Bone Broth For Lupus – Where is the Evidence?

Rich, delicious foods that are also immune system boosters? Does bone broth fit the description?

Lupus is a disease that modern science is still trying to figure out. In fact, it can seem like there are more questions than answers.

• Why doesn’t this medication work for me when it works for others?
• Why are some days worse than others?
• What can I do to feel better?

When modern medicine can’t offer solutions, many Lupus Warriors turn to holistic solutions.

The internet offers no shortage of diets and supplements claiming benefits for people battling lupus.  One natural remedy that has been trending recently is bone broth. As you can see in the chart below, interest in bone broth has been on the rise. Driving this trend are functional and holistic doctors that have been promoting bone broth as a treatment for conditions like lupus to a critical component of general health.

So, are internet claims about the value of bone broth valid or just talk? While proponents of bone broth will point to research that shows value in the components collagen, there are no scientific studies on the impact of including it in your diet.

There are many root causes for the limited research on holistic and natural remedies from a lack of funding to a lack of a standard practices. How can you do a study of bone broth if there are so many recipes and some many different ways to take it? While solving this problem won’t be simple, it’s clear that more research has to be done on natural remedies in order to help people make the right health decisions.

What is bone broth?

Bone broth is a liquid made from brewed bones and connective tissue. It can be made from the bones of cows, chicken, and even fish. To make the broth, bones are simmered with water and a bit of vinegar. The vinegar (plus the long simmering time) helps the bones release their nutrients.

Bone, and in particular bone marrow, are rich in a range of vitamins and nutrients. For example:

• calcium
• magnesium
• phosphorous
• iron
• vitamins A and K
• zinc
• selenium
• manganese

Additionally, cooking collagen turns it into gelatin, which is a source of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

A go-to recipe

You can buy bone broth at the grocer store (check next to the other broths)! But, it’s also possible to make your own at home. If you have a pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot, or a slow cooker, it can be super easy. However, it’s also possible to simmer it on the stove.

This recipe and tips from Wholefully can help with the process and even shows some troubleshooting tips. At a high level, the process is:

1. Bake the bones for ~30 minutes or until golden brown
2. Put the bones, apple cider vinegar, and some hearty vegetables (carrots, onions, celery) in a pot. Cover with water
3. Simmer or use the pressure cooking features
4. Strain