Is Bone Broth Good for IBS?
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can make everyday eating feel like a challenge. Many people spend years trying to identify foods that help them feel their best while avoiding those that trigger uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
Bone broth has become increasingly popular among people looking for simple, nourishing foods that are gentle on the digestive system. But can bone broth actually help if you have IBS?
While bone broth is not a treatment or cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, many people choose to include it as part of a balanced diet because it is naturally high in protein, easy to prepare and typically contains only a handful of simple ingredients.
In this guide, we'll look at what IBS is, what current research says, and whether bone broth may have a place in an IBS-friendly diet.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Can Bone Broth Help IBS?
At present, there is no strong clinical evidence showing that bone broth treats or cures IBS.
However, many people choose bone broth because it is:
- Easy to digest
- Naturally rich in protein
- Free from fibre when prepared as a clear broth
- Versatile enough to enjoy as a drink or in meals
For some people, eating simple foods during periods of digestive discomfort may feel more comfortable than eating large or highly processed meals.
Everyone with IBS is different, so foods that suit one person may not suit another.
Why Some People Choose Bone Broth
1. A Simple Food with Few Ingredients
Many commercially prepared meals contain long ingredient lists, additives and flavourings.
Traditional bone broth is typically made from:
- Bones
- Water
- Vegetables
- Herbs
- Seasonings
Choosing foods with simple ingredient lists can make it easier to understand which foods suit your individual digestive system.
2. Naturally High in Protein
Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass and supports normal body function.
Bone broth provides a convenient way to increase protein intake, particularly if your appetite is reduced during periods of digestive discomfort.
3. Naturally Contains Collagen
Bone broth naturally contains collagen, gelatin and amino acids that are released during the slow cooking process.
Although these compounds are often discussed in relation to digestive health, more high-quality research is needed before conclusions can be made about their effects on IBS symptoms.
4. Warm and Comforting
Many people simply enjoy drinking a warm mug of bone broth.
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, particularly during periods of diarrhoea, and a warm savoury drink can be a pleasant alternative to tea or coffee.
Is Bone Broth Low FODMAP?
Many plain bone broths can fit within a low-FODMAP diet, particularly when they contain only simple ingredients.
However, some recipes include ingredients such as:
- Onion
- Garlic
- High-FODMAP vegetables
These may not be suitable for everyone following a low-FODMAP eating plan.
If you are following a low-FODMAP diet, always check the ingredient list or seek advice from a registered dietitian.
Foods That Commonly Trigger IBS
IBS triggers differ between individuals, but some commonly reported foods include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Beans and pulses
- Highly processed foods
- Excess alcohol
- Too much caffeine
- Certain fruits and vegetables
Keeping a food diary can help identify your own personal triggers.
What to Look for When Choosing Bone Broth
Other Lifestyle Tips for Managing IBS
While no single food works for everyone, many people find it helpful to:
- Eat regular meals
- Stay hydrated
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress where possible
- Identify personal trigger foods
- Seek medical advice if symptoms change or worsen
IBS management is often highly individual, and what works well for one person may not work for another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bone broth good for IBS?
Bone broth may be a suitable addition to an IBS-friendly diet for some people because it is generally easy to digest and naturally high in protein. However, it is not a treatment or cure for IBS.
Can I drink bone broth every day?
Bone broth can be enjoyed regularly as part of a balanced diet if it suits your nutritional needs and individual digestive tolerance.
Is bone broth low FODMAP?
Plain bone broth without onion, garlic or other high-FODMAP ingredients may fit within a low-FODMAP diet, but recipes vary, so always check the ingredients.
Does collagen help IBS?
Bone broth naturally contains collagen, but there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that collagen improves IBS symptoms.
Conclusion
IBS affects everyone differently, making it important to find foods that work for your individual needs.
Although current research does not show that bone broth treats IBS, many people choose to include it as part of a balanced diet because it is simple, nourishing, naturally high in protein and easy to incorporate into everyday meals.
Whether enjoyed as a warming drink or used in cooking, bone broth can be a versatile pantry staple for anyone looking for wholesome, traditional foods.
Looking for Traditional Bone Broth?
At British Broth Company, we make our bone broth using traditional slow-cooking methods with British ingredients and no unnecessary fillers or added sugars.
Our dehydrated bone broth is naturally high in protein, easy to store and simple to prepare whenever you need it.
Explore our range of traditional bone broths today.