As soon I knew for sure I wanted to partner with Vital Proteins, I knew that this post, why I believe in gelatin for gut healing, would be the first post I shared with you.
…because I whole-heartedly do believe in gelatin for gut healing.
Have you ever made my “super-famous” bone broth? Of course you have. But here is a common question/complaint I get,
After I made your bone broth, I put it in the fridge because there was so much leftover. When I woke up in the morning to make a cup, I was so grossed out. There was a huge layer of fat sitting on top. Is that normal?
The answer is this: Yes, it’s normal. Yes, you should use it. And yes, it’s where a lot of the broth “magic” is hidden. (Also, vegetable broth does not have this, which is – in my opinion – 99% why it lacks flavor. Fat = flavor, mmmmmkay?) The only caveat to this is if you are not using super high-quality meat and bones because then the (new-ish) fear is that your broth could be hurting you more than helping.
Anyways, back to that layer. That layer is the gelatin, even though most refer to it as collagen. Vital Proteins details it here, saying, “Beef collagen is a form of gelatin….”
According to the Townsend Letter (which is highly respected),
It (gelatin) is usually encountered in powdered form, but gelatin also describes the collagen extracted into broth. Properly prepared broth will gel, just like Jell-O, when cooled, because collagen is rubbery and flexible. Webster’s Dictionary defines gelatin as “the…substance extracted by boiling bones, hoofs, and animal tissues.”16 Since collagen is present in both bone and cartilage, it can be extracted from either of the two connective tissues and be labeled as gelatin.
Gelatin History
In Gelatin in Nutrition and Medicine, Dr. Gotthoffer displays the findings of several gelatin surveys that were conducted from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. According to that same article via Townsend Letter,
….one general area of health prescription clearly comes to the fore, and that is digestion. Most notably, he refers to over 30 years of research on gelatin’s ability to improve the digestion of milk. In the early 1900s gelatin was therefore recommended as an ingredient in infant formula, to decrease allergic reactions, colic and respiratory ailments. Gelatin was also reported to increase the digestibility of beans and meat (which gives credence to the practice of serving meat with gravy). It was also found that gelatin increased the utilization of the protein in wheat, oats and barley, all gluten containing grains.
Other things Gotthoffer found it beneficial for were:
- hyper- and hypo-stomach acidity
- broth is healing and coating to the gastrointestinal lining
- its ability to calm and soothe
- improve body weight as well as bone mineral density in states of protein undernutrition
- help cancer patients who have lost weight
Why I Believe in Gelatin for Gut Healing
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The Townsend Letter article concluded on gelatin with this,
Gelatin (broth) can be considered for use in the following conditions: food allergies, dairy maldigestion, colic, bean maldigestion, meat maldigestion, grain maldigestion, hypochlorhydria, hyperacidity (gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, ulcer, hiatal hernia) inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, malnutrition, weight loss, muscle wasting, cancer, osteoporosis, calcium deficiency and anemia.
Quite honestly, there is nothing else profound I can add for why I believe in gelatin for gut healing.
All of those reasons, in summation, are why I believe in it.
Many of them are reasons you all would believe in it, too….as you live with one or several of the conditions listed above. When I was super rigid with gelatin supplementation daily, I was at my best. I have returned to it, most days of the week.
Why Vital Proteins Gelatin?
With various gelatin brands on the market, why would you choose Vital Proteins?
- Their sourcing and sustainability. “….are sourced from the hide of Brazilian grass-fed cattle, predominantly the Nelore breed. These hides are a byproduct of the cattle industry, which means that the cattle are first used for their meat. At Vital Proteins, we are advocates of using the whole animal whenever possible, helping to reduce waste and improve sustainability.” Furthermore, “Since the cattle were pasture-raised and grass fed, this eliminates the risk of rBGH in their feed. Brazil also has a law (Decree No 57 824 Article 4(4)) which prohibits the addition of hormones to feed. The hormone rBGH is typically injected into dairy cows to make them produce more milk. The Nelore breed is not a dairy producing cow and is strictly used as a beef breed. Based on these factors, the collagen is derived from bovine hide without the use of hormones like rBGH.”
- Animal Wellfare Alliance. I desperately wanted to heal my gut with a Vegetarian Diet. It didn’t work (for me). In fact, to a degree I got worse (a topic for another day). But what I’m still set on, is eating the highest quality meat and other animal products as often as possible. Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin is, “sourced in alignment with the 5-step animal welfare rating standard set by the Global Animal Partnership.”
- I trust them. I have been in contact with Vital Proteins for a couple years now. My main contact is always responsive, helpful, and truly interested in wanting to help me communicate their product and brand in the best way possible. The only thing I have yet to do with the brand is physically go there (on my list!) to meet them. And when I trust a brand, I’m always likely to choose it no matter what and recommend it to friends and family.
You can learn more about Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin and buy it HERE.
I’m looking forward to sharing many more Vital Proteins things with you throughout the rest of 2018, including recipes and ways to use their products. If there is something in particular you’d like to know or recipe you’d like to see using the product(s), please EMAIL ME.
Disclosure: This post is a paid partnership with Vital Proteins. All opinions stated here are 100% my own. I appreciate your support, as this compensation helps with expenses to keep this blog up and running, and for me to continue sharing all that I can with you. For my full disclaimer and disclosure click HERE. Thank you for your support!
