Why is bone broth good for you first thing in the morning?

October 18, 2025 •

3 min read

Overnight, your body enters a fasting state, and the first thing you consume has a profound impact on your metabolism and digestive system. This is precisely why is bone broth good for you first thing in the morning, offering a potent dose of easily absorbed nutrients to kickstart your day on a nourishing note.

Quick Summary

A warm mug of bone broth in the morning provides restorative amino acids and collagen to support gut health and offer sustained energy. It aids in rehydration, reduces inflammation, and contains protein to promote satiety and curb cravings throughout the day.

Key Points

Gut Health Support: Amino acids like glutamine and gelatin in bone broth soothe and help repair the mucosal lining of the digestive tract, especially beneficial on an empty stomach.
Sustained Energy: Glycine stabilizes blood sugar, providing steady energy throughout the morning without the crash associated with caffeine or sugar.
Enhanced Hydration: Packed with natural electrolytes, a cup of bone broth effectively rehydrates you after a night of sleep.
Improved Skin, Hair, and Nails: The easily absorbed collagen and gelatin help boost the body's natural synthesis of these proteins, promoting a healthier, more vibrant appearance.
Joint and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Compounds like collagen and glycine work to reduce inflammation and support the health and mobility of joints.
Appetite Control: The high protein content keeps you feeling full and satisfied longer, helping to curb cravings later in the day.

Kickstarting Your Digestive System Gently

Your digestive system slows down while you sleep, and introducing a heavy or acidic breakfast can be a shock to your gut. Drinking bone broth first thing in the morning acts as a gentle, nourishing wake-up call. The slow cooking process breaks down bone and connective tissue, making its nutrients highly bioavailable and easy for your body to absorb.

The Role of Collagen and Gelatin for Gut Health

Bone broth is rich in gelatin, the cooked form of collagen, which plays a protective role in the gut lining. Amino acids like glutamine and proline support the integrity of the intestinal wall, which is essential for nutrient absorption and can help soothe and heal a "leaky gut". By consuming it on an empty stomach, you deliver these restorative compounds directly to your digestive tract, promoting better function for the rest of the day.

Sustained Energy Without the Crash

Many people reach for coffee or sugary cereals for a morning energy boost, but these often lead to a mid-day crash. Bone broth offers a more stable and lasting source of energy, primarily due to its amino acid content, particularly glycine. Glycine helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing the spikes and crashes associated with high-carbohydrate breakfasts. This amino acid also helps regulate the nervous system and can improve mood, promoting a calm yet focused energy throughout the day.

Comparing Bone Broth and Coffee for Morning Energy


Feature	Bone Broth	Coffee
Energy Source	Sustained and steady from protein and amino acids.	Quick, temporary boost from caffeine, often followed by a crash.
Gut Impact	Soothing and healing due to gelatin and glutamine content.	Can be acidic and irritating to the stomach lining for some individuals.
Nutritional Value	Rich in minerals, collagen, and amino acids.	Very low in calories and nutrients, unless additives are used.
Hydration	Naturally rich in hydrating electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.	A diuretic, potentially contributing to dehydration.

Youthful Skin, Hair, and Nails

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein and is crucial for the health and elasticity of skin, hair, and nails. As we age, our natural collagen production declines, which can lead to signs of aging like wrinkles and less supple skin. Starting your day with bone broth provides your body with the raw materials needed to help support collagen synthesis. When consumed on an empty stomach, these nutrients are absorbed efficiently, allowing them to nourish your body from the inside out. This can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant appearance over time.

Joint Support and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Beyond skin deep, the benefits of bone broth extend to your joints and overall inflammatory response. The collagen and gelatin in the broth are key components for maintaining the integrity of cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions joints. Additionally, amino acids like glycine have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and irritation. A morning ritual of drinking bone broth provides a consistent supply of these compounds, which is essential for supporting joint health and mobility over the long term. For those with conditions like arthritis, the anti-inflammatory properties can be particularly beneficial in managing symptoms.

Optimal Absorption on an Empty Stomach

One of the main reasons to consume bone broth first thing in the morning is the optimal state of your digestive system. Your body has been fasting all night, and a warm, nourishing liquid is easy to digest and absorb. This allows your body to efficiently utilize the amino acids, collagen, and minerals extracted from the bones. A gentle absorption of these nutrients helps set the stage for better digestion and nutrient uptake throughout the entire day. For best results, allow 20-30 minutes after drinking before consuming your regular breakfast.

Conclusion

Incorporating bone broth into your morning routine offers a simple yet powerful way to nourish your body from the inside out. From gently stimulating your digestive system and providing sustained energy to supporting gut health, beautiful skin, and strong joints, the benefits are numerous. By replacing your morning coffee with a nutrient-dense mug of bone broth, you can avoid the mid-day energy crash and promote long-term wellness. While it is not a magical cure-all, it is a wholesome, traditional remedy that can be a valuable addition to a holistic approach to health. For those looking to optimize their well-being, starting the day with this golden elixir is an excellent habit to cultivate.

Yahoo Health - Bone Broth: 4 Reasons Wellness Experts Are Obsessed (Plus Recipe!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking bone broth on an empty stomach allows your body to more efficiently absorb the potent nutrients and amino acids without competition from other foods. This makes it particularly effective for gut healing and hydration first thing in the morning.

Bone broth is an excellent, non-caffeinated alternative to coffee. It provides sustained energy through protein and amino acids rather than caffeine, avoiding the jitters and mid-day energy crash often associated with coffee.

Bone broth can support weight management due to its high protein content, which promotes a feeling of fullness and reduces overall calorie intake. The amino acids also help boost metabolism and promote fat loss.

The time it takes to see results varies, but many people report noticing improved digestion and mood within a couple of weeks. More significant, long-term benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joints typically require consistent consumption over several months.

Bone broth is simmered for a much longer period (12-48 hours) using bones and connective tissue, which extracts significantly more collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals than a standard stock. This makes it far more nutrient-dense.

Yes, making your own bone broth is a popular and cost-effective method. You can simmer bones from beef, chicken, or fish with vegetables and herbs for an extended period to create a nutrient-rich broth.

While bone broth is rich in many amino acids, it is not a complete protein on its own. It should be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources to ensure you get all the essential amino acids.