At BONEnBLOOM, we don’t separate the body from the mind. Not philosophically, not biologically, and not in practice.
From a psychology science perspective, this makes sense: cognition, mood, motivation.
The Science of Whole-Food Foundations
Why Beef Blood, Beef Liver, and Apple Cider Vinegar Belong in the Same Physiological Conversation
BONEnBLOOM’s Education Hub - Psychology Science Perspective
Abstract
Contemporary discussions of mental health often emphasise psychological and behavioural interventions while under-acknowledging the physiological substrates that enable cognitive and emotional regulation. From a psychological science perspective, the brain is an organ embedded within broader biological systems, including blood health, digestion, and micronutrient availability (McEwen & Gianaros, 2011). This article explores the physiological and neurobehavioral rationale for BONEnBLOOM’s foundational trio, beef blood, beef liver, and encapsulated apple cider vinegar, as complementary supports for nervous system function. Drawing on neuroscience, nutritional biochemistry, and behavioural science, we argue that supporting foundational physiology may reduce compensatory neural load and create conditions more conducive to psychological resilience. This framework does not replace therapy, medication, or medical care; rather, it aligns with a biopsychosocial model that recognises physiology as an active contributor to mental health.
The Brain Is an Organ (And Organs Need Resources)
The human brain, despite representing approximately 2% of body weight, consumes close to 20% of the body’s resting oxygen supply (Attwell & Laughlin, 2001). This metabolic demand reflects the energetic cost of synaptic transmission, action potential propagation, and neurotransmitter cycling.
Psychological symptoms such as fatigue, impaired concentration, low motivation, and emotional dysregulation are often discussed in cognitive or behavioural terms. However, mounting evidence indicates that these experiences are frequently influenced and sometimes constrained by physiological variables such as oxygen delivery, inflammatory burden, and micronutrient status (McEwen, 2007; Kaplan et al., 2020).
Beef Blood: Oxygen Availability and Cognitive Capacity
1.1 Iron and Neural Energy Metabolism
Iron is essential for haemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport, as well as mitochondrial electron transport and ATP production (Beard & Connor, 2003). Heme iron, found exclusively in animal tissues, demonstrates higher bioavailability than non-heme iron due to its distinct absorption pathway (Hurrell & Egli, 2010).
1.2 Neuropsychological Effects of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency has been associated with:
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impaired attention and executive function
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reduced dopamine synthesis
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altered myelination
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increased fatigue and decreased cognitive endurance
(Lozoff et al., 2006; Tolkien et al., 2015).
From a psychological lens, these manifestations are often misinterpreted as motivational deficits or mood disturbances rather than reflections of reduced neuroenergetic capacity.
Beef blood does not act as a stimulant. Instead, it supports oxygen delivery and iron-dependent neurochemical processes, reducing the compensatory load placed on cognitive and emotional regulation systems.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Digestion, Absorption, and Allostatic Load
2.1 Digestion as a Stress-Modulating System
Digestive efficiency plays a significant role in systemic stress regulation. Chronic digestive strain has been linked to increased allostatic load, a construct describing the cumulative physiological cost of repeated adaptation to stressors (McEwen & Stellar, 1993).
Gastrointestinal distress is frequently comorbid with anxiety and mood disorders, mediated in part by gut–brain axis signalling and inflammatory pathways (Mayer et al., 2015).
2.2 Acetic Acid and Mineral Absorption
Acetic acid, the primary active compound in apple cider vinegar, has been shown to influence gastric pH and may enhance mineral solubility under certain conditions (Fushimi et al., 2001). Improved digestion and nutrient absorption reduce background physiological stress, potentially lowering neural vigilance demands.
While apple cider vinegar is not a treatment for psychological disorders, improved digestive efficiency may indirectly support nervous system regulation by reducing internal physiological noise.
Beef Liver: Micronutrients and Neurotransmitter Synthesis
3.1 Enzymatic Cofactors in Neurotransmission
Neurotransmitter synthesis relies on enzymatic pathways requiring specific micronutrients, particularly B-complex vitamins and trace minerals (Kennedy, 2016). Beef liver is a dense, whole-food source of:
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vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
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vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
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riboflavin
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folate
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copper
These nutrients are involved in dopamine, serotonin, and GABA metabolism, as well as methylation processes critical for neural signalling and cellular repair (Bottiglieri, 2005).
3.2 Psychological Relevance
Deficiencies in B vitamins and copper have been associated with mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and increased stress sensitivity (Coppen & Bolander-Gouaille, 2005; O’Leary & Samman, 2010). Beef liver supports biochemical adequacy rather than neural overstimulation, facilitating steadier mood regulation and cognitive clarity.
Systems Integration: A Biopsychosocial Perspective
From a systems psychology framework:
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Iron supports oxygen delivery and neurotransmitter synthesis
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Digestive efficiency supports nutrient absorption
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Micronutrients support enzymatic and neural function
Supporting these systems together aligns with contemporary biopsychosocial models of mental health, which recognise reciprocal interactions between biological capacity, psychological processes, and behavioural outcomes (Engel, 1977).
Physiological support does not replace psychological intervention; it strengthens the foundation upon which psychological work occurs.
Conclusion
Whole-food foundations offer a biologically respectful approach to supporting nervous system function. For individuals experiencing chronic stress, invisible illness, or prolonged physiological depletion, addressing foundational physiology may reduce compensatory strain and support psychological resilience.
BONEnBLOOM’S approach reflects a simple, evidence-aligned principle:
Brains regulate better when bodies are resourced.
Reference List
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Beard, J. L., & Connor, J. R. (2003). Iron status and neural functioning. Annual Review of Nutrition, 23, 41–58.
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.23.020102.075739
Bottiglieri, T. (2005). Homocysteine and folate metabolism in depression. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 29(7), 1103–1112.
Coppen, A., & Bolander-Gouaille, C. (2005). Treatment of depression: Time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 19(1), 59–65.
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Lozoff, B., Beard, J., Connor, J., Barbara, F., Georgieff, M., & Schallert, T. (2006). Long-lasting neural and behavioral effects of iron deficiency in infancy. Nutrition Reviews, 64(5), S34–S43.
Mayer, E. A., Tillisch, K., & Gupta, A. (2015). Gut/brain axis and the microbiota. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 125(3), 926–938.
McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873–904.
McEwen, B. S., & Stellar, E. (1993). Stress and the individual: Mechanisms leading to disease. Archives of Internal Medicine, 153(18), 2093–2101.
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