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Chicken soup and sickness
Chicken soup and sickness

Chicken soup and sickness
Alternative Names:
Sickness and chicken soup

Information:


Question:
If a person has a cold or upper respiratory virus, does eating chicken soup help to lessen the symptoms or decrease the length of the illness?

Answer:
Although researchers have not been able to prove that chicken soup helps to cure the common cold or other illnesses, doctors and researchers have developed theories to explain the apparent healing properties of this popular home remedy. Some researchers have theorized that the steam in the chicken soup may open up congested noses and throats. Others have suggested that certain natural properties inherent in chicken soup may decrease the inflammation associated with the common cold, thus providing some relief of symptoms.
Review Date: 5/31/2002
Reviewed By: Sarah Pressman Lovinger, M.D., General Internist who trained at Northwestern University and is currently doing freelance medical editing. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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