Creatine Benefits for Brain Health: Why It's Not Just for Gym Bros

The quick scan: Tuesday delivered a mixed bag that had investors feeling like they'd ordered a surprise meal and weren't quite sure if they liked all the ingredients. Markets ended with modest losses as tech stocks took a breather from their recent record-breaking sprint, proving that even the best performers need a coffee break occasionally.

• S&P 500: Slipped 0.2% to close at 6,161.25, pulling back slightly from Monday's record highs like someone testing the water temperature before diving in
• Dow Jones: Rose 0.1% to 44,191.84, blue chips showing their usual steady-as-she-goes personality while tech stocks caught their breath
• NASDAQ: Fell 0.5% to 20,293.47, tech stocks apparently deciding that Tuesday was a good day for a strategic retreat after their recent victory lap

What's driving it: A combination of profit-taking after recent gains and some mixed economic signals kept investors in a cautious mood. Sometimes the market needs to pause and digest its recent feast of good news before going back for seconds.

Bottom line: Tuesday's modest pullback suggests markets are taking a healthy breather after hitting fresh records. Even the best runners need to pace themselves—sometimes stepping back is just preparation for the next sprint forward.

Creatine: The Brain-Boosting Supplement That's Not Just for Gym Bros Anymore

The scoop: Move over, protein powder—there's a new supplement stealing the spotlight, and it's not just for muscle-bound gym enthusiasts anymore. Creatine is emerging as a powerhouse supplement that benefits both body and brain, with experts particularly excited about its potential for women and older adults. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of supplements—versatile, reliable, and surprisingly useful in ways you never expected.

Hong Kong-based functional nutritionist Beth Wright calls creatine "one of the most rigorously studied supplements in existence," and for good reason. This naturally occurring compound, manufactured in your liver, kidneys, and pancreas, does far more than just help you lift heavier weights. About 95% of it lives in your skeletal muscles, but the remaining 5% in your brain is where things get really interesting—especially for those of us planning to use our minds well into our golden years.

The most fascinating revelation? Women typically have 70-80% lower creatine stores than men due to lower muscle mass and lower intake of creatine-rich foods. This means the potential benefits for women could be even more significant, particularly as hormonal fluctuations during menopause affect how we produce and use creatine. It's like discovering you've been running on half a tank of gas when you could have been cruising with a full one.

Actionable takeaways:

• Consider creatine for brain power, not just brawn: Recent studies show it may improve cognitive performance, memory, attention, and information processing speed—particularly beneficial when you're sleep-deprived, stressed, or hormonally depleted (sound familiar, anyone over 50?).

• Start simple with the dosing: Experts recommend adding 3-5 grams daily to something you already consume—smoothies, yogurt, coffee, or even a water bottle with electrolytes. It's flavorless and dissolves well, making it easier than remembering to take another pill.

• Think long-term muscle and bone health: Creatine helps protect against age-related muscle loss, which becomes increasingly important post-35 and especially after menopause—stronger muscles support better bone density and reduced fracture risk.

• Don't overlook the Alzheimer's connection: University of Kansas research suggests creatine might help maintain brain energy levels by supporting ATP production, potentially offering protection against cognitive decline as we age.

• Focus on the recovery benefits: Beyond strength gains, creatine supports faster recovery from exercise and may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress—both crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle as we get older.

Your Turn: Have you ever considered creatine as more than just a "gym supplement"? Are you surprised to learn about its brain benefits, or does the idea of adding another supplement to your routine feel overwhelming? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts—I'm curious whether this changes how you think about supplements for aging well, or if you're already ahead of the curve on this one!