Want a Superior Fasting Drink? Or an obvious Food for Detoxing?

Our bodies naturally produce the amino acids glycine and proline.  With age and due to dietary challenges the body produces less - and these two  particularly important amino acids present in grass-fed beef bone broth. Glycine is a simple amino acid necessary in the manufacture of other amino acids. It is a vital component in the production of heme, the part of the blood that carries oxygen. It is also involved in glucogenesis (the manufacture of glucose), supports digestion by enhancing gastric acid secretion, and is essential for wound healing. It is a precursor amino acid for glutathione and large amounts are needed for the liver to detoxify and is critical for liver detoxification after chemical exposure.

Broths can be used in modified fasting and cleansing programs. In these situations, glycine is used to support phase I and II detoxification. During fasting, because little or no food or energy source is being consumed, protein tissues such as muscle often break down. With broth, glycine is consumed, which limits or prevents degeneration during the fast and is also beneficial to the detoxification process.

Proline is an amino acid essential to the structure of collagen and is therefore necessary for healthy bones, skin, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. It is found in small amounts in many foods, but vitamin C is necessary to metabolize proline into its active form. Small amounts can be manufactured by the body, but evidence shows that adequate dietary protein - such as present in Best of the Bone - is necessary to maintain an optimal level of proline in the body. It has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on memory and in the prevention of depression. Glycine and proline are needed for:

• Manufacture of glucose
• Enhancing gastric acid secretion
• Soft tissue and wound healing
• Healthy connective tissue
• Effective detoxification by the liver
• Production of plasma 

Bone broth produces a rubbery gelatine when cooled - and the "Best of the Bone" consists of a thick, gelatin liquid.  Broth made from bones produces a more nutritious gelatine that contains a wide range of minerals and amino acids.  

Gelatin has been found to help heal the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract in cases of inflammation such as irritable bowel syndrome or in "leaky gut syndrome".   That's yet another reason to include broth in your fasting program or simply your daily diet.

Gelatin is rich in the amino acids proline and glycine.  Dr. N.R. Gotthoffeer spent 20 years studying gelatin and found that convalescing adults who have lost weight due to surgery, dysentery, cancer and other diseases fare much better if gelatin is added to their diet.  Studies on gelatin show that it increases the digestion and utilisation of many dietary proteins such as beans, meat and dairy.   Collagen is helpful in: 

• Soft tissue and wound healing
• Formation and repair of cartilage and bone
• Healing and coating the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract
• Facilitating digestion and assimilation of proteins and minerals

Rebuilding the Body

Bone broth, especially slow-cooked for 50+ hours such as Best of the Bone, contains bone marrow which has myeloid and lymphoid stem cells. The foundations for red and white blood cells, these cells build immunity, assist with blood clotting and help provide oxygen to cells. Collagen, the protein-rich substance that cooks down to gelatin, can also help repair the body. Collagen deficiency can lead to poor wound healing, easy bruising and bleeding gums. Collagen in bone marrow can help the body rebuild itself, says Micleu.

Easing Digestion and Healing the GI Tract

Dr. Auer prescribes bone marrow in the form of bone broth to his patients suffering from inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, gluten intolerance and leaky gut syndrome. He notes that, for people with digestive disorders who may have trouble digesting supplements or other certain foods, bone marrow's collagen can provide nutrition while rebuilding damaged tissues and intestinal lining. Marrow's immune-boosting capabilities can also speed up the healing process for people trying to overcome these conditions, he says.

And one more reason for broth as a "fasting" food - it doesn't raise your glycemic index (which causes inflammation.  And broth has almost no carbohydrates.  Again, great for shedding those kilos or pounds and inches.