Xox,
SKH
You will heal. I will help.
Núria
October 25, 2018 at 7:13 pmHi Sarah, I would like to thank you for all the information you share in this page and instagram, it is really helpful for me suffering IBS-D for too many years. I am writting you from Barcelona 🙂
I also do believe in gelatin and I will try Vital protein beef gelatin.
How do you eat it? Do you add something like fruit juice ? I am fructose intolerance and I am wondering what I can add to the gelatin to make it more tasty. Can you reccomend something?
Many thanks
Sarah Kay Hoffman
November 9, 2018 at 12:49 pmHi! I think you will enjoy this post, Nuria –> http://agutsygirl.com/2018/10/22/28-simple-ways-to-incorporate-collagen-and-gelatin-into-your-diet/ Xox
Megan H.
January 6, 2019 at 1:01 pmI have not tried the gelatin, only the regular collagen, but after reading this I definitely need to. I am trying to heal from issues with GERD and working in more broth is on the top of my list. Thank you for this great information!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 6, 2019 at 1:05 pmMost welcome. You will love this for healing!
Kathy Koch
January 6, 2019 at 1:21 pmNo, I have not tried the gelatin.
Danielle
January 6, 2019 at 1:31 pmI have never tried the gelatin, however you’ve definitely convinced me to give it a try!!!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:13 amYay!
McKinnley Hinshaw
January 6, 2019 at 1:42 pmI have used this product and have loved it! I noticed such a change in my skin – it was firm, glowing, and hydrated! My nails also got stronger too! I usually mix it in with my coffee so I know I’m going to get this great product in my system everyday. A gem of a product!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:18 amWhat a lovely testimony for the product. Thank you for sharing, McKinnley!
Hilary
January 6, 2019 at 1:42 pmI have not tried it, but after reading this post I am definitely going to! For low stomach acid, general soothing/healing and healthy body weight. Also want to try the AIP Bread (even though the sugar in the bananas/plantains scares me, having SIBO and candida).
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:17 amMy AIP Bread is soooooo good. In fact, I need to make a batch ASAP.
Sara
January 6, 2019 at 2:27 pmI have not tried the gelatin-only the collagen but I am super interested in it now after reading this post. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:16 amMost welcome!
Kim MacDonald
January 6, 2019 at 2:30 pmNo I have not tried the Gelatin or the collagen, but after reading your posts I really think I need to! Your posts have really encouraged me to really try to improve my gut health as it has been horrible for years and I just want to finally be comfortable!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:16 amLove this, Kim. Nothing changes if nothing changes….
Amy Richardson
January 6, 2019 at 3:50 pmI haven’t tried the gelatin but you have inspired me to try it. Thanks for hour help.
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:15 amLet me know how you like it!
Tiffany Staples
January 6, 2019 at 3:56 pmI have never heard of the importance of gelatin and am so thankful for your wisdom and expertise! Im off to buy the ingredients to make my very first bone broth! Something I’ve read about but never stepped out and tried! Next will be to order some of the Vital Proteins gelatin!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:14 amYay! I think you’re going to love it. Keep me posted.
paige
January 6, 2019 at 4:07 pmI have not tried gelatin before but i love vital proteins!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:15 amGive it a try!
Alli
January 6, 2019 at 4:58 pmSarah,
Thank you so much for all this information. I have never tried the gelatin but I really want to after reading this!! Dealing with SIBO and gut issues for years is no fun! Xoxo <3
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 6, 2019 at 8:59 pmNo fun at all!
Karen
January 6, 2019 at 5:34 pmI have not tried the gelatin, but am up to try it. I had a stomach ulcer a few months ago and that messed up my gut so i’m In the process of healing. These are great tips and you provided great info!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:17 amYou will get better, Karen. Believe it!
Jill
January 6, 2019 at 7:03 pmI use collagen every morning in my ginger tea for healing my gut and joints. Love the travel packs which are so convenient!!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 6, 2019 at 8:58 pmAgreed! I carry things like this with me constantly.
Cassie Wood
January 6, 2019 at 7:37 pmI have only tried the coconut creamer in coffee and it was amazing! I would love to try vital proteins products in all the ways you’ve listed. You havr great recipes and easy guide to add them in. Thanks! Loving all this info!!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 6, 2019 at 8:28 pmYou are most welcome, Cassie!
Erin
January 6, 2019 at 9:23 pmI use Vital Proteins collagen peptides in my coffee every day. I originally bought it for my hair, skin and nails and now I’m hoping it it’ll help with my gut health!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:13 amSo many great benefits when using it.
Erica
January 6, 2019 at 10:32 pmI’ve used their collagen and other brands of gelatin but love Vital Protein’s quality. I recently used gelatin in a low carb brownie recipe I found…. trying to heal/eradicate SIBO so I can move forward with fertility treatment with my functional medicine dr.
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:12 amThat sounds so good, Erica!
Jenn
January 6, 2019 at 11:54 pmThis article makes me want to try their gelatin for sure!!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:12 am🙂
Kylie Goebel
January 7, 2019 at 4:05 amI have heard great things about gelatin, but I have yet to try it. Your post makes me want to give it a try it! I love Vital’s products so much! Their collagen and matcha are my favorite!!
Sarah Kay Hoffman
January 7, 2019 at 11:11 amYes, try it!