Does Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Really Offer Health Benefits?

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With cold and flu season upon us, many of us are stocking our cabinets with over-the-counter meds, fire cider, and other natural remedies. We’re loading up on vitamins, doing everything we can to boost our immune systems and preemptively ward off an attack.

Homemade chicken noodle soup has long been the preferred remedy when battling the symptoms of a cold or flu. While a part of me always believed it was just in my head, a warm bowl of my mom’s chicken noodle soup always helped soothe me, making my temporary illness just a little more bearable. Recent studies reveal that it was NOT just in my head and that chicken noodle soup actually does have real health benefits, helping to speed up the healing process.

Health Benefits of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Revealed

  • Chicken noodle soup is chock-full of electrolytes. These natural electrolytes help keep you hydrated and have been proven to offer more benefits than commercially sold electrolyte drinks.
  • The natural salts, combined with warm liquid and resulting steam, help clear mucous membranes and sooth your nose and throat. According to Dr. Keri Peterson, “All liquid broth soups will speed up the movement of mucous in your nose simply because it’s a hot fluid and that causes dilation of blood vessels which causes increased blood flow and allows the mucous to flush everything out. And that will help alleviate congestion.”
  • Bone broth has also proven to have a plethora of other health benefits. It is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, as well as glycine, which assists in detoxifying the body. Click here to find out how to make a healthy, vitamin-rich bone broth.
  • In addition to the bone broth, the other ingredients regularly found in chicken noodle soup contain antioxidants and nutrients that help fight an infection, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. Onions are rich in antioxidants that help remove harmful toxins from your body.
  • We all have that one comfort food that lifts our spirits and help move the healing process along. Chicken noodle soup has been proven to provide warmth and that down-home taste that gives us that added boost, physically, psychologically, and emotionally.

While store-bought canned soup can offer some of the same benefits, physicians indicate homemade chicken noodle soup is the healthier option. Canned soup is generally higher in sodium and with many nutrients eliminated during the preserving process. What’s your favorite chicken noodle soup recipe?

5 Common Causes of High Blood Pressure You May Not Know About

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High blood pressure, also known as the “silent killer,” is a medical condition that affects 75 million Americans. That’s nearly 1 in 3 adults! Despite the medical community’s warning of potential side effects, only 54% of those with high blood pressure have it under control.

High blood pressure got its nickname because many people do not realize they have it, as it has very few symptoms or warning signs. When left uncontrolled, this prevalent condition increases the risk of stroke and heart disease, two of the leading causes of death amongst Americans.

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to keep your BP in check. No smoking, decreased alcohol consumption, healthier eating, and increased physical activity are often effective ways to lower your blood pressure. The following are causes of high blood pressure that many people are unaware of.

Sleep Apnea

According to the Journal of Hypertension, untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a leading cause of high blood pressure. According to a recent study conducted by the Sleep Disorders Center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, patients with both high BP and OSA realized a significant reduction in their BP when consistently treated for their sleep apnea with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The study went on to conclude that untreated sleep apnea could be why many patients see little result, despite being on multiple medications. If you experience such symptoms as daytime drowsiness, loud snoring, abrupt nighttime waking, and dry mouth in the morning, have your physician monitor your blood pressure carefully.

Heavy Metal Toxicity

There are numerous studies that suggest that heavy metal poisoning can result in high blood pressure. Mercury, which is often found in fish, drinking water, and older teeth fillings, and lead paint, often interfere with the cardiovascular system.

Vitamin D Deficiency

According to a 2014 meta-analysis published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, just a 10% increase in vitamin D can reduce your odds of hypertension by 8.1%. If you suspect you might be vitamin D deficient, discuss this matter further with your physician. Vitamin D levels can be measured with a simple blood test.

Medications 

Believe it or not, there are some medications that actually cause an increase in blood pressure. While it is best to consult with your physician and/or pharmacist, the following are a few medications known to increase blood pressure.

  • Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone
  • Antidepressants, particularly venlafaxine (Effexor) and MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen
  • Benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drugs, such as Valium, Ativan, and Xanax
  • Etidronate (Didronel), used to treat osteoporosis
  • Nasal decongestants, such as phenylpropanolamine
  • Migraine medications, such as Imitrex
  • Asthma medications/bronchodilators such as ephedrine and epinephrine
  • High estrogen levels, which can cause edema, have also been linked to high blood pressure

Thyroid Issues

Recent studies have linked hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid) and high blood pressure, often resulting a higher BMI and triglyceride levels. If you have experienced such symptoms as depression, increase cold sensitivity, changes in menstrual cycle, sudden weight gain, and/or trouble losing weight, be sure to address these issues with your doctor. Hypothyroidism is more common in females and can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.

Understanding and treating high blood pressure is not often a difficult task. Recovering from its untreated effects can be a different story. Have yourself checked by your doctor and work to make healthy changes, whenever possible. Don’t let the “silent killer” sneak up on you.