Bone broth has been a healing food for many generations across cultures, and the benefits are numerous. Among these benefits, did you know it can serve as an excellent recovery drink pre- or post-workout? 

From professional athletes to those just starting their fitness journey, recovery gives the body time to repair, rebuild, and strengthen itself between workouts. Participating in physical activity, especially intense exercise, creates tiny tears in the muscles, which over time, create bigger and stronger muscles. This tear-repair process occurs during the workout AND the recovery period, so providing your body with the right nutrition pre- and post-workout to heal and rebuild muscles is key. 

So how does bone broth support recovery? Here are four ways:

1. Hydration and electrolyte replacement and balance-

Electrolytes help your body maintain balance through electrical charges (which is how muscles contract) and regulate fluid in and out of cells. Breaking a sweat while working out causes your body to lose electrolytes and water through sweat. Staying hydrated and having an appropriate electrolyte balance are essential, especially for recovery. Bone broth contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and water. Drinking bone broth post-workout can aid in replenishing electrolytes lost and rehydration.

2. Joint health-

Workouts like running can be tough on the joints. Overuse and aging can contribute to the deterioration of our joints, making them more susceptible to injury. Some research suggests oral collagen can improve joint pain, notably in athletes. Collagen consists of connective tissues and amino acids (building blocks of protein) that are important in building joints and ligaments. The intake of collagen, like bone broth, zinc, and vitamin C, may help strengthen these tissues.

3. Source of protein to rebuild muscle-

Protein is necessary for muscle development, among other essential bodily functions like creating hormones, antibodies, and enzymes. The protein in bone broth is primarily collagen. In an 8oz serving, our Azuluna Foods Pasture Raised Chicken Bone Broth contains 14g of protein, providing a healthy dose of protein with relatively few calories.

4. Anti-inflammatory properties-

Engaging in physical activity involves a degree of inflammation as you’re putting your body under stress, even if it’s eustress! It’s also not uncommon for those working out, namely athletes, to experience overuse or injuries. Bone broth has anti-inflammatory amino acids, like glycine and proline, that can speed up recovery. Our bone broth also contains herbs and spices that can help reduce inflammation, like turmeric. 

Bottom-line- Our pasture-raised chicken bone broth has a multitude of benefits, including being an excellent drink for workout recovery.