Why do people eat noodles when sick? Unpacking the science and comfort

October 1, 2025 •

5 min read

For over 2,000 years, traditional Chinese medical texts have declared chicken soup to be warming and therapeutic, creating a long-standing cultural association with health and healing. This tradition offers a starting point to understand why people eat noodles when sick, tying it to a long history of seeking comfort and nourishment during illness.

Quick Summary

Noodles provide easy-to-digest carbohydrates for energy, while the surrounding broth offers crucial hydration and electrolytes during illness. The warmth and steam help soothe sore throats and clear congestion, offering both physical relief and psychological comfort. The ingredients in a typical noodle soup, like chicken and vegetables, also supply nutrients that support the immune system.

Key Points

Hydration: Noodle soup broth is an excellent source of fluids and electrolytes, helping prevent dehydration caused by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Easy Energy: The carbohydrates in noodles provide quick, easily digestible energy when you're fatigued and have a low appetite.
Symptom Relief: The warmth and steam from hot soup can soothe a sore throat and help clear nasal and sinus congestion.
Immune Support: A balanced noodle soup with chicken and vegetables supplies protein, vitamins (A and C), and antioxidants that aid the immune system.
Psychological Comfort: As a classic comfort food, noodle soup provides a powerful psychological boost, reducing stress and helping you feel cared for and at ease.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some research suggests that chicken soup may have mild anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease cold symptoms.

The core reasons: Hydration, nutrition, and ease

When illness strikes, your body is in a state of stress, and your energy demands increase as your immune system fights off pathogens. At the same time, symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can cause dehydration, and a lack of appetite can make eating difficult. Noodle soup is a powerful remedy because it addresses all these issues simultaneously.

Hydration and electrolytes

Staying hydrated is one of the most critical aspects of recovery. The broth in noodle soup provides essential fluids and replenishes lost electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which is particularly vital if you have a fever or are sweating excessively. Unlike plain water, the flavor of soup can be more appealing when your appetite is low, making it easier to consume the necessary fluids.

Easy-to-digest energy

Noodles are primarily a source of carbohydrates, which your body can quickly and easily convert into energy. When you are fatigued and have little energy to spare, a meal that is simple to digest is ideal. The simple carbohydrates from white pasta or egg noodles are gentle on a sensitive stomach and provide the fuel your body needs to power its recovery efforts.

Immune-supporting nutrients

Many noodle soups, especially classics like chicken noodle, are packed with ingredients that provide important nutrients for the immune system.

Protein from chicken: Your immune system relies on protein to function effectively. Chicken is also a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that can help your body produce serotonin, enhancing your mood and providing a sense of comfort.
Antioxidants from vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions, common additions to soup, are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as other antioxidants that help build a strong immune system.

The psychological and soothing effects

Beyond the physical benefits, eating noodle soup when sick taps into powerful psychological and comfort-related effects that contribute to feeling better.

The comfort food phenomenon

For many, a bowl of noodle soup is a powerful comfort food, evoking memories of being cared for during childhood illnesses. This psychological boost can ease stress and help you feel more relaxed, which is conducive to healing. The placebo effect, where believing something will help can actually produce a beneficial outcome, also plays a role in how a cherished bowl of soup can make you feel.

Warmth and steam for symptom relief

The warmth of the broth soothes a sore throat, providing temporary relief from discomfort. The steam rising from the hot bowl can help loosen mucus and clear stuffy nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. This is a simple but effective way to manage some of the most irritating cold and flu symptoms.

A look at the science: Is it just a myth?

Scientific research has also shed light on the genuine therapeutic properties of noodle soup. A landmark study from the University of Nebraska Medical Center found that chicken soup could have a mild anti-inflammatory effect. By inhibiting the migration of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), the soup may help alleviate the inflammatory response associated with a cold. Other studies have shown that different chicken soup preparations can have immune-modulating effects, stimulating immune response indicators.

Furthermore, the combination of ingredients works synergistically. For example, some researchers have noted that certain ingredients, like garlic and ginger, can add antibacterial and antiviral properties to the soup, further aiding the body's fight against infection.

