A physician specializing in nutrition and preventive medicine decided to better understand food’s healing properties beyond simple caloric intake. With autumn’s chill setting in and the peak of respiratory illness season approaching, Dr. Patricia Varacallo decided to put soup to the test by incorporating it into her daily diet for a whole week. She wrote that she wanted to experience firsthand what regular consumption would do for her overall wellbeing, and what began as professional curiosity quickly turned into a thorough look at soup’s incredible impact on both body and mind. And somewhere off in the distance, grandmothers everywhere are nodding smugly.
Soup’s Healing Powers
Before starting, Dr. Varacallo reviewed scientific literature published by pulmonologist Dr. Stephen Rennard. His team had analyzed how traditional chicken soup affected neutrophil migration, which is a key part of the body’s inflammatory immune response. Chicken soup, apparently, had mild anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially ease respiratory issues. This research gave compelling, scientific evidence supporting what generations of people have been claiming every flu season: soup is good for the soul (and apparently also the lungs).
For her experiment, Dr. Varacallo prepared a variation of her mother’s chicken soup: heavy on the carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs. The broth was nutrient-dense and full of essential vitamins and minerals, and the lean protein from chicken breast, fiber from vegetables, and hydration from the broth made for a nutritional trifecta that few dishes can provide. The most interesting part was testing the soup’s effects during the busy winter season while trying to maintain energy levels and a strong immunity for someone in the healthcare sector.
Unexpected Changes in Appetite and Energy
By the third day of her soup regimen, the doctor saw a profound shift in her eating patterns. The usual mid-afternoon cravings most of us know (and may love) had pretty much disappeared entirely, and was replaced by a steady amount of energy for the whole workday. Research backs this up, showing that soup consumption correlates with lower overall caloric intake, since its high water content and fiber creates a lasting feeling of being full. Sleep quality also improved dramatically – with our doctor falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed, probably from the tryptophan in the meat, which supports the production of melatonin.
Her colleagues commented on the increase in alertness during afternoon meetings, which is when she usually saw a dip in energy. Her consistent hydration from the soup consumption seemed to eliminate the mild dehydration many of us know all too well from busy workdays and no water bottle nearby. Most surprisingly, there was a natural preference towards healthy food choices even when she wasn’t having soup, suggesting a possible cascading effect of making one nutritious choice and overall dietary habits.
Immunity Benefits and Practical Takeaways
In regards to her immune system, despite being exposed to numerous patients with respiratory infections throughout the week, Dr. Varacallo remained symptom-free. While this evidence doesn’t prove causation, it aligns with research stating that certain soups can boost immune function. The vitamin C from the vegetables, zinc from chicken, and anti-inflammatory compounds from assorted herbs can create a potential immune-supporting mixture. There was also an improvement in digestion throughout the experiment, probably because soup is easily-absorbable, as well as the increase in fluid from the broth.
Based on her experience, Dr. Varacallo recommends patients incorporate homemade soup 3-4 times a. week during the winter months. Her suggestion? A bone broth makes for a great base when it comes to protein and mineral content, add diverse vegetables to give you the sufficient phytonutrients needed, and have a mindful amount of sodium to finish it all off. The convenience of soup should also not be overlooked, as preparing a large batch of soup on a weekend makes for easy, nutritious meals throughout the workweek, and eliminates the temptation to choose more convenient, less healthy food.
As her experiment concluded, the doctor found herself continuing her soup habit beyond the weekly parameter – which is probably the most telling part of the entire affair. Sustained energy, reduced cravings, improved sleep quality, and a potentially enhanced immunity is just too good an offer to pass up on. While soup does not replace diet strategies or specific medical treatments, it does appear to deliver benefits far beyond comfort and warmth on a cooler day. As both a physician and someone who has experienced the effects firsthand, Dr. Varacallo is convinced that a humble bowl of soup deserves its place in both traditional wisdom and modern health approaches. Sometimes the best health interventions are the ones we’ve known for generations.