Gut Healing Bone Broth

Earlier this year I started working with a naturopath hormone doctor to better understand my overall health. I was feeling rundown, emotionally and physically drained, and just couldn’t understand why. After a various different tests (hormone, blood, gut)–I learned that my gut health and liver health weren’t the best. Our gut is the center of our immune system, so in order to feel better–I needed to focus on gut health. Of all the things I’ve implemented, bone broth has been by far the most successful. My energy came back, my digestion is more on track and my skin (rosacea) has improved dramatically. Also, who doesn’t love sipping a warm chicken soup? It’s so comforting, delicious, especially as me move into Fall.

I love bone broth because it’s easy to make, super cost effective and one of the easiest ways you can take care of your immune system on a daily basis without overdoing it on $$$ supplements.

I usually have a cup of bone broth to break my fast, or in the afternoon if I’m feeling low energy, or even before a workout. I swear it’s the best pre-workout I always get so much energy if I have a cup of bone broth 20 or so minutes before a workout.

I’ll make a batch of broth for a week and keep it in my fridge or freeze it for longer periods of time. It’s keeps beautifully and simply needs to be brought to a boil to reheat.

I prefer making my bone broth as opposed to buying from the store for a few reasons. Store bought bone broth usually has fewer ingredients and thus less flavor. I prefer to add my own seasonings and extra root veg for more complex flavor. Additionally, the quality of the bones used in store bought broth is unknown. And finally, store-bought bone broth usually comes in plastic containers…and chances are the manufacturer is dumping scalding hot broth into a plastic container which will cause bits of plastic to enter into the broth…and then into your system–a big no no.

And since it’s so easy to make, why not just do it yourself? Better bang for your buck and higher quality. Here’s my recipe!

Ingredients

2-3 chicken feet, nails removed
1-2 chicken backs
1 bone-in chicken thigh / leg
generous nub of turmeric
generous nub of ginger
1 onion
1 head garlic
1/2 head celery root
1 parsnip
1 tbsp peppercorns
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp salt
generous amount of water, to the top of your pot once all the ingredients are in

I always go to my local butcher and buy my bones. I make sure that they’re organic, grass fed, etc. Often, the chicken feet (I know they sound gross, but they have the MOST collagen) and other bits are frozen which is fine. I just throw them all in the pot. And when it comes to removing the nails, just chop off the tips of each claw. (I know, I know it’s weird.)

Method

Simply add all your bones, meat, turmeric, ginger, onion and garlic to a large pot and fill to the top with water. Let it come to a rapid boil and then turn down to a simmer. Simmer for 6+ hours. Next, add your veggies and simmer for an additional 2+ hours. You don’t need to follow this, you can simply add all your ingredients to a pot and let them simmer for as much time as you have. I just prefer a richer broth and this takes more time.

Once cooled, store your broth in glass containers in your fridge or freezer. Broth will keep in the fridge for about 5 days, and always make sure you boil it before you consume.

Enjoy!