Gut Healing Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

At the beginning of 2025 I decided to make some changes to my morning routines as part of my pursuit of better health and wellness. I’ve been dealing with leaky gut the last several years and decided to get more serious about healing it, improving the inflammation in my body, and supporting my hormone health.

Leaky Gut is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, leading to gaps or "leaks." This allows undigested food particles, toxins, and harmful bacteria to pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. The body then recognizes these substances as foreign invaders, triggering inflammation and immune responses. Symptoms of leaky gut can include bloating, digestive discomfort, fatigue, food sensitivities, and even skin issues. It's often associated with poor diet, chronic stress, and certain health conditions, but with proper diet and lifestyle changes, it can be managed or healed.

One of the most effective ways to help heal leaky gut is drinking bone broth everyday. We saw this when my daughter was young and was dealing with some pretty serious health issues. Leaky gut was a major contributor and focusing on repairing the lining of her gut was a huge part.

The Health Benefits of Drinking Bone Broth

Bone broth has been a staple in kitchens for centuries, but in recent years, it has become a popular health trend. Made by simmering animal bones (usually chicken, beef, or pork) with water, vegetables, and herbs over long periods, bone broth is packed with nutrients that can have significant health benefits. Here are just a few reasons why adding bone broth to your diet might be a good idea:

1. Rich in Collagen for Joint and Skin Health

Bone broth is a great source of collagen, the protein that supports the structure of your skin, bones, and joints. As you age, your body’s natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and joint discomfort. Drinking bone broth regularly can help replenish collagen levels, supporting joint flexibility, reducing arthritis symptoms, and improving skin elasticity.

2. Gut Health and Digestion

The gelatin found in bone broth, which is derived from collagen, can help improve gut health by supporting the integrity of the intestinal lining. This may be beneficial for those dealing with digestive issues like leaky gut syndrome or IBS. The amino acids in bone broth, such as glutamine, also aid in the repair and growth of the digestive tract lining, promoting better digestion and absorption of nutrients.

3. Supports Immune Function

Bone broth is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for a healthy immune system. The amino acids and gelatin found in bone broth also support the body's ability to fight off infections and promote faster recovery from illness.

4. Promotes Hydration

Because bone broth is primarily water-based, it’s an excellent way to stay hydrated while providing essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium. Proper hydration is crucial for overall health, affecting everything from your energy levels to your ability to concentrate.

5. Helps with Sleep and Mood

Bone broth contains the amino acid glycine, which has been shown to promote better sleep quality and improve mood. Glycine helps relax the nervous system and may even assist in reducing anxiety, making a warm cup of bone broth a soothing nighttime ritual.

Unfortunately I don’t love bone broth by itself, and it certainly wasn’t cutting it as a morning coffee replacement for me so I got creative and started making bone broth hot chocolate. It is smooth and creamy, and satisfies my craving for a warm cup of something in the morning. In addition to it being so good for your gut, you’re also getting 9 grams of protein. I typically use grass fed whole milk in mine, but occasionally I’ll swap out that for FairLife protein chocolate milk for an extra 13 grams of protein, or coconut milk for a dairy free option. I also add Glutamine powder to mine for extra gut healing and support. Here is my bone broth hot chocolate recipe.

Bone Broth Hot Chocolate:

1 cup of bone broth

1 cup of milk of choice

2-3 Tbsp of Cacao powder

3 Tbsp of real maple syrup

Mix all of the ingredients in a pan and turn the stove to medium to low heat. Cook until heated all the way through and ensure all of the ingredients are blended well. Pour into your favorite mug, sip and enjoy!

*This recipe makes about 2 cups of bone broth.