
The bone broth diet is a 21-day weight loss plan that combines a low-carb, paleo diet with intermittent fasting. It involves drinking bone broth, which is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for up to 24 hours, releasing collagen, minerals, and amino acids. While bone broth is generally considered safe to consume, there are some concerns about lead contamination, bacterial contamination, allergic reactions, and medication interactions. The diet is also very restrictive, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies, and it is not recommended for those with certain health conditions or who are pregnant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 21 days |
| Creator | Kellyann Petrucci, a naturopathic doctor |
| Food | Bone broth, organic, pasture-raised animal bones, beef, chicken, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, milk alternatives, natural sugar substitutes |
| Benefits | Weight loss, improved skin, reduced inflammation, improved blood sugar, improved gut health, improved joint health |
| Risks | Fatigue, nausea, digestive upset, headaches, lead contamination, bacterial contamination, allergic reactions, medication interaction, nutrient deficiencies |
| Other | Not sustainable long-term, not suitable for people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, or those with a history of eating disorders |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Potential health benefits
Bone broth is generally considered safe to consume and can be a nutritious addition to your diet. It is made by simmering animal bones for up to 24 hours to release minerals, collagen, and amino acids. It is often consumed as a beverage or added to soups, sauces, and gravies.
Nutrient-Dense
Bone broth is rich in collagen, the most common protein in the human body. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, collagen helps heal the gut and reduce inflammation in the gut by nourishing the intestinal lining.
Improved Joint Health
The collagen and other nutrients in bone broth, such as calcium, magnesium, and glutamine, contribute to improved joint health. These nutrients work together to reduce pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis.
Reduced Inflammation
Bone broth contains collagen and amino acids like glycine and arginine, which have been linked to reduced inflammation in the body. Intermittent fasting, a component of the bone broth diet, may also help lower inflammation, although more evidence is needed to confirm this.
Improved Blood Sugar Management
The bone broth diet includes a low-carb diet on non-fasting days, which has been shown in a small 2018 study to be more effective in managing blood sugar than a low-fat diet.
Healthy Digestion
The low-calorie nature of bone broth, combined with mini-meals, can promote healthy digestion, improved metabolism, and reduced water retention in the body.
While bone broth offers these potential health benefits, it is important to note that the bone broth diet may not be suitable for everyone. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Lentils: A Healthy, Filling Option for Teen Diets
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Risk of heavy metal consumption
The consumption of bone broth is being increasingly recommended to patients, for example as part of the gut and psychology syndrome (GAPS) diet for autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, depression, and schizophrenia, and as part of the Paleolithic diet. However, the presence of toxic metals in bone broth has rarely been studied.
Animal bones are known to contain trace amounts of toxic metals in addition to minerals. Farm animals can be exposed to lead via food, water, air, dust, and soil, and it progressively accumulates in their bones. Bones are known to sequester the heavy metal lead, and such sequestered lead can then be mobilized from the bones. A study found that broths made from tap water, skin, and cartilage, or bones, all contained several times the lead concentration of the water with which the broth was made.
The risk of lead contamination in bone broth diets has been a concern for some time. A study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses investigated the risk of lead contamination in bone broth diets. The authors found that consumption of bone broth may be increasing because it is recommended by advocates of both the GAPS and Paleo diets. The study found that the bones of farm animals might sequester lead, which would then be released into the broth during its preparation.
The bottom line is that if everything is in moderation and you source good-quality bones, it should be fine. The solution to the lead/heavy metal issue is simple: take iodine with your broth. Iodine will bind to the metal and flush it out. You should take selenium and vitamin C with iodine to balance it and help flush out toxic metals. Cilantro is also known to remove metals from the blood.
College Dieting: Smart Strategies for Healthy Eating
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Nutritional value
The bone broth diet is a 21-day diet plan that combines 5 days of a low-carb, paleo diet with 2 days of bone broth fasting per week. On non-fasting days, the diet includes whole and minimally processed foods, including animal proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. Bone broth, which is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for up to 24 hours, is a staple of the diet and is preferably homemade.
