In a few months, I will be blessed to make 76 turns around the sun, God willing. Looking at pics of me, you wouldn’t think I was that old. I attribute that to good genes and a healthy lifestyle. However, in my early sixties, I found myself walking from one room to another and forgetting why I went there. Looking for my glasses, only to discover they were on the top of my head.

I quickly diagnosed myself as having brain fog, the symptoms of which include forgetfulness, confusion, and inability to concentrate. I have always loved to read, so I started to read more as well as play word games and puzzles on my phone and computer. I then discovered an article about bone broth and its benefits. I have been making and using bone broth for years, using the carcass of a whole chicken, as well as ham and beef bones. You simmer the bones, let the liquid cool, and then store it in canning jars. You can’t find a better broth to use when cooking greens, beans, and stews. Bone broth can be found in most grocery stores as well; however, it will contain preservatives.

One of the health benefits of bone broth is mental clarity. A board-certified psychiatrist of Meno Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, Dr. Alex Dimitriu contributes clarity on better gut health. It turns out bone broth has a lot of amino acids and collagen, which improve brain health and reduce inflammation. Bone broth also has glutamine, a component that improves the gut-brain connection, which contributes to mood and clarity.

The amino acid glycine, found in bone broth, supports mental clarity and focus by calming the brain. Bone broth also contains magnesium, which regulates nerve signals, energy, and increases hydration, all improve mental clarity.

Bone broth contains collagen and gelatin, which improve joint function and decrease joint pain. Collagen can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and density. Collagen supports the lining of the gut and reduces inflammation that could lead to poor focus, fatigue, and memory.

Other ways to combat brain fog include getting enough sleep. Developing a sleep pattern of going to bed at a time, allowing you to get 7-8 hours of sleep. Adequate sleep is beneficial to our mood and the ability to think and remember.

Managing stress is another way to help with memory and forgetfulness. Prolonged stress, depression, and anxiety make it hard to concentrate and remember. A few ways to manage stress are deep breathing, meditation, and therapy if needed. Physical exercise also helps.

Eating a balanced diet that contains nutrients, antioxidant-rich foods, and limiting processed foods can protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to cells, and damage to brain cells leads to a decline in cognition.

Decide to take time to make bone broth, especially if you are having episodes of confusion, poor memory, forgetfulness, or other symptoms of brain fog. Drinking a warm cup of bone broth is another option. It tastes like bland soup. Take heed, bone broth is not the Holy Grail. It is another tool to add to your arsenal of healthy practices.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings ❤️