Is Soup Good for Fever and Sore Throat? Experts Explain Why It Helps

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

For centuries, chicken soup has been a staple home remedy for illness, with written records of its use dating back to the 12th century. So, is soup good for fever and sore throat? Yes, medical experts agree that warm soup provides significant comfort and benefits when you're under the weather.

Quick Summary

Warm soup is beneficial for managing fever and sore throat symptoms by aiding hydration, providing soothing warmth, and delivering essential nutrients to support recovery.

Key Points

Hydration is Key: Warm broth replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost through fever, a critical step for recovery.
Soothing Warmth: The warmth of soup and its steam can effectively soothe a sore throat and clear congested nasal passages.
Immune-Boosting Nutrients: Ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and spices provide protein, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory compounds to fuel your body's immune response.
Easy on the Stomach: As an easily digestible meal, soup provides essential energy and nourishment without placing stress on a weakened digestive system.
Choose Ingredients Wisely: Opt for nutrient-rich vegetables, lean protein, and anti-inflammatory spices while avoiding harsh, acidic, or sugary additives that can worsen symptoms.
Science-Backed Comfort: The tradition of eating soup when sick is supported by scientific evidence, making it a medically sound choice for illness management.

The Science Behind Soup's Healing Comfort

When you're sick, your body works hard to fight off infection, which increases its metabolic rate and fluid loss, particularly during a fever. A bowl of soup addresses several key needs simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for speeding up your recovery and providing relief.

Crucial Hydration and Electrolytes

One of the most vital benefits of soup is hydration. Fever and sweating can lead to rapid fluid loss and dehydration, which can make you feel worse and hinder recovery. Broth-based soups are an easy and palatable way to replenish fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, that your body needs to function optimally. Unlike plain water, the flavor and warmth of soup can make it more appealing when you have a reduced appetite.

Soothing for a Sore Throat

Warm, not hot, liquids provide immediate relief for a sore throat by coating the irritated tissues and temporarily reducing pain. The steam from a hot bowl of soup can also help open up congested nasal and throat passages, making it easier to breathe. Salt in the broth can also help draw fluid from inflamed throat tissues, further alleviating pain.

Immune-Supporting Nutrients

During an illness, your immune system requires more energy and nutrients to function effectively. Soup, especially homemade varieties packed with vegetables and lean protein, is a treasure trove of immune-boosting ingredients.

Protein: From sources like chicken or legumes, protein provides amino acids essential for repairing tissues and supporting immune cell production.
Vitamins and Antioxidants: Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions supply vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that fight inflammation and support immune function.
Zinc: Often found in chicken and other soup ingredients, this mineral is crucial for immune cell activity.

Ease of Digestion

When you're feeling unwell, your appetite is often low, and your digestive system may be sluggish. Soup is gentle on the stomach and provides nourishment in an easily digestible liquid form. This ensures your body gets the energy it needs to recover without having to expend extra effort on heavy, complex meals.

Types of Soups and Their Specific Benefits


Soup Type	Key Ingredients	Primary Benefits	Notes
Chicken Noodle	Chicken, broth, noodles, carrots, celery, onion	Protein, zinc, hydrating broth, easy to digest, soothes sore throat	Traditional comfort food, contains the amino acid cysteine to thin mucus
Miso Soup	Miso paste, mushrooms, tofu, seaweed	Probiotics (from miso) support gut health, beta-glucans (from mushrooms) boost immunity	A lighter, savory option with unique gut-healing properties
Ginger-Turmeric Soup	Ginger, turmeric, garlic, vegetable broth	Anti-inflammatory properties (ginger, turmeric), antimicrobial (garlic), decongestant	A potent, spicy option for fighting inflammation and congestion
Clear Broth	Vegetable or bone broth, herbs	Superior hydration and electrolytes, extremely gentle on the stomach	Excellent for severe nausea or loss of appetite where solid food is intolerable

Making Your Own Healing Soup

Creating a custom healing soup is simple and allows you to pack in the most beneficial ingredients. Starting with a quality broth is key, whether it's store-bought or homemade bone broth.

Step 1: Sauté aromatic vegetables like chopped onion and minced garlic in a pot. These contain compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Step 2: Add your preferred broth (chicken or vegetable) and simmer. This provides the hydrating, soothing base.
Step 3: Introduce immune-boosting herbs and spices. Grated ginger, turmeric, and black pepper add flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Step 4: Add nutrient-rich vegetables. Soft-cooked carrots, spinach, and celery are easy to digest.
Step 5: Include a source of lean protein like shredded chicken or lentils to help your body repair itself.

What to Avoid with Fever and Sore Throat

While some foods help, others can worsen symptoms. It is wise to avoid certain items to prevent further irritation or inflammation.

Hard, Crunchy Foods: Crackers, chips, and crusty bread can scratch or irritate a tender throat.
Spicy Foods: While some spices like ginger are beneficial, intensely spicy foods with capsaicin can worsen gastrointestinal discomfort and potentially irritate the throat further.
Acidic Foods and Drinks: Citrus fruits and tomatoes or their juices are high in acid and can sting a raw throat.
High-Sugar Foods: Excess sugar can increase inflammation and may suppress immune system activity.
Caffeinated Drinks and Alcohol: These act as diuretics and can contribute to dehydration.

Conclusion

Far from being just an old wives' tale, the practice of consuming soup for fever and sore throat is supported by sound nutritional and physiological principles. Its combination of hydration, electrolytes, soothing warmth, and easily digestible nutrients provides significant symptomatic relief and essential fuel for your body's immune system to mount an effective defense. By choosing the right ingredients and avoiding irritants, a simple bowl of soup can be a powerful tool for comfort and recovery during an illness.

For more detailed information on supporting your immune system during a cold or flu, you can consult reliable sources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Broth-based soups are generally best for a sore throat, as the warm liquid is soothing and hydrating. Options like plain chicken broth, vegetable soup, or miso soup are gentle and effective. Avoid soups that are very acidic or have large, hard chunks that could irritate your throat further.

While chicken soup won't cure a viral infection, its components do offer therapeutic benefits. The steam helps relieve congestion, and the broth provides hydration and electrolytes. Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which is similar to a medication used for respiratory infections and can help thin mucus.

It is best to consume soup warm, not boiling hot. The soothing warmth helps relieve pain and congestion, while extreme heat could further irritate sensitive throat tissue. If the soreness is very intense, cold options like popsicles can also provide temporary numbing relief.

If you have a reduced appetite, prioritizing hydration is most important. Start with sipping on clear broths, which provide fluid and electrolytes in a very gentle form. You can gradually introduce more substantial soups or other soft foods as your appetite returns.

Yes, incorporating spices like ginger and garlic can be beneficial. Both have anti-inflammatory and potential antiviral properties. However, avoid adding excessively spicy ingredients like chili peppers, which can cause gastrointestinal upset or irritate your throat.

While convenient, many canned soups contain high levels of sodium and can lack the fresh nutrients found in homemade versions. It's best to opt for low-sodium varieties or make your own to control the ingredients. Processed additives in canned soups can also be less beneficial for recovery.

The belief that dairy increases mucus is a common myth. For most people, it has no effect on congestion. However, if you are lactose intolerant or feel it worsens your symptoms, you can use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk in your soup recipes.