Gut-Healing Bone Broth: Why It Works and How to Make It

Ashley Osborne
Aug 4, 2025
3 min read

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and deeply nourishing way to support your gut health—bone broth should be at the top of your list.

For centuries, slow-simmered broths made from bones and connective tissue have been used as healing tonics across cultures. And now, modern science backs what many have known all along: bone broth offers powerful support for digestion, immunity, skin health, and even mood.

Below, I’ll break down the benefits of bone broth—especially for your gut—and show you how to make your own from a single whole chicken.

Why Bone Broth Is So Good for Your Gut

Your gut lining is just one cell thick. It’s meant to be selectively permeable—absorbing nutrients while keeping pathogens and toxins out. But stress, processed foods, medications, and imbalances in the microbiome can all weaken this barrier, leading to what’s often called “leaky gut.”

Bone broth supports gut repair in several key ways:

1. Collagen + Gelatin Support the Gut Barrier

As bones simmer, they release collagen that breaks down into gelatin. Gelatin acts like a natural “sealer” for the gut lining. It helps reinforce the mucosal barrier that protects the intestinal wall and supports healthy digestion.

2. Glutamine Fuels Gut Cell Regeneration

Glutamine is an amino acid found abundantly in bone broth. It’s the preferred fuel source for the cells lining the small intestine and plays a critical role in gut repair, especially in people dealing with inflammation or permeability.

3. Glycine Calms Inflammation and Supports Detox

Bone broth also contains glycine—an anti-inflammatory amino acid that supports bile production, detox pathways, and even sleep. Glycine helps calm the nervous system, which is closely linked to gut function via the gut-brain axis.

4. Minerals Replenish and Alkalize

Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium all leach from the bones into the broth. These minerals help replenish nutrient stores and promote a healthy pH balance in the digestive tract.

Together, these nutrients make bone broth a powerful ally in healing the gut, calming inflammation, and improving overall resilience.

Why I Buy Whole Chickens for Bone Broth

I like to start with a free-range, hormone- and antibiotic-free whole chicken—I usually get mine from ButcherBox.

Buying the whole bird saves money, gives me multiple meals, and leaves me with the perfect base for broth. When you break it down yourself, you’re not just cooking—you’re stretching one ingredient into an entire week of nourishment.

How to Break Down a Whole Chicken (Simple Steps)

Remove the wings
Separate the breasts from the bone
Remove the thighs and legs

You can roast or sauté the meat now—or freeze portions for later. What’s left is the carcass—and that’s where the magic happens.

Gut-Healing Bone Broth Recipe

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken carcass (or leftover bones)
Enough filtered water to cover
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1–2 bay leaves

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a large pot or slow cooker.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
Simmer 2–4 hours for a light broth, or up to 12 hours for a rich, more gelatinous version.
Let it cool, then strain and store.

How to Store Bone Broth

Fridge: Store in glass jars for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze in silicone trays or containers for up to 3 months

Tip: Freeze in small portions so you can pop out a cup anytime for soups, grains, or sipping warm with sea salt.

A Gut Ritual Worth Keeping

Bone broth isn’t a trend—it’s a timeless, whole-food approach to healing. Whether you’re dealing with bloating, food sensitivities, fatigue, or just want to improve your skin and joint health from the inside out, bone broth is a foundational habit to build into your week.

It’s easy, affordable, and deeply restorative. Your gut, skin, and immune system will thank you.

Curious if your gut could use more support? Book a free Gut Reset consult and find out what your symptoms might be telling you—plus what to do about it.