Will Soup help a sore throat?

Myth or Fact?

Fact! A healthy chicken noodle soup can offer you more than comfort when under the weather. There are two main reasons for this: the heat works to soothe an irritated throat, and the broth helps to hydrate, which is especially important during illness (think of all the times you've been told to drink lots of water or tea when sick). 

Not all soup is created equal.
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When choosing your soup, you want to avoid a few key things:

1. Canned soups. These soups are full of salt, and too much sodium is dehydrating. 
2. Anything spicy. We love spice, but it can irritate an already sore throat. Stick to something mild-tasting for now, and save the spice for when you're on the other side of your sickness. 
3. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are tasty but also acidic, which, unfortunately, can irritate the throat. 

Super soup!

A hearty, homemade chicken noodle soup is your best bet for a sore throat. With a healthy, nutrient-rich broth as the base, cooked vegetables, and soft noodles to keep you full without irritating your throat, it will comfort you while helping you heal. 
For an even healthier option, look for soups that contain onions, garlic, ginger, and turmeric, which have lots of anti-inflammatory benefits, or even add your own mix to a more basic bone broth. 
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Not in the mood for soup?
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If you're battling an illness but want something other than soup, popsicles are another great option since the cold works to numb the throat while also providing some extra hydration. Another hydrating option would be a caffeine-free tea, made even better with a bit of honey, which helps to coat the mucous membrane on the back of the throat (plus it tastes delicious).

If you're looking for some nutrient-rich soups to help bring you back to health, be sure to stop by the shop and check out what we've got cooking!