Introduction
If you Google “rheumatoid arthritis,” one of the very first results to pop up is “Is chicken soup good for rheumatoid arthritis?” Apparently, a lot of people want to know the answer to this question!
Chicken soup has been touted as a remedy for everything from the common cold to a broken heart. But does it really help when you’re feeling under the weather? Turns out, this tasty liquid may also be beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here’s a closer look at the science behind chicken soup and RA.
The Science
Some people believe that chicken soup can help ease congestion and inflammation in the sinuses, which can in turn reduce pain and pressure in the joints. Others say that due to its high sodium content, chicken soup can actually make RA symptoms worse by causing fluid retention.
There is some evidence to support both claims. A study published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research found that chicken soup may help temporarily reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract—which could lead to less congestion and pressure in the sinuses, and therefore less pain in the joints. However, the study also found that it did not have any long-term effects on RA symptoms. So while it may provide some short-term relief, it’s not a cure-all.
And as for that sodium content? It’s true that too much sodium can cause fluid retention, which can aggravate RA symptoms like swelling and joint pain. However, most store-bought varieties of chicken soup actually don’t contain all that much sodium—especially if you compare them to other processed foods like frozen dinners or deli meats. So unless you’re eating cup after cup of soup (which, let’s be honest, who does that?), it’s unlikely that the small amount of sodium in chicken soup will have any effect on your RA symptoms.
There are a few ways in which this food could potentially help ease RA symptoms. First, the warmth of the soup can help to soothe achy joints. Second, the broth contains glucosamine, which is a compound that’s often used to treat joint pain. Finally, ingredients like carrots and celery are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Rheumatoid Arthritis And Diet Plus Other Tips
While there’s no cure for RA, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. One of the best things you can do for yourself if you have rheumatoid arthritis is to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce inflammation and joint pain, and it can also help you maintain a healthy weight. So, what should you eat if you have RA?
The best diet for RA is one that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat. So, what does that have to do with chicken soup?
Well, chicken soup contains several ingredients that have been shown to help relieve the symptoms of RA. For example, chicken soup contains glucosamine, which is known to help relieve joint pain. It also contains chondroitin sulfate, which helps reduce inflammation. And finally, chicken soup contains collagen, which helps improve joint stiffness.
There’re many things you can do to help manage your symptoms and feel your best. In addition to drinking chicken soup, other home remedies for RA include:
- Applying heat or cold packs to painful joints
- Exercising regularly
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Trying infrared light therapy
Conclusion
There’s no denying that chicken soup is good for the soul. But can this humble dish really do anything to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? The answer is yes…sorta! Chicken soup contains several ingredients that have been shown to help reduce joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
There’s some evidence to support the claim that chicken soup can help ease RA symptoms like congestion and pain, but it’s far from a miracle cure. If you’re feeling congested or sore and want something warm and comforting, go ahead and give the chicken soup a try—but don’t expect it to completely transform your RA overnight.
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