Doctors Unveil the Secret of Chicken Soup: How It Fights Viruses.

According to ТСН: During festive gatherings with loved ones, winter viruses can spread quickly. Preventing illness becomes challenging, but doctors emphasize that proper nutrition can strengthen the immune system.

Habits to Support the Immune System

Family doctor Sabina Donnai shared the habits she follows when she feels a virus approaching.

"When I feel unwell, I try to drink plenty of water and eat simple homemade food that supports the immune system. When I or someone close starts to feel ill, I make chicken soup for my mom — and it's not just for sentimental reasons," the doctor shared.

Chicken broth is often considered a grandmother's remedy, but research confirms its effectiveness. It can relieve cold symptoms due to warmth, nutrients, hydration, and mild anti-inflammatory effects.

Benefits of Warm Broth

The doctor reports that warm chicken broth provides the body with fluids and electrolytes, helping to prevent dehydration. The warmth also reduces nasal congestion and alleviates throat pain.

Sabina explains that during illness, she tries to eat organic products as they have fewer pesticides and harmful substances, reducing the toxic burden on the body when the immune system is weakened.

"I understand that toxins worsen inflammation. Therefore, during illness, I prefer organic products," Donnai said.

Organic chicken contains easily digestible protein and amino acids such as cysteine, while the prepared broth made from bones, cartilage, and connective tissue contains gelatin, glycine, and proline.

Cysteine aids in liver detoxification and helps break down acetaldehyde, associated with headaches and nausea. Glycine, in turn, has anti-inflammatory properties.

"Chicken broth helps calm nerves and improves sleep, and good sleep is key to a strong immune system," the doctor emphasized.

Beneficial Ingredients of the Soup

She also noted that she always adds carrots, onions, garlic, and celery to her soup — all of these ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which boosts immunity and helps combat stress. Garlic, according to research, can fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi, strengthening immunity.

Furthermore, chicken broth positively affects the digestive system and does not require a significant amount of energy to digest.

"This allows the body to direct energy towards immune protection and recovery, rather than digestion, helping to recover faster," Donnai noted.

In times when viral illnesses can be particularly dangerous, adhering to simple dietary habits can significantly improve our well-being. Healthy eating, including the consumption of chicken broth and organic products, is an effective way to support the immune system. Doctors recommend these methods not only during illness but also for general strengthening of the body in the autumn-winter period.