Modern life often brings chronic stress, poor sleep, and persistent inflammation — all of which can take a serious toll on your well-being. While managing stress and improving sleep habits is essential, emerging research suggests that adding nutrient-rich foods like bone broth may support your body's natural resilience and recovery.
But how exactly can bone broth help with inflammation, and what does the science say about its benefits for stress and sleep? In this article, we’ll explore the evidence behind this ancient elixir and its role in promoting better health.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering animal bones (commonly beef or chicken) for extended periods, typically 12 to 48 hours. This slow-cooking process extracts valuable compounds such as
- Collagen and gelatin: support joint and skin health
- Amino acids (glycine, proline, glutamine): promote gut integrity and reduce inflammation
- Essential minerals: including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus
These nutrients give bone broth its unique ability to nourish the body and help manage various health concerns, especially chronic inflammation.
Bone Broth and Inflammation: What the Research Suggests
Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Arthritis
- Digestive imbalances
How Can Bone Broth Help?
1. Amino acids combat inflammation:
Studies show that amino acids like glycine and proline can modulate the body's inflammatory response. Glycine, in particular, may inhibit inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers involved in inflammation).
2. Gelatin soothes tissues:
Gelatin, derived from collagen in bone broth, is known to support gut lining integrity. A healthy gut barrier is crucial in preventing systemic inflammation caused by "leaky gut."
3. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs):
These compounds, naturally present in bone broth, help maintain joint cartilage and reduce joint-related inflammation.
For those managing inflammatory conditions like arthritis, digestive issues, or general joint pain, beef bone broth is an excellent functional food to include in the diet.
Tip: A concentrated product like Beef Bone Broth Concentrate provides a highly potent source of these nutrients.
Bone Broth and Stress Relief
Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which in turn contribute to inflammation and poor sleep. Supporting your nervous system nutritionally can help break this cycle.
Bone broth contains:
- Glycine: Has calming properties on the brain and supports parasympathetic nervous system activation (the "rest and digest" state).
- Collagen: Provides amino acids that nourish the body during recovery from stress.
Research indicates that glycine supplementation can promote relaxation and may improve resilience to stress.
Daily ritual idea: Sip a warm cup of Beef Bone Broth with Collagen to support your body’s stress response naturally.
Bone Broth for Better Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just about feeling rested — it’s crucial for your immune system, mental health, metabolism, and inflammation control. Unfortunately, sleep and stress are tightly connected, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
The Sleep-Stress Cycle
When you're under chronic stress, your body releases elevated levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Cortisol naturally follows a rhythm, peaking in the morning and tapering off at night to allow for rest. But if cortisol remains high in the evening, due to unresolved stress, it can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
At the same time, poor sleep amplifies the body's stress response. Sleep deprivation increases the production of stress hormones, which keeps your body in a constant “fight or flight” mode. This disrupts your nervous system, weakens immune function, and heightens inflammation, further impacting your physical and mental health.
This bidirectional relationship means that supporting sleep quality can directly reduce stress, and vice versa — managing stress can promote better sleep. That’s where bone broth becomes a powerful ally.
How Bone Broth Supports Sleep
Bone broth is rich in glycine, an amino acid that plays a calming role in the central nervous system. Glycine can:
- Improve sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep)
- Enhance sleep efficiency and depth
- Lower core body temperature to signal your brain it’s time for rest
A small clinical research paper published in PubMed states that glycine supplementation before bedtime improved subjective sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness, suggesting its potential as a natural sleep aid.
In addition to glycine, bone broth contains:
Magnesium and calcium, minerals that help regulate melatonin and relax muscles
Gelatin and collagen, which support gut health, another key player in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influences sleep and mood
A Natural Bedtime Ritual
Instead of turning to sleep medications or stimulants, try adding a warm mug of beef bone broth with collagen to your nighttime routine. It’s a gentle, nourishing way to prepare your body for rest while also feeding it the nutrients it needs to repair and recover overnight.
If you're struggling with the stress-sleep cycle, a simple habit like sipping bone broth in the evening could be the first step to resetting your rhythm naturally.
Why Choose Australian Bone Broth Co. Products?
When it comes to bone broth, quality matters.
Australian Bone Broth Co. offers premium products crafted from ethically sourced, grass-fed Australian beef, free from artificial additives.
Their Beef Bone Broth Concentrate and Beef Broth with Collagen are rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals — ideal for supporting inflammation management, stress reduction, and better sleep.
Explore the full product range here.
Conclusion
Bone broth is more than just a warming beverage — it is a functional food with science-backed benefits for inflammation, stress, and sleep.
By delivering collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals in an easy-to-absorb form, bone broth can play a powerful role in any wellness routine.
If you're seeking a natural way to support your health, manage inflammation, and improve sleep, start with a cup of premium beef bone broth today.
Explore Australian Bone Broth Co.’s collection to find the perfect product for your needs.