Bone Broth: One of the Simplest Ways to Support Your Body

Updated: Sep 27

This is one of those conversations that comes up all the time when someone is sitting in my chair. We’ll be talking about skin, hair, or recovering from being sick, and I’ll ask, “Do you ever make bone broth?”

Usually I get a look like… isn’t that complicated?

It’s actually one of the simplest and most nourishing things you can make. And once you understand what it does for the body, it makes sense why every culture relied on it.

I regularly make both chicken bone broth and beef bone broth, and I use them a little differently.

Why Bone Broth Is Different From Regular Soup

When bones cook slowly, the collagen, minerals, and connective tissue break down into the liquid. That liquid becomes rich in gelatin, amino acids, and minerals the body can immediately use.

This is very different from boxed broth, which is mostly flavored water.

Real bone broth contains the building blocks your body uses to repair itself.

It helps support:

• joints and connective tissue

• gut lining and digestion

• skin elasticity and hydration

• hair strength

• immune function

When you refrigerate it and it turns into a gel, that’s collagen. That’s what you want.

The Gut–Skin Connection

This is something I talk about often, because you can see it show up in real time.

Your gut lining controls how well nutrients are absorbed and how inflammation is regulated. When the gut is irritated from illness, antibiotics, stress, or poor nutrition, inflammation increases and nutrient absorption decreases.

That can show up as:

• dry or inflamed skin

• breakouts

• hair thinning

• slower healing

Bone broth contains gelatin and amino acids like glycine and glutamine that help support and repair the gut lining. When the gut improves, the skin and hair often improve too. You’re supporting the body at the root.

How I Use Chicken Bone Broth

I make mine using an organic, antibiotic-free whole chicken. That matters, because whatever is in the animal ends up in the broth.

After it cooks, I remove the bundle and do the tedious but worthwhile task of picking all the meat off the chicken (and most times my husband does it!). I store that meat in a glass container in the refrigerator.

That alone becomes multiple meals.

Most often, I use it to make homemade chicken noodle soup using my Durham wheat pasta egg noodles. So I’m not just making broth to drink, I’m making broth and preparing meals at the same time.

It’s efficient, nourishing, and nothing goes to waste.

How I Use Beef Bone Broth

I also make beef bone broth using marrow bones from my grocery store. Marrow bones are especially rich in minerals and collagen, and the broth has a deeper, richer flavor.

I usually drink beef broth on its own, almost like tea. It’s especially good when you want something warm and nourishing but don’t want a full meal.

Sometimes I’ll add quinoa and broccoli directly into the broth and turn it into a simple soup. And just like that, it becomes another complete, nutrient-dense meal.

One batch supports you in multiple ways.

Why Each Ingredient Serves a Purpose

Each ingredient contributes to the healing value.

The bones release collagen, gelatin, and minerals that support joints, gut repair, and connective tissue.

Apple cider vinegar helps pull those minerals from the bones so the body can absorb them.

Garlic supports immune health and tissue repair.

Onion, carrots, and celery add minerals and supportive plant compounds.

Peppercorns help support digestion.

Salt provides essential electrolytes.

Everything works together to create something deeply nourishing.

How I Make My Bone Broth

I keep it simple.

I place the whole chicken (or marrow bones), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, and salt into a large piece of cheesecloth and wrap it into a bundle. This keeps everything contained and makes removal easy.

I place the bundle into the Instant Pot, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and fill it with water.

Then I cook it on high pressure for 1.5 hours for chicken and 3 hours for beef bones and allow it to release naturally.

Once it’s done, I remove the bundle, pick the chicken meat and store it in glass containers, and pour the broth into mason jars.

After it cools in the refrigerator, it gels. That’s how you know it’s rich in collagen.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can simmer it gently on the stove for 12 to 24 hours for chicken, or up to 48 hours for beef bones.

It Becomes a Simple, Daily Support

Some people drink it daily. Some use it for soups. Some cook grains in it.

For me, it’s both nourishment and preparation. One batch becomes broth to sip, soup to eat, and meals ready in the refrigerator.

It’s one of the simplest ways to support your gut, immune system, skin, and overall health.

And it all starts with bones, water, and a little patience.🫶🏻

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