Is Chicken Noodle Soup Good to Eat If You Have an Upset Stomach?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, broth-based soups are generally recommended for an upset stomach due to their low-fat, high-water content. This makes a mild, homemade chicken noodle soup a potentially soothing and hydrating option when you're feeling unwell.

Quick Summary

Chicken noodle soup can be a beneficial food for an upset stomach, offering hydration and easy-to-digest nutrients. It is crucial to choose a low-fat, bland version, as certain ingredients can aggravate digestive issues. The broth helps replenish lost electrolytes, and ingredients like chicken provide gentle protein for recovery.

Key Points

Hydrates and Replenishes: The warm broth helps restore fluids and electrolytes lost from vomiting or diarrhea.
Easy on the Digestive System: Simple ingredients like broth, lean chicken, and soft noodles are easy for a sensitive stomach to process.
Reduces Inflammation: Homemade bone broth can contain amino acids like glutamine that help repair and soothe the gut lining.
Boosts Nutrients: Provides essential protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the body's recovery process.
Caution with Commercial Soups: Processed, canned versions may contain high sodium and additives that can aggravate an upset stomach.
Enhance with Soothing Spices: Adding fresh ginger or turmeric can provide additional anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Gradual Reintroduction: Start with sips of broth and slowly add solids like chicken and noodles as tolerance improves.

Why Chicken Noodle Soup Can Help When Your Stomach Hurts

Chicken noodle soup has long been a go-to remedy for various ailments, and for good reason. Its components can provide specific benefits for a troubled digestive system, especially if you opt for a homemade, simple version over highly processed canned options. The warmth and simplicity can offer both physical and psychological comfort when food is unappealing.

The Soothing Power of Broth

At the heart of the soup's benefits is the broth. When you have an upset stomach, you are often at risk of dehydration due to fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea. A warm, simple broth is an excellent way to rehydrate and replenish fluids gently. Furthermore, a high-quality bone broth base can contain beneficial compounds like glycine, glucosamine, and glutamine. These amino acids play a crucial role in repairing the gut lining and reducing inflammation, which is common during a stomach bug.

Easily Digestible Nutrients

When your digestive system is compromised, it struggles to process heavy, fatty, or spicy foods. The ingredients in a classic chicken noodle soup are designed to be easy on the stomach:

Lean Protein: Cooked, shredded chicken is a source of protein that is easy for the body to break down and absorb. This provides essential nutrients to support your immune system without straining your digestion.
Simple Carbohydrates: Plain, well-cooked egg noodles provide easily digestible carbohydrates, which can offer energy when your appetite is low. For a gluten-free option, rice is another gentle alternative.
Mild Vegetables: Soft-cooked carrots and celery add vitamins and minerals without being too fibrous. They are easily tolerated and provide added nutritional value.

Important Considerations: Homemade vs. Canned

While the concept is sound, the quality of your soup matters significantly when you have a sensitive stomach. Commercial canned soups often contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, and other additives that can worsen digestive upset. To maximize the healing properties and minimize risks, a homemade version is the superior choice.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Canned Chicken Noodle Soup for an Upset Stomach


Feature	Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup	Canned Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredient Control	Complete control over ingredients, allowing for low-fat, low-sodium versions.	Limited control; often contains preservatives and high sodium.
Nutrient Density	Higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, and gut-healing compounds, especially with bone broth.	Lower nutrient density and often includes artificial additives.
Ease of Digestion	Gentle on the stomach with simple, soft-cooked ingredients.	Can be harder on the digestive system due to additives and high salt content.
Fat Content	Easily made low-fat by using skinless chicken and skimming fat from the broth.	Often higher in unhealthy fats from processed ingredients.
Therapeutic Benefits	Provides hydration, electrolytes, protein, and compounds for gut repair.	Primarily offers hydration and comfort, with less emphasis on healing properties.

How to Make a Gut-Friendly Soup

To ensure your soup is as gentle as possible, consider adding extra soothing ingredients. Fresh ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea, while turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm the digestive tract. A simple recipe would involve simmering boneless, skinless chicken breast with carrots, celery, garlic, ginger, and a low-sodium broth base. Add egg noodles or rice during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Gradual Reintroduction

When your stomach is upset, it is best to start slowly. Initially, you might only tolerate small sips of the warm broth. As you start to feel better, you can gradually introduce the soft, cooked vegetables, and finally the chicken and noodles. This allows your digestive system to ease back into solid food without being overwhelmed.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Therapeutic Choice

For many, a simple, homemade chicken noodle soup is a wise choice for soothing an upset stomach. The combination of its hydrating broth, easy-to-digest components, and potential gut-healing compounds makes it a comforting and therapeutic meal. By prioritizing a low-fat, low-sodium, and additive-free version, you can harness its benefits and aid your recovery. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms. For further reading on gut-friendly foods, you can explore resources like the Baylor College of Medicine [https://www.bcm.edu/news/is-chicken-soup-really-good-for-the-soul].

Frequently Asked Questions

It is not recommended to eat canned chicken noodle soup with an upset stomach. Many commercially canned soups are high in sodium and may contain preservatives and artificial ingredients that can irritate a sensitive digestive system. A bland, homemade version is a better and safer choice.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the best option because it is lean and easily digestible. Avoid fatty or fried chicken, which can be difficult for your stomach to process when you are feeling unwell.

Yes, just the broth is extremely helpful, especially if you cannot tolerate solids. The broth helps rehydrate your body and replaces lost electrolytes. As you feel better, you can gradually add the other ingredients back in.

For extra soothing benefits, consider adding fresh ginger for nausea relief and turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. For a milder flavor, cooked carrots and celery are good choices. For a gluten-free option, consider adding rice instead of noodles.

You should avoid chicken noodle soup if you have severe vomiting, high fever, or your doctor has advised a different diet. Also, avoid it if the fat or high sodium content of a particular recipe seems to worsen your symptoms. Listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Yes, a bland, low-fat chicken noodle soup with a low-acidity broth can be a soothing option for individuals with acid reflux. However, it is essential to avoid spicy seasonings or high-fat content, which can trigger reflux.

While both are hydrating, chicken bone broth is often simmered for longer and contains higher levels of amino acids like glutamine, which are beneficial for repairing the gut lining. This can make bone broth an especially potent choice for soothing an upset stomach.