Is Bone Broth Good for Heat Exhaustion?

Partly: If a person with heat exhaustion is alert and able to swallow, cooled bone broth can provide fluid and, if it contains sodium, help replace salt lost through sweating.

Bone broth is an extra option, not the first or only response to heat exhaustion. Cooling the person and replacing fluids come first. For food ideas during recovery, see the best foods for heat exhaustion.

Is bone broth enough for heat exhaustion?

No. Heat exhaustion can occur after exposure to heat, especially when a person loses fluid and salt through sweating. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and thirst.

Move the person to a cool place, stop physical activity and begin cooling them. If they are fully alert and can swallow, offer small, frequent sips of a cool drink. Bone broth can be considered alongside these measures, but it should not delay medical care when symptoms are concerning.

How can bone broth help with heat exhaustion?

Bone broth contains water, which can contribute to replacing fluid lost through sweat. Depending on how it is made, it may also contain sodium, an electrolyte that helps the body maintain fluid balance. Sweat contains sodium as well as water.

The amount of sodium in bone broth varies. Check the nutrition label on packaged bone broth; homemade bone broth can be harder to assess. Neither type is a standardized rehydration solution, so do not assume a serving replaces the amount of salt a person has lost.

Other drinks for heat exhaustion may be more practical when a person needs to rehydrate. Bone broth does not cool the body as quickly as moving out of the heat and applying cool water.

What does the evidence say about bone broth for heat exhaustion?

There are no studies in the evidence reviewed here that directly test bone broth for heat exhaustion. Its potential usefulness is based on its fluid and possible sodium content, not on clinical evidence that bone broth improves recovery.

The amount of fluid and sodium a person needs depends on the situation, including how much they have sweated and their health conditions. Bone broth should therefore be treated as an optional source of fluid, not a proven treatment or a substitute for an appropriate rehydration drink.

How should you use bone broth for heat exhaustion?

First, move to an air-conditioned building or a shaded area and remove unnecessary clothing. Cool the skin with cool water and a fan, or apply cool, wet cloths. Rest and avoid returning to the heat or strenuous activity while recovering.

If the person is alert, not vomiting and able to swallow normally, offer small, frequent sips of cool water. For prolonged sweating or substantial fluid and salt loss, an oral rehydration solution or an electrolyte-containing drink may be more suitable; follow the product directions.

Once the person is cooling down and drinking comfortably, cooled bone broth can be an additional option. Serve it cool rather than hot, and check the sodium on the label if using a packaged product. Refrigerate prepared bone broth promptly and follow its storage instructions.

Do not force large amounts of any drink or rely on bone broth alone. If nausea or vomiting prevents the person from drinking, seek medical help promptly; they may need fluids administered by a health professional.

Who should be careful, and when should you seek help?

Contact a medical professional promptly for suspected heat exhaustion, especially if symptoms are significant or not improving with cooling and rest. Get prompt help if symptoms worsen, the person repeatedly vomits or they cannot drink. Older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with underlying health conditions may need earlier assessment.

People with kidney disease, heart failure or high blood pressure, and those taking diuretics or following a sodium or fluid restriction, should ask a clinician about appropriate rehydration. Bone broth can contain considerable sodium, but restricting fluids on your own during a heat illness can also be risky. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.

Call emergency services immediately if the person is confused, faints, has a seizure or is difficult to wake: these can be signs of heat stroke, a medical emergency. Move them out of the heat and cool them rapidly with cold water or cold, wet cloths while help is on the way. Do not give a drink to someone who is confused, unconscious or unable to swallow safely.