Why Bone Broth Is Your Gut and Joints’ New Best Friend

You’ve probably seen it popping up all over the place lately—bone broth is having a serious moment. And honestly? It’s about time the mainstream media caught on! Those of us who’ve been living that Paleo life have been sipping this stuff for years. Now everyone’s finally realizing how incredible it is.

So, what’s the big deal about bone broth—and why is it so good for you?

For starters, it’s absolutely loaded with nutrients your body loves:

• Minerals galore in a form that’s super easy to absorb (which is huge, especially considering how mineral-deficient most people are thanks to processed foods and depleted soil).

• Collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin—yes, those same joint-supporting goodies you see in expensive supplements, only this time they come in a delicious, whole-food package.

Back in the day, our ancestors didn’t just eat the muscle meat. They used the whole animal—bones, skin, cartilage, marrow—you name it. That meant a ton more collagen in their diets than what we typically get now. And collagen is so important for keeping your joints, skin, hair, and even gut happy and healthy as you age.

There’s even some research showing that collagen helps balance out the not-so-great effects of eating too much muscle meat. Once again—our ancestors had it right!

Even Kobe Bryant was on the bone broth train. His doctors and nutritionist had him drink it to help protect his joints. That should tell you something!

And here’s another biggie: bone broth is amazing for your gut.

Let’s face it—most modern diets are rough on the digestive system. All that processed food and gluten can do a number on your gut lining, even if you’re not officially gluten-sensitive. That’s where bone broth shines. Thanks to the collagen and other nutrients, it helps “seal and heal” the gut lining—giving your digestive system a much-needed reset.

Can it help with autoimmune issues? A lot of experts think so. While the science is still catching up, there’s a strong connection between gut health and autoimmune problems. Since many of those issues start in the gut (hello, leaky gut), giving your digestive lining a little TLC with bone broth might help reduce symptoms over time.

Oh, and don’t forget the bone marrow in the broth—that stuff is nutrient-packed and excellent for your immune system too.

Want to make your own? Here’s my go-to bone broth recipe:

I’ve been making big batches lately, and it’s become my favorite thing to sip on in the morning. Pro tip: mixing beef and chicken bones gives you the richest flavor.

You’ll need:

• 3–4 pounds of beef marrow bones and knuckle bones (chicken or turkey bones work too!)

• A splash (about ½ cup) of organic apple cider vinegar – this helps draw out all the minerals

• 4–5 quarts of water

• 4 stalks celery, roughly chopped

• 4 carrots, roughly chopped

• 3 onions, roughly chopped (no need to peel)

• A handful of fresh parsley

• A few cloves of garlic

• Sea salt (add to taste at the end)

• Whole black peppercorns

How to make it:

1. Add bones to a big stock pot.

2. Pour in the water and vinegar until everything’s submerged. Let it sit for about an hour so the vinegar can start doing its thing.

3. Toss in the carrots, onions, and celery.

4. Bring it all to a boil, then drop it down to a low simmer.

5. Skim off any foam or “scum” that rises to the top (it’s not always there, but if it is—scoop it out).

6. Let it simmer at least 24 hours. The longer, the better. Add more water if needed to keep the bones covered.

7. In the last 30–60 minutes, add the parsley, garlic, sea salt, and peppercorns.

8. Once it’s done, let it cool a bit and strain everything out.

9. Store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for later use (it lasts up to 6 months!).

You can sip it straight like a warm mug of tea (my fave), or use it as a base for soups, stews, or anything that calls for broth.