Should I Take More Supplements?

Lifestyle

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Hey everyone! I’m going with a short post today. Yesterday, my son invited some friends over to hang out. I took them to the archery range and the basketball court. We had a ton of fun, but I’m completely worn out. I used to chase these kids all over the playground when they were young. But I can’t keep up with them anymore. My right knee is all achy today and I woke up way later than usual. The kids also ate a ton of our food! Now I see why some families’ grocery bills are so high. Anyway, I want to talk a bit about supplements today. The question is – do I need to take more supplements as I get older?

Supplements

This morning, Mrs. RB40 told me she ran out of multivitamins. Ok, I’ll order some online. While I’m at it, I can order some other stuff too. I’ve been meaning to learn more about other supplements.

When I was in Thailand, my dad kept telling me to take saw palmetto and cordyceps. He is taking them every day and thinks they’re helpful. However, I’m a bit skeptical. I always believe if you eat right, you don’t need supplements. Also, I’m cheap and don’t want to spend money unnecessarily. But, I am getting older and wealthier. I can afford supplements now. Maybe I should take some if they’ll help. Health becomes more important as we get older. Over these last few years, I learned that life is a lot more enjoyable when you’re healthy.

Currently, the only supplement I take is omega-3 fish oil. My doctor recommends it because it helps lower my triglycerides.

Saw palmetto

My dad is taking saw palmetto to help with the symptoms of BHP (enlarged prostate). He has to go to the restroom more often these days. It sounds like many older men have this problem. He said taking saw palmetto now might help me avoid BHP. Apparently, saw palmetto may reduce the level of DHT, which may promote prostate enlargement and hair loss. That’s a lot of maybes.

I did a little research online and it seems saw palmetto isn’t any more effective than a placebo. Hmm… Should I tell my dad about this? I guess if it makes him feel better, then just let him take it. I’d probably skip it for now. I’ll ask my doctor about saw palmetto the next time I go in for a checkup.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a fungus that turns ants and caterpillars into zombies. Check out this video from the BBC.

Cordyceps is one of the most prized ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. They have many beneficial properties including anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, pro-sexual, and anti-HIV. Cordyceps also improves exercise performance and cardiovascular health.

Wow, cordyceps seems like a wonderful supplement. Studies have shown there are some real benefits to this fungus. There are side effects, but they are generally mild or nonexistent for most people.

However, I’m a bit concerned about the price disparity. A bottle of 200 cordyceps capsules from Walmart costs less than $15. But 1 oz of whole fruiting body cost $50 from another online shop. Is the cheap stuff as effective as the expensive specimens? I need to figure out where to buy this supplement from. Next time I go see my dad, I’ll bring him something good.

Should I take more supplements?

I’m a bit reluctant to buy more supplements. However, I am getting older. Some supplements might be beneficial to my health. I’m not too worried about the cost as long as it’s reasonable. I don’t mind paying for something that will keep me healthy. It’s hard to see my mom and dad deal with various ailments in their 70s.

Many people must feel the same way. The U.S. supplement market is worth $50 billion and growing every year. However, I don’t want to buy something that is useless. The saw palmetto doesn’t seem to do much. The cordyceps sounds pretty good, though. I just need to figure out where to buy it.

Do you take supplements? What are some good supplements for people over 50 years old?

Image credit: Leohoho

Joe started Retire by 40 in 2010 to figure out how to retire early. After 16 years of investing and saving, he achieved financial independence and retired at 38.

Passive income is the key to early retirement. This year, Joe is investing in commercial real estate with CrowdStreet. They have many projects across the USA so check them out!

Joe also highly recommends Personal Capital for DIY investors. They have many useful tools that will help you reach financial independence.