Bone Broth-Why it’s back in my daily routine

As I mentioned in my post about adding Nettle Leaf tea into my daily routine to help replenish my body postpartum and prepare it for a second pregnancy: I am breaking up my nourishing daily musts into little shorter posts so as to not overwhelm.  Here is the next bite: BONE BROTH!

During my first pregnancy I was pretty good about drinking bone broth -I especially drank it daily during my third trimester: I knew it was good for me and baby boy plus it felt nice, especially in the winter, to have a little warm mug of goodness.  Postpartum I had some brought to me, and drank it for a little. Then fell off, because…postpartum.  I attempted to make it a few times but I’ll be honest: every time I do…it isn’t good. I just can’t get it right, and it ends up super greasy and gross and smells weird.  Maybe with this newfound time and zest I have since taking time away from Insta, I’ll find a recipe I can really master and post it here, until then, I have to buy it which is also why I fell out of the habit as going to the store with the pandemic and a baby just doesn’t happen.

I also started seeing my goddess acupuncturist again, and as she wrote up my treatment plan to help replenish all my depleted qi, I at least was able to feel good saying I had already started back on a daily cup of bone broth.  (Can you tell I was the student that always did extra credit? Lol)

So, while bone broth is pretty trendy it is actually a practice that has been used for centuries-most especially for the postpartum period.  In Chinese Medicine, chicken broth is considered the best healing food.  Broth is an easily digested medicine that is full of blood-building properties to restore the fluids lost in giving birth. The broth contains minerals and nutrients to strengthen the body and it is hydrating for breastfeeding moms which is important as we require extra fluid intake for breastmilk production.

That’s the cliff notes version as to why bone broth is something I’ve brought back into my daily routine.  But if you’re a nerd like me, and wanna know more…read on. 

Let’s first touch on a subject I bet you wish I’d just shut up about: GUT HEALTH!

The importance of a healthy gut microbiome is in and on itself a series of posts because it truly affects, at the most monumental level, your physical, mental, and emotional health.  And like many aspects of health, the gut takes on a whole new level of importance during pregnancy and postpartum.

If mama’s gut health is out of whack, then nutrient absorption is compromised, and less of the good stuff will make its way to the baby to aid in its own development. Prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes and collagen-rich foods help support a healthy gut.  Enter BONE BROTH-a collagen rich food.  Collagen is a major component of the cells that line the gut, and it helps to repair any damage to the gut lining that may have occurred from a diet of highly processed, sugary foods, antibiotic use and/or chronic stress.  Gentle reminder: if you live in an industrialized country, or eat a mainly western diet, or y’know were alive in 2020…you’ve experienced damage to your gut.  I can guarantee that.  So we want to ensure we consume collagen rich foods to help keep our gut lining sealed nice and tight to make sure baby is getting the optimal nutrient absorption. Other foods you can eat that aid in collagen production are: chicken, wild fish, egg whites, berries, citrus fruit, tropical fruit, garlic, leafy greens, beans, cashews, tomatoes, and bell peppers.  However, if you’re like I was for a lot of my pregnancy a lot of those options don’t sound good, which is why I really enjoyed (and still enjoy) sipping a cup of broth a day.

It’s pretty much everywhere now a days, and you can even have it delivered, or make it at home and send me the recipe so I don’t spend hours making gross greasy liquid I end up having to throw away!  

My favorite store bought broths are the Whole Foods Brand, TJ’s Brand, and Kettle & Fire.  I usually grab a few beef and a few chicken so I can mix it up every few days.

I personally enjoy broth as is, warmed on the stove. My friend likes to add some lemon, garlic, and salt to the store bought brands for extra flavor. I do also, sometimes, like to throw some into food that I’m preparing for Luciano because he hasn’t quite taken to drinking it…yet.

Let me know if you have any rock solid so easy nobody can make it gross recipes and send my way!!