Bone broth is often promoted as a nutritious addition to the diet, being rich in collagen, gelatin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals. It is also a good source of protein, containing various amino acids. The long cooking time of bone broth allows for the breakdown and extraction of more nutrients, resulting in a nutrient-dense liquid.
The collagen in bone broth is the main building block of skin, helping to keep it firm, young, and hydrated. It also aids in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, collagen helps to heal the gut and reduce inflammation in the gut, preventing and treating conditions such as leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.
Bone broth also contains electrolytes, fatty acids, vitamins A and K, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients work to maintain the immune system and support overall health. The gelatin protein in bone broth helps to fill up the stomach and keeps individuals feeling fuller for longer, aiding in weight loss.
However, it is important to note that the nutritional content of bone broth can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. For example, store-bought versions can have high amounts of sodium, so individuals on a low-sodium diet may prefer to make their own bone broth at home.
While bone broth can be nutritious, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is not meant to replace a variety of whole foods and can be challenging to include all the necessary nutrients in a restrictive diet.
Vinegar's Harmful Effects: A Diet Restrictions and Recommendations
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Side effects
The bone broth diet is a 21-day diet plan that combines 5 days of a low-carb, paleo diet with 2 days of bone broth fasting per week. While bone broth is generally considered safe to consume, there are some potential side effects and risks to be aware of.
Firstly, the bone broth diet may result in side effects such as fatigue and nausea, especially while the body adjusts to the regimen. A small percentage of sensitive people may also experience digestive upset or headaches due to intolerance to the fat or high amounts of the amino acid glutamine in the broth.
Secondly, there is a risk of lead contamination in bone broth, as studies have shown elevated levels of lead, which can be harmful if consumed in large amounts. Bone broths can also have high sodium content, which may be a concern for those on a low-sodium diet.
Thirdly, improper preparation and storage of bone broth can lead to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Bone broth may also contain allergens such as dairy or shellfish, so checking the ingredients is important to avoid allergic reactions.
Lastly, bone broth contains amino acids and minerals that can potentially interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor before consuming bone broth, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking medications.
Santa Clarita Diet: Anne's Fate Revealed
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Long-term sustainability
The bone broth diet is not a long-term solution to weight management. This is because it is challenging to follow and quite restrictive. The diet is based on intermittent fasting and the low-carb nature of the diet may result in side effects such as fatigue and nausea.
The bone broth diet is a 21-day plan that combines 5 days of a low-carb, paleo diet with 2 days of bone broth fasting per week. On non-fasting days, the diet includes whole and minimally processed foods, with one to three cups of bone broth. On fasting days, only bone broth is consumed, with a maximum of six cups.
The bone broth diet is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for people who are pregnant, under 18, on medication, highly active, or who have a history of eating disorders. It is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting this or any other diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
There are more sustainable ways to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight in the long term. These include eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and using portion control. It is also important to ensure that you are consuming a variety of foods to meet your nutrient needs.
While bone broth can be a nutritious addition to the diet, it is important to be aware of some potential risks. These include the risk of consuming too many heavy metals, which can seep into the broth during the cooking process, and the risk of bacterial contamination if the broth is not prepared or stored properly. It is recommended to stick to the serving size of one cup or 8 ounces of bone broth per day to avoid consuming large amounts of heavy metals.
Stay Motivated: Dieting and Your Mindset
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The bone broth diet is a 21-day weight loss plan that combines a low-carb, paleo diet with bone broth fasting. For five days a week, you follow a low-carb, paleo diet, and for the remaining two days, you fast and drink bone broth.
The bone broth diet is said to enhance satiety between meals, improve gut and joint health, reduce inflammation, and aid weight loss. Bone broth is rich in collagen, proteins, calcium, magnesium, and glutamine, which help maintain strong bones and reduce pain and other symptoms of arthritis.
While bone broth is generally considered safe to consume, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Some sources say that bone broth may contain high levels of lead, which can be harmful if consumed in large amounts. Bone broth may also contain allergens such as dairy or shellfish, and its amino acids and minerals can interact with certain medications. The bone broth diet is also quite restrictive, so it may not meet all your nutrient needs.











































