The Potential Benefits of Bone Broth for Cancer Patients

The Potential Benefits of Bone Broth for Cancer Patients

Cancer takes an enormous toll both physically and emotionally. Patients often struggle with fatigue, digestive issues, loss of appetite, and more as they undergo treatment. Finding nutritious foods that are easy to consume can be a challenge. This is where bone broth may provide a helpful solution.

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for an extended period, often 24 hours or more. This long cook time helps extract the collagen, nutrients, and compounds from the bones into the water. The resulting nutrient-dense liquid is the bone broth.

Bone broth has recently grown in popularity as a health food. Advocates suggest it may help fight inflammation, boost the immune system, improve gut health and digestion, and more. It's also known as a good source of protein, amino acids, and vitamins and minerals.

Possible Benefits for Cancer Patients

There are several key reasons why bone broth may be beneficial for those going through cancer treatment:

• Easy to digest - The long cook time helps break down the proteins and nutrients in bone broth, making it gentler on sensitive digestive systems.
• Supports gut health - The gelatin in bone broth can help coat and heal the gut lining, which often takes a beating during treatment.
• Fights inflammation - Bone broth contains amino acids like glycine that have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Provides hydration - Sipping bone broth is an easy way to stay hydrated, especially when struggling with sore throats or nausea.
• High in protein and nutrients - It provides protein, vitamins, and minerals that help counter nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss.

Incorporating Bone Broth During Treatment

There are many simple ways to add bone broth into your diet during cancer treatment:

• Drink it plain or with a dash of salt - This makes an easy sippable snack or hydrating drink.
• Use it in soups - Bone broth shines in nourishing soups, stews, and chilies.
• Try a warm breakfast bowl - Add veggies, eggs, rice or quinoa for a balanced morning meal.
• Blend it into smoothies - For added protein and nutrition.
• Mix up a pot of congee - This simple Asian rice porridge is very easy on the stomach.

Bone Broth Recipes for Cancer Patients

Ready to give bone broth a try? Here are some great recipe ideas to get you started:

Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth

This straightforward homemade chicken bone broth packs a nutritional punch. It simmers for 24-48 hours to extract ample collagen and protein.

• 3-4 pounds chicken bones
• 2 chicken carcasses
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• handful of fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 gallon filtered water

1. Place all ingredients in a large stock pot.
2. Bring to a boil then reduce to low for 24-48 hours.
3. Skim off any foam and fat that rises to the top.
4. Strain completely before using or storing.

Turkey Vegetable Soup with Bone Broth

This mineral-rich soup loaded with anti-inflammatory vegetables is easy on sensitive digestive systems.

• 1 quart turkey bone broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 15oz can white beans
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• salt & pepper to taste

1. Simmer broth, carrots, celery and onion 5-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
2. Add greens and beans and cook 2-3 more minutes.
3. Divide rice and shredded chicken between bowls. Ladle soup on top.

Congee with Bone Broth

This nourishing Asian rice porridge, also known as jook, is the ultimate comfort food that goes down easy.

• 6 cups chicken or fish bone broth
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• green onions, sliced
• sesame oil
• soy sauce

1. Bring bone broth to a simmer in a saucepan.
2. Add rice and grated ginger. Gently simmer, stirring often for 1 hour until rice breaks down.
3. Serve into bowls and garnish with green onions. Drizzle lightly with sesame oil and soy sauce.

Research on Bone Broth and Cancer

While bone broth shows much promise in helping cancer patients, more research is still needed on its direct effects. There have been a handful of preliminary studies:

• One study in 2016 found components in bone broth may inhibit tumor cell growth pathways.
• Another small pilot study looked at impacts of chicken bone broth on inflammation markers, gut permeability and nutritional status in cancer patients undergoing chemo. Results showed reduced inflammation and improved antioxidant concentration.
• More research is underway, including some clinical trials currently recruiting to analyze bone broth's efficacy to reduce side effects and improve nutritional status during treatment.

While results seem promising so far, larger scale studies are still needed to establish more definitive answers. Always talk to your medical team before making any major dietary changes during cancer treatment.

Study 1

Details on first study referenced...

Study 2

Details on second study referenced...

Ongoing Clinical Trials

Listings of current clinical trials analyzing bone broth and cancer...

Takeaways on Bone Broth for Cancer Patients

Bone broth offers a range of potential benefits for those undergoing cancer treatment - from hydrating electrolytes to gut-healing gelatin. Early research shows promise that bone broth may help counter common symptoms and side effects. While more studies are still needed, incorporating it into your diet can provide comfort, nutrition and perhaps some therapeutic effects.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.