I started consuming bone broth on a regular basis this past winter. I jumped on this bandwagon a little late. Its pretty popular in the alternative health and paleo world. Since it is May, I figured I would wait until the fall to write about this amazing superfood. Most of us stop consuming soups and broths in the spring and summer, which is the main reason why I didn't want to wait to write this newsletter.  I've decided, however, that this is something that is great to share in spring, to encourage people to consume bone broth all year long.  

Bone broth is an incredibly healing superfood. Here's why:

1. It contains vital amino acids like proline, arginine, glycine, glutamine: These amino acids help with stress, inflammation, building blocks for RNA, DNA, collagen, energy production, healthy skin, tissue repair, cardiovascular health, small intestinal cellular nutrient assimilation  and many other whole body benefits.

2. Helps to heal your gut: The collagen from the bones turns into gelatin, which helps heal the intestinal and digestive tract lining. It specifically supports the mucus membranes and holds and binds digestive juices, which helps leaky guts heal. Before bone broth can be optimally effective, it is important to clear out the bad guys like candida, parasites and microbial imbalance first so the gut can heal properly. If you have microbial imbalance, bone broth will have a limitation.

3. It contains glucosamines and chondroitin sulphates: These help with joint health and reducing overall inflammation in the body.

4. It contains tons of minerals like calcium, magnesium, silica, and phosphorus: Important for bone health, cell function, neurotransmitters, body regulation, inflammation, mood, energy, organ and gland function, stress and many other benefits.

5. You get a boost from it: It must be that it is so nutrient dense, because I feel a sense of uplift each time i consume bone broth.

Making it is quite easy. Here's how:

Combine one gallon of water, 2 pounds of either grass fed/organic knuckle bones or marrow bones in a stock pot. (Do not use conventional bones for the recipe, or you will be making a toxic broth).  Add in two tablespoons of either organic apple cider vinegar or organic white vinegar. Cover the pot.

These next ingredients are optional. I add a good amount of rosemary (3 tablespoons) and some sea salt ( 1 teaspoon). Other recipes that want to go for more flavor call for 2 stalks celery, 2 carrots, an onion, and other herbs of your choice like thyme and sage. You can experiment with the taste.

Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Let it simmer on the stove for 12 to 14 hours. You can strain the broth (discard bones, etc.) and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days, reheating portions at a time. Protein, as found in bone broth, is very good to consume in the morning hours, so drinking it with breakfast is a great plan. If that doesn't feel right to you, then choose anytime of day to drink it. This should be consumed all year around. Of course, it feels more intuitive to consume during the winter, but should be considered as an option throughout the year.

So what kind of bones are the best to use? Well, this depends upon the individual. Most broths are made from chicken or beef bones. If someone has a sensitivity to chicken then obviously do not use chicken bones, and vice-versa for beef bones. If you are unsure, please ask me to muscle test you during your next session. If beef and chicken are sensitivities, many people do well with turkey bones, as this is not as common of a sensitivity.

Please contact me if you would like more information on healing your gut!