Part 1: Getting Older, Having More Energy, and the Supplements That Help

If you're over 60, you've probably noticed that everyone has an opinion about supplements.

One friend swears by fish oil. Another says collagen changed their life. Someone else is convinced magnesium is the answer to everything short of world peace. It can get confusing in a hurry.

Before I go any further, let me say this: doctors, nutritionists, dietitians, and trainers are valuable. They know their stuff. They've spent years studying the human body, and their advice can help us avoid a lot of mistakes.

But when all is said and done, there's one person who has been living in your body every minute of every day for the last 60, 70, or 80 years. You! No one knows your body better than you do.

In a perfect world, we'd get every vitamin, mineral, nutrient, and amino acid we need from the foods we eat. That's how we were designed.

But let's be honest. As we get older, eating six servings of vegetables every day, along with the recommended amounts of protein, fruits, nuts, and everything else we're supposed to consume, can feel like a full-time job.

The reality is that many of us aren't getting everything we need from food alone. That's where supplements can sometimes help fill the gaps.

For me, one of the biggest changes came from collagen and omega-3s.

A few years ago, I finally decided to have my aching joints checked out. After examining me, the doctor explained that some of the cartilage in my joints had worn down over time. In a few places, I was getting close to what people commonly call "bone-on-bone."

The doctor basically confirmed what I already suspected—my warranty had expired, and replacement parts weren't included.

When I asked my doctor about collagen and omega-3s, his response wasn't exactly a late-night infomercial. He simply shrugged and said, "It can't hurt."

That wasn't a glowing endorsement, but after doing a little homework of my own, I decided to try collagen Types I, II, and III along with omega-3s.

For me, it was worth it. My joints seemed less achy, and as a bonus, my skin, hair, and nails seemed healthier too.

Another supplement that has earned a permanent place in my routine is creatine. For years, I thought

creatine was only for young guys trying to build bigger muscles. What I've learned is that maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important as we age.

For me, creatine seems to help with strength, energy during workouts, and recovery afterward. Again, I can't prove it scientifically. I can only tell you what I've experienced.

I take two other supplements every day, but they're a little different from collagen, omega-3s, and creatine. These weren't my idea—my doctor recommended them.

Years ago, much of my stomach was removed because of cancer. One thing I learned through that experience is that your stomach does a lot more than simply hold food. It plays an important role in helping your body process and absorb nutrients from what you eat.

Because of that, I take a vitamin B-12 supplement daily. My body simply doesn't absorb it as efficiently as it once did.

The same is true for iron. Since I only have a small portion of my stomach remaining, I can't eat enough iron-rich foods to consistently maintain healthy levels. As a result, I'm often flirting with anemia if I'm not careful, so I take an iron supplement every day as well.

For me, these supplements aren't about improving performance or trying to turn back the clock. They're simply helping replace nutrients my body has a harder time getting on its own.

And honestly, that's a pretty good reminder of what supplements are supposed to do in the first place.

Supplements aren't magic pills. They're tools. And like any tool, some work better for certain jobs than others.

Last Best Bite

The goal isn't to take the most supplements. The goal is to become the healthiest version of yourself. Learn from the experts, but don't forget to listen to the expert who's been traveling with you your whole life—your own body.

Next time: Let's talk about a subject that makes many men uncomfortable—testosterone, aging, energy, and why some conversations are worth having.