Drinking chicken soup does not help with ARVI, this is a myth, says doctor and TV presenter Alexander Myasnikov.
— I saw an old work from the 70s, where they compared the effect of chicken soup with antiviral drugs: they said that the soup works no worse. Another thing is that antiviral drugs didn’t work at all in those years,” Myasnikov said on the air of the program “About the Most Important Thing” on the channel “Russia 1.”
At the same time, chicken broth helps to cope with colds more easily. According to the doctor, a person feels “subjectively better.”
Why is chicken broth recommended for colds?
Chicken broth is often recommended for colds for several reasons:
It helps maintain fluid levels in the body, which is especially important during colds, when dehydration may occur (for example, from sweating or a runny nose).
Chicken broth contains vitamins and minerals that can support the immune system.
Some studies suggest that chicken broth has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the signs of a cold (sore throat and nasal congestion).
Chicken broth is easy to digest and easy on the stomach, which is especially important when appetite is reduced.
Warm broth helps relieve symptoms such as a sore throat and nasal congestion.
Earlier, Myasnikov said that treating ARVI is useless.
— There is a popular saying: “If you treat a runny nose, it will go away in seven days, and if you don’t treat it, it will go away in a week.” It is true. A viral disease is a limited disease in itself. Whether you treat it or not, the course of the disease will not become shorter. All that remains is to fight the symptoms and wait for it to go away on its own. If the temperature is high, bring it down. If you are nauseous, take an antiemetic. If you are vomiting, drink more fluids. As a rule, a common infection goes away on its own within one or two weeks,” the doctor noted.
He advised “to lie low,” drink a lot of warm liquids and wait. Antibiotics do not work at all against viral infections.
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Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Alexander Myasnikov Medicine cardiologist, general practitioner, TV presenter