What kind of noodles should you eat when sick?

Choosing the right type of noodles and preparation can make a difference, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. While the classic chicken noodle soup is a great option, you can customize it based on your symptoms.

Here is a comparison of different noodle soup types for when you are sick:


Feature	Plain Noodle Soup	Spicy Ramen	Hefty Beef Noodle Soup
Best For	Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea	Congestion, clearing stuffy sinuses	Lack of appetite (later stage), robust nutritional need
Noodles	White pasta, egg noodles; low fiber, easy to digest	Ramen noodles	Heartier, thicker noodles
Broth	Simple, clear broth (chicken or vegetable)	Broth with added cayenne or ginger	Rich, flavorful bone broth
Ingredients to Add	Cooked chicken, soft carrots, celery	Garlic, ginger, chili peppers	Lean beef, leafy greens
Ingredients to Avoid	Heavy sauces, excess butter, dairy	If experiencing stomach upset, avoid excessively spicy ingredients	High fat, hard-to-digest proteins or vegetables

Practical tips for making or choosing soup

For homemade soup: Starting with a low-sodium broth is a good idea, as you can control the salt content, which is important for individuals with certain medical conditions. As you add your own fresh vegetables, herbs, and lean protein, you increase the nutritional value significantly.
For store-bought soup: Opt for lower-sodium options and check the ingredient list for hidden sugars or high amounts of preservatives. Adding your own fresh ingredients can still enhance its benefits.
Beyond chicken: While the classic is well-loved, a simple vegetable soup with noodles or a bowl of miso soup can also provide hydration and nutrients.

The importance of overall recovery

While noodle soup is a fantastic tool for managing illness, it is not a cure-all. It's most effective as part of a holistic recovery plan that includes:

Rest: Giving your body plenty of sleep is crucial for a strong immune system.
Overall hydration: In addition to soup, continue to sip water, herbal tea, or coconut water throughout the day to ensure you are adequately hydrated.
Listen to your body: When you have no appetite, it’s better to eat small, frequent, and bland meals, like plain noodles or toast, rather than forcing a large meal.

Conclusion

Ultimately, eating noodles when sick is far more than just an old wives' tale. It's a practice rooted in both science and tradition that provides a comprehensive approach to feeling better. From providing essential hydration and easy-to-digest carbohydrates to offering psychological comfort and soothing steam, a bowl of noodle soup is a genuine ally in the fight against illness. By understanding these benefits, you can make the most of this classic comfort food the next time you feel under the weather.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, instant ramen can be okay when you're sick, as it provides hydration and carbohydrates for energy. However, be mindful of the high sodium content and lack of fresh nutrients. Opting for a lower-sodium variety or adding fresh vegetables can make it a healthier choice.

Noodle soup is often a comfort food because it evokes positive childhood memories of being cared for when ill. The warm broth and gentle nature of the food can trigger a release of 'feel-good' hormones and provide psychological ease, which can contribute to healing.

For an upset stomach, plain, low-fiber noodles or white pasta are often recommended. Similar to the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), these are gentle on the digestive system. Avoid heavy sauces, excessive butter, or high-fat additions that could worsen symptoms.

While it's not a cure, a classic chicken noodle soup can help relieve cold symptoms. Studies suggest it has a mild anti-inflammatory effect that can help clear nasal congestion. The hydration, nutrients, and soothing steam all contribute to making you feel better.

You can boost your noodle soup by adding garlic (antibacterial), ginger (helps with nausea), leafy greens like spinach (antioxidants), and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra vitamin C. These can all enhance your immune support and symptom relief.

Yes, the warmth of the broth and steam from the soup can be very soothing for a sore throat. The warm liquid helps to alleviate discomfort and irritation.

Homemade is often better because you can control the sodium and add fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients like vegetables and lean protein. However, a lower-sodium canned soup is a convenient option when you are too unwell to cook. You can still add fresh ingredients to canned soup to boost its benefits.