Chances are you know someone who has the flu this year. Maybe it’s you or someone you love. After all, 2017-2018 is the worst flu season on record for widespread activity in the continental United States, according to a CDC press release from last month. When the flu is everywhere, how do you protect yourself?
One way to boost your immune system now, and throughout the year, is by drinking bone broth. It’s full of key amino acids, collagen, and gelatin: all essential nutrients that your gut needs to function properly. And that’s important because eighty percent of your immune system cells reside in your gut.
Bone broth is one of the best healers of digestion and support of the immune system, says Dr. Tim Weeks of Whole Body Health. By keeping your gastrointestinal system properly functioning, you’re doing yourself and your immune system a huge favor that rewards you with a sense of health and well-being all throughout the year.
So how exactly does bone broth impact the gut? Prepare to be impressed.
Bone broth contains 19 key amino acids, collagen, gelatin, and trace minerals that support healthy maintenance of the gut, healthy connective tissues, and brain health. “Bone broth packs a punch and helps our body stay strong, helping to boost our immune system and metabolism while supporting digestion, brain health, and development of connective tissue in our body,” says Dr. Tim Weeks.
Specifically, the amino acids proline, glutamine, and arginine found in bone broth not only build and maintain the strength of hair, skin, and nails but also improve the strength of the gut lining. Glycine, another abundant amino acid in bone broth, fights harmful bacteria to help you feel better, faster, according to Dr. Kellyann Petrucci.
As you can see, bone broth is so much more than “just” broth: it’s a tool in your seasonal wellness toolbox that improves overall healthy functioning, especially in your gut. And as we covered, gut health is crucial for a healthy immune system.
Beth’s tip: I recommend that you drink bone broth every day, especially during the winter cold and flu season, in the morning and on an empty stomach. It’s warm, it’s delicious, and it’s easy to digest all while providing key amino acids, nutrients, and protein for improving your health and well-being. If you’re curious about the bone broth diet, I wrote about my experience last month and how I feel better than ever. You can read all about what I ate, and when, here.
And if you know anyone impacted by the flu, share the power of bone broth with them so they can feel better, faster.
Beth Kandell is the owner and chef at Simply Fine Gourmet. Find her delicious high-quality, grass-fed beef bone broth and organic chicken bone broth at The Farm Stand in Hood River, Oregon and Wintzer Acupuncture in Camas, Washington — or order online today.