Why I Turned to Bone Broth on My Healing Journey

When the conversation of me possibly having an autoimmune disease first came up, I immediately started looking for holistic approaches to help support my symptoms. I’ve never been a big fan of taking medication unless it’s absolutely necessary. Growing up in a Latino family, holistic remedies were just part of life. There was always some kind of home-made concoction — teas, broths, oils — created with the intention to heal, not just mask symptoms.

I watched how those remedies often worked just as well, and sometimes better, than medications that felt like temporary Band-Aids. They rarely addressed the root cause — only the symptom. That belief stayed with me into adulthood.

One of the first things that came up in my research for joint pain and inflammation was bone broth. I learned that bone broth, when taken consistently over time, can be incredibly supportive for joint health because it’s rich in collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals that help repair connective tissue, reduce inflammation, and support gut health — which plays a huge role in immune function.

At the time, my joint pain was at its worst — especially in my wrists and feet. It became so severe that simple movements felt overwhelming. Buckling my seatbelt, writing, or even lifting my work bag caused intense pain. These were things I never thought twice about before, and suddenly they felt impossible.

That’s when I started my bone broth journey about three years ago. I committed to taking it every single day on an empty stomach, alongside other lifestyle changes. And honestly, within about two months, I noticed a significant shift. The joint pain in my wrists went from about an 10 out of 10 to closer to a 5. It wasn’t overnight, and it wasn’t a miracle cure — but it was real, noticeable progress.

As I continued learning, I discovered that using chicken feet specifically for bone broth made a huge difference. Chicken feet are incredibly rich in collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, and chondroitin — compounds that directly support joint health and mobility. When paired with powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger and turmeric, the broth became even more supportive for calming inflammation and soothing the body from the inside out.

What I love most about this approach is that it honors the body’s natural ability to heal when given the right tools. Holistic healing isn’t about rejecting modern medicine — it’s about working with the body instead of against it.

Now, as a nutritionist, so many of these remedies are supported not only by ancestral wisdom, but also by science and formal education. I always encourage my clients to explore holistic approaches where possible, especially for long-term support, with the goal of minimizing excessive pharmaceutical use — as long as it’s safe, appropriate, and done in collaboration with their doctor.

There is so much power in nourishment, consistency, and listening to the body. Sometimes healing doesn’t come from adding more — but from returning to what has always worked.