What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth, sometimes referred to as stock, is made from simmering animal bones, such as chicken, pork, beef, lamb, etc., and then using the leftover liquid. It can be made from just about any animal and is used worldwide as the base for soups, sauces, and other dishes. Many people believe that it is a healthy option for eating and cooking. Before introducing new foods to your meal routine, always be sure to talk to your doctor about what foods are right for you and fit with your lifestyle and health condition(s).
What is Gut Health?
Gut health has been a growing topic of interest for many years now, but what does it mean? Each person’s gastrointestinal tract has basic necessary functions that must be performed for the body to operate efficiently. The digestive system is composed of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. There is a balance of bacteria in the gut that helps the digestive system do its job correctly. Digestion is important for breaking down what we eat so the body can use the nutrients for energy, growth, and cell repair. When the balance is thrown off, or an aspect of the digestive system isn’t functioning in unison with everything else in the body, uncomfortable symptoms may arise.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that there are 60 to 70 million people affected by digestive diseases. The cited specific diseases include:
- Abdominal Wall Hernia
- Chronic Constipation
- Diverticulitis
- Gallstones
- Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Gastrointestinal Infections
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Liver Disease
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Viral Hepatitis
What People Are Saying About Bone Broth and Gut Health:
There are many beliefs about the gut health benefits of adding bone broth to your meal routine. There is limited research on any proven direct health benefits of consuming bone broth, although it is widely accepted as a healthy option to cook with. Here are what people believe and how they use bone broth to promote gut health.
- Bone broth aids in the repair of the digestive tract. Many people claim to use bone broth for gut health because it contains gelatin which is believed to aid in repairing the intestinal lining. Ask your doctor if incorporating bone broth into your diet is right for you.
- Bone broth reduces inflammation in the gut. Bone broth is believed to reduce inflammation in the digestive system, which can alleviate some discomfort. This is believed to be linked to the soothing effect of the bone broth and its nutrients. Ask your doctor if incorporating bone broth into your diet is right for you.
- Bone broth improves intestine and digestive tract health. Each batch of bone broth is unique depending on which animal bones were used, what’s added to it, and how it was cooked. This means that nutrients may vary between broths, but many contain vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, zinc, and more, all of which can improve overall gut health. Ask your doctor if incorporating bone broth into your diet is right for you.
What other benefits does bone broth offer you? How do you incorporate bone broth into your meal routine? We want to hear from you! Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
The Paragon Pantry is all about sharing fun recipes, dinner ideas, and kitchen tips that encourage living a healthy and balanced life. For more information about The Paragon Pantry, visit https://paragonhealthcare.com/the-paragon-pantry/.
