Hey there, I’m your dad—70 years young and still going strong—and I want to share why I take each of these supplements. I’m not a doctor, just a guy who wants to feel his best and pass on what’s worked for me. Here’s my personal rundown:
🧬 L-Arginine
I started taking L-Arginine a few years ago when I noticed my circulation wasn’t what it used to be. For me, it helps with blood flow—I feel like my legs don’t cramp up as much after a walk. I’ve also noticed a little extra mental sharpness when I’m focused on reading or working on puzzles. It’s not a cure-all, but I do feel that tiny boost in energy and clarity. If you’re on blood pressure meds or have heart conditions, check with your doctor before trying it—just because it works for me doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.
💪 BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
My knees have definitely seen better days, and after I got back into light resistance training in my garage, I added BCAAs. I feel like my muscles recover a bit faster, and I have fewer achy mornings. I’m not saying I’m ripping iron like I did in my 30s, but when I move around the yard or help lift things, I feel steadier. If you’re already eating plenty of protein, you might not notice a huge difference—but for me, it’s been helpful in preserving muscle mass.
🧠 Brain Support Complex
This one is a mix of herbs that I try to take daily when I’m working on crossword puzzles or tinkering with old radio parts. For me, I’ve felt like my memory has stayed a bit sharper—like I can recall names or where I put the car keys more easily. I can’t guarantee it’ll turn you into Einstein, but it gives me peace of mind that I’m doing something extra to keep my mind working. Just know that not every herb works the same way for everyone—so I always tell folks to see what their doctor thinks before starting.
🦠 Probiotics
After I had a bout of digestive upset last year, my doctor suggested probiotics, and I started taking them regularly. I’ve noticed fewer stomach aches, and I feel less bloated after meals. Plus, I seem to avoid the seasonal sniffles more often, which I think has something to do with gut health and immunity. The key is finding the right strain—what works for me might not be the same as what works for you—so I encourage folks to talk to a healthcare pro to find the best fit.
🌿 Ashwagandha with Black Pepper
Stress was catching up to me—between babysitting grandkids and trying to keep up with yard work, my nerves were shot. I added Ashwagandha (with a pinch of black pepper to help my body absorb it), and I swear I feel more relaxed. I sleep a bit deeper, and when I wake up, I don’t feel that tight, anxious feeling. My memory seems steadier, too, like I don’t blank on simple things as often. Again, results vary, so I always say, “Chat with your doctor, but here’s what’s worked for me.”
⚙️ Magnesium Glycinate
I had some restless nights and occasional leg cramps when I was trying to get back into a consistent sleep schedule. Magnesium Glycinate has been a game-changer for me—I fall asleep quicker and wake up feeling fresher. I also feel like my mood is calmer; I’m not on edge as much. I watch my dosage carefully—too much magnesium can give you an upset stomach—so I recommend starting low and adjusting with your doctor’s guidance.
☀️ Vitamin K2 + D3
With age, I worry about my bones more than I ever did. I started taking a combined Vitamin D3 and K2 supplement, and I genuinely feel steadier on my feet—less of that “creaky bone” sensation. I’ve had my calcium levels checked, and my bone density has stayed more stable than expected. I also feel like my arteries are in better shape—I don’t get that chest heaviness when I’m out mowing the lawn. Of course, I keep an eye on my labs, and I’m always speaking with my doctor to make sure I’m in balance.
🏋️♂️ Creatine Monohydrate
I was skeptical—didn’t think a guy my age needed muscle “juice”—but my son convinced me to give creatine a shot. After a few weeks of taking it and doing light resistance exercises (think bodyweight squats and resistance bands), I noticed my grip strength improved—I can open stubborn pickle jars without thinking twice. I feel stronger when I’m getting up from a chair, and my general stamina around the house has improved. I’m not chasing PRs in the gym, but I like that I can help my grandkids climb the jungle gym without feeling wiped out. And yes, I feel like it gives my brain a nudge, too—like I can focus better on reading tech manuals or tinkering in my workshop. Always stick to recommended doses and run it by your doctor, since kidneys can be sensitive as you age.
Disclaimer: I’m just sharing my personal experience—I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. This is simply what’s worked for me over the past few years, and I hope it gives you some ideas. If you have questions or want to know more, let me know—I’m happy to chat!