Bone broth is one of my most recommended foods in practice, and for good reason. It's one of the simplest ways to support gut healing, joint health, and overall recovery, while also being nutrient-dense, easy to digest, and genuinely delicious.
It's commonly used to help with leaky gut, food sensitivities, joint health, digestive bloating, and general inflammation support.
Why bone broth is so beneficial
- It's rich in minerals that support immune function.
- Contains healing building blocks such as collagen, glutamine, glycine and proline.
- May help support a healthy response to food sensitivities.
- Provides minerals in forms your body can easily absorb: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulphur.
- Contains chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, gelatin, and collagen, compounds that support joint comfort and cartilage health. As bone broth simmers, collagen leaches into the broth and becomes readily absorbable.
- Supports the body's natural detoxification processes by helping the digestive system expel waste and supporting the liver's detox pathways, including glutathione production, which helps the body process compounds like heavy metals.
- The amino acids released in bone broth can help support digestion and a healthy inflammatory response.
Things to keep in mind
- To get the full benefit, use ALL parts of the animal you wouldn't otherwise eat: bones and marrow, skin and feet, tendons and ligaments. Simmering for many hours, or even over a couple of days, allows more nutrients and healing compounds to release into the broth.
- Most store-bought "stock" and "broth" aren't made this way. Many rely on lab-produced meat flavoring in bouillon cubes, soup, and sauce mixes rather than genuinely simmered bones.
- Use grass-fed bones, skin, feet, and other animal parts from your local farmers market or a trusted online health food store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bone broth actually do for gut health?
Bone broth contains gelatin and amino acids like glutamine that support the gut lining, which is helpful for people dealing with leaky gut, food sensitivities, or general digestive inflammation.
How is real bone broth different from store-bought broth or stock?
Real bone broth is simmered for many hours (sometimes days) to draw out collagen, gelatin, and minerals from the bones. Most commercial "broth" or "stock" is made quickly with flavoring rather than long-simmered bones, so it doesn't provide the same nutrient density.
How often should I drink bone broth?
This depends on your individual health goals, but many people benefit from incorporating it a few times a week as part of a broader gut-supportive diet. It's best discussed as part of an individualized plan with your naturopathic doctor.