By Natalie Ledbetter, CRNA, DAcOM
Bone broth has likely been around as long as humans have had fire. This nourishing broth is not old news, though. Bone broth for glowing skin as well as for health is all the rage in our modern age.
This super liquid is rich in nutrients including minerals, glycosaminoglycans, and amino acids. The minerals phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium are present in bone broth. Phosphorus is necessary for healthy bones and magnesium is a must for cell, nerve and muscle function including the heart muscle. Sodium, calcium, and potassium are needed for many cellular processes and functions in the body as well.
Glycosaminoglycans are important for hair, skin, joints, bones, and nails and include keratan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. These compounds help support collagen production, elasticity, and hydration in skin, and protect against UV damage. They are important in bone and joint health, as well.
Bone broth is a secret for glowing skin because it is rich in collagen in the form of gelatin (which is basically cooked collagen). Gelatin contains 3 key amino acids glycine, proline, and glutamine. Glycine helps decrease inflammation and is important in DNA production. Proline is necessary for healthy collagen in skin, blood vessels, and joints. Glutamine is important in digestive and immune health and is necessary for brain and muscle function.
Glycine and glutamine are needed to produce glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant. This antioxidant is needed for liver function and for detoxification processes throughout the entire body. It also helps promote skin health and decreases brown spots known as age spots and helps decrease the severity of melasma.
The amino acids in bone broth help support healthy hair, skin, and nails, and have a healing effect on the gut lining. A healthier gut lining leads to decreased inflammation in the body and the skin. GI health leads to healthier skin with decreased occurrence of breakouts, rashes, redness, and conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
Water is important to overall health and for hydrated skin. Bone broth is a hydrating liquid containing high amounts of water and is a good way to increase your fluid intake.
It is important to drink organic broth made from organic pasture raised animals to avoid higher levels of toxins, hormones, and heavy metals. To make your own, place your leftover bones from organic pasture raised animals in a pot, cover well with filtered water, add vinegar to leach minerals from the bones, include vegetables of choice, and boil gently in a covered pot for about 24 hours.
If you would like a yummy, pick-me-up for your skin that also supports joint, GI, and bone health this ancient nourishing liquid is just the thing.
Bottoms up!
Want more food and drink ideas for glowing skin? https://lalongevity.com/smoothie-for-glowing-skin/
More on the importance of gut health and how to get healthy skin from the inside out: https://lalongevity.com/educate-yourself-about-your-own-skin/
Interested in the skin benefits of red light therapy? Click here. https://drnatalieledbetter.com/f/the-benefits-of-red-light-therapy