Is Bone Broth Healthy - and Worth the Price?

Plus, Diana on hair loss postpartum

Happy Wednesday!

Today, we are taking a look at bone broth. What started as a trend is now commonplace on grocery store shelves. We’re covering what bone broth is, its purported health benefits, and if we think it’s worth the price. Plus a recipe to make your own bone broth, if you’d like.

And MAMA, Diana covers postpartum hair loss and whether hair-loss supplements are worth it. We want to know: did you experience hair loss after giving birth? Join the conversation over in the Nourished Mama Collective!

Postpartum Hair Loss and Supplements: Diana’s Take

The TLDR is that, in my opinion, postpartum hair supplements are a total money grab and not worth it. Postpartum hair loss is incredibly common and, unfortunately, completely natural. During pregnancy, high estrogen levels keep your hair in a prolonged “growth” phase, which is why many people notice thicker, fuller hair. After birth, as estrogen levels drop, that extra hair finally enters its “shedding” phase all at once. What feels like alarming hair loss is really just your body returning to its normal hair growth cycle. Weaning brings another big hormonal shift and a drop in prolactin and estrogen, which can temporarily push more hairs into the shedding phase. I had more hair loss when I weaned than in the first few months postpartum, which I wasn’t totally prepared for!

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When you see influencers posting “before and after” videos of hair supplements, it’s likely just time, and the results would be the same with or without taking a supplement. Save that money and treat yourself to a facial or massage instead.

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What does help is making sure you’re eating enough, especially getting adequate protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a variety of micronutrients. I do recommend continuing to take a prenatal postpartum (especially if you’re breastfeeding) to fill in any nutritional gaps. But skip the “hair, skin, and nails” formulas that contain massive doses of biotin and B vitamins. Your body simply excretes the excess, and there’s no solid research showing that they improve hair growth unless you have an actual deficiency.

I do think eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is helpful for healthy hair. If shedding seems extreme or you notice no regrowth months later, check in with an integrative doctor to rule out thyroid or nutrient issues.

Is Bone Broth Healthy - and Worth the Price?

Dr. Weil's Take:

Bone broth has become a pretty big health trend in recent years, but it’s hardly new. Cultures around the world have simmered bones, vegetables, and herbs for centuries to create nourishing stocks and soups. What’s changed is the renewed interest in its potential health benefits, from gut healing to immune support to joint health, and a growing focus on sourcing high-quality ingredients.

While bone broth is rich in amino acids like glycine, glutamine, and proline, as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium, it’s important to note that evidence for many of its touted benefits remains limited.