Whether it's chicken noodle, minestrone, pho, pozole, or a simple broth, few things are better to eat when you're sick than soup. That's because they're an all-in-one, easy way to prevent dehydration and get a slew of nutrients your body desperately needs.
Minestrone is rich in fiber, which helps the intestines stay healthy. “It promotes intestinal regularity and consequently the elimination of toxins and waste substances. Soluble fiber – present in artichokes, tomatoes, leeks, asparagus, onions and other vegetables – is prebiotic.
Chicken soup or miso soup are both good options to try. Another excellent option for an upset stomach is a clear broth soup. The broth will help keep you hydrated and accessible to your digestive system. Avoid soups that are too greasy or spicy, as these can worsen your symptoms.
According to research in the journal Chest, the soup may also be anti-inflammatory which can help ward off infection. Or, try a vegetable broth-based soup like minestrone and add chickpeas for protein if you need a little variety.
Boiled vegetables, low-fiber starches, lean poultry, crackers, soup, and eggs are some of the foods that are recommended for patients with diarrhea, says Mundkur.
"Cooking vegetables like carrots or spinach makes them easier to digest, and they're perfect in egg scrambles or broth-based soups," Stamm says.
Heavy Soups
While chicken noodle soup contains lots of proteins that help give you energy and spicy soups can help clear sinuses, heavy cream- or cheese-based soups fall in the no-no category when you're sick.
The acronym “BRAT” stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland foods are gentle on the stomach, so they might help prevent further stomach upset.
Pasta, white rice, and cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes are OK. You may also try pancakes and waffles made with white flour, and cornbread. But don't add too much honey or syrup.
Chicken soup is a staple for upset stomachs for a reason. It provides vitamins, protein and other nutrients, and it can help keep you hydrated. You don't need to use a lot of different ingredients to get the benefits either.
What does minestrone soup taste like? Vegetarian minestrone soup is slightly acidic from the tomatoes, a little peppery from the olive oil, and herbal from the parsley, basil, rosemary, and bay leaf.
What is the difference between minestrone and vegetable soup? Minestrone Soup is essentially just a hearty version of vegetable soup. Most vegetable soups contain merely vegetables, whereas a minestrone is bulked up with beans and pasta. Simple!
The sodium in the recipe helps relieve sore throat pain (the same principle behind gargling warm salt water), the heat helps clear nasal congestion, and can relieve pain and sinus pressure. The vitamins and minerals in nutrient-dense soups can also speed recovery, Bailey adds.
Even if soup doesn't directly fight illness, doctors have some good reasons for recommending it. Steam can help relieve sinus inflammation and soothe the throat. Salty liquids can help with hydration. The numbers show the popularity of this longtime home remedy.
Creamy Leek and Potato Soup From Life As A Strawberry
This creamy soup is easy to make, naturally vegetarian, and tastes delicious with a slice of crusty bread. It's the perfect meal for an upset tummy.
One of my favorites is Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup. It's creamy texture and delicious taste, along with the fact that it is packed full of vitamin C, makes it a perfect tool to combat illness (or to just add a little warmth to a cold winter day).
Worst foods: Avoid hot liquids and hard, scratchy foods such as potato chips, nuts, and granola. The acidic juices from raw fruits and vegetables, as well as orange juice, grape juice, and lemonade can also irritate a sore throat.
Milk, ice cream, cheese: Dairy gets a bad rap. Common wisdom says to avoid it when you're stuffy or runny because you'll make more mucus. But there's little evidence to support this. So if you crave ice cream to soothe that sore throat, go ahead and indulge.
4 Bananas are also a part of the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which are all easy to digest and can help you hold down food when your stomach is upset.