables like broccoli. Stick to a simple, bland recipe with lean chicken, mild broth, and plain noodles.