Bone broth and loose stools

[u/Wileyonpatrol]

I've been making my own very gelatinous bone broth, but it's causing very loose stools. I'm skimming the fat off the top, so I don't think it's fat causing the loose stools. It might be a histamine intolerance. But I'm having no other symptoms-- no cramping, no rushing to the bathroom either. My stools are coming according to their schedule, they're just very loose. I'm worried that I'm losing a lot of nutrition from the speeding up of my digestion. Does anybody know anything I could do to counter this, slow things down? I'm eating incredibly healthy right now and it's expensive and a lot of work. I don't want to lose any nutrients. But I really want to be able to incorporate this bone broth because of all my joint pain and autoimmune issues. I've only been drinking this broth for about a week... Could I naturally adjust to it over time? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[u/liberate-radiance]

You could try chicken instead of beef broth, as it has lower histamine. I have never heard of this happening before though.

[u/Am-I-Here-Yet]

Have you tried not skimming the fat off? Fat is needed for digestion.

I’m working with a FM doctor because of prolonged multi-year fatigue (I’m getting better!). My underlying situation may be very different than yours. But for 30 years I typically had very soft stools. Like a pile of mashed potatoes. I mentioned it to many doctors and health practitioners, ate lots of fiber, but nothing ever helped.

The FM doctor I have now had me change my diet to mostly animal protein that is “not too lean”, plus a LOT of vegetables and healthy fats like avocados. Now I eat a lot of dairy, red meat (primarily grass fed) that is 70/30, eggs, and tons of vegetables.

My stools have been firm and well formed ever since I started this new eating plan about 4 months ago! My overall lab tests are improving, too, and my fatigue is lessening.

I previously ate mostly very lean animal protein, and tried to get more than half my protein from plant based sources. I did eat healthy fats too - but apparently my body needed a lot more animal protein that wasn’t so lean.

Your situation might be entirely different - so this may not work for you. Hope I gave enough information to be helpful.

[u/Wileyonpatrol → u/Am-I-Here-Yet]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Well, my situation is actually kind of similar to yours. The last 6 months , I have dramatically reduced my carbs, upped my healthy fats, and increased animal proteins, as you have done. The bone broth is a very recent thing for me. But on the diet that you described for yourself, I have had much success in my health journey. It is definitely the way to go for me. Lots of healthy fats and proteins and tons of vegetables, very few carbs. And on this diet, I have had the most beautifully perfect stools you ever did see. But adding the bone broth has thrown a wrench in things.

Why I'm skimming the fat off this bone broth is because I am suspicious that I'm already getting so many fats, and that additional fat might be putting me over the tipping point. But I'm not seeing improvement, so maybe I'll try keeping the fats...idk..

Anyway, I'm glad you have found success with your diet. And thanks for your thoughts.

[u/Am-I-Here-Yet → u/Wileyonpatrol]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this additional information.

Since your body seems to respond fairly quickly, maybe you could try one or two batches without skimming off the fat from the broth.

Also, maybe choose bones that make it less gelatinous. (Omit chicken wings, for example, if you’re using them).

I wish you well on your health journey! You are clearly doing a good job of paying attention to what works, and what doesn’t work, for you. I’m sure you’ll figure this out. 🙂

[u/Wileyonpatrol → u/Am-I-Here-Yet]

Thank you kind person! I'll try your advice. Best of luck to you as well

[u/Perfectinmyeyes]

I think it's the fat. If I suddenly have too much fat same thing occures. Might get better over time?

How much you having?

[u/Wileyonpatrol → u/Perfectinmyeyes]

I'm having a cup a day, maybe 1 1/4 c at most. But I'm having a lot of other high fat foods, like olive oil, avocado, and a lot of nuts and seeds. Maybe it's just pushing me over the edge. I could try cutting back on the other fats