Got Bone Broth???

I have been using bone broth on a daily basis for the last 1 year and 8 months to help manage my rheumatoid arthritis. I was hesitant at first about trying it. However, after researching the potential benefits of bone broth, I decided to give it a go. After 16 plus years of having the disease, I figured: what do I have to lose? So, after I consulted my physician, I went ahead and tried it.

What is bone broth?

Bone broth literally occurs when you make a broth from bones of animals with a high saturated fat content that are raised organically and/or free-range. Typically, these animals should not have been injected with or fed antibiotics of any sort during their growth process. It’s a super simple process.

Bone broth can be eaten just as the broth. It can also be easily incorporated into meals. It can be used to braise your meats and vegetables/root vegetables, and as a base in your stews and soups. 

Bone broth can be made from turkey, bison, beef, chicken, fish, or lamb bones. The bones you use will have some joints and tendons (connective tissue) still attached. Those bones are then boiled for up to 40 hours. It is this slow-boiling process mixed with some ingredients that help to extract the nutrients that help our body to heal.

Benefits of bone broth for RA

The process of boiling the bones over a lengthy period of time allows the bones to release collagen. Bone broth is rich in chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Both chondroitin and glucosamine are essential components that keep the body's cartilage healthy and help to ease pain. 

A well-prepared bone broth contains minerals, amino acids, vitamins, and collagen. It also can help add energy to the body every day. Collagen in the bone broth is great to help aid hair, skin, and nail growth also. Like anything, benefits can vary in each person.

I have spoken to my doctor regarding my dietary intake. I highly recommend you consult with your physician prior to any dietary changes in your diet. I consume bone broth on a daily basis, and it took about a month before I started to feel any benefits.

Homemade bone broth ingredients for RA

You will need 3-4 pounds of organic or pasture grade bones with a high saturated fat content of your choosing. If you are shopping in a chain grocery store, my recommendation is to go to the butcher counter and speak to the butcher. They often have the bones you are looking for in the back and can package them up for you.

You’ll also need a gallon of water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. You can also choose to add onions (2 medium size onions chopped), 3 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt.

How to make your broth

Once you have all of your items from the store, you are ready to make this nutritious dish. Grab a large stockpot or a slow-cooker. Boil all the ingredients together. Once the broth comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 10-24 hours before letting it cool.

Once the broth is cooled, strain the bone broth mixture through a cheesecloth to remove the layer of fat that will appear on the top of the bone broth as it cools. Then, store in containers for your usage.

Best of luck to you on making some delicious bone broth!!