• Live Leaner
  • Posts
  • The only supplement that should be mandatory for anyone after 30

The only supplement that should be mandatory for anyone after 30

The Sunday Upgrade – A smarter, science-backed start to the week

Good Sunday,

Today, I got an update from a trusted source inside WellnessInDubai.com

Life changing:

A 2025 double-blind study found that adding 5g of this supplement to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduced depression symptoms twice as much as CBT alone — pushing many participants into full remission.

Yes — it powers your muscles.

But it also sharpens your brain, speeds up recovery, and — according to this new research — may even enhance outcomes in depression therapy.

If you’re over 30, chances are you’re walking around with depleted reserves of this compound — and it’s costing you.

Let’s break it down.

P.S. If you know someone who values sharper thinking, smarter health, and a competitive edge, share this email now.

The cognitive + performance power of creatine

Most people think creatine is just for gym bros.

Here’s what the science actually shows:

  • Protects against brain aging

  • Reduces fatigue, enhances mood

  • Boosts muscle strength and recovery

  • Improves working memory and cognition

  • May improve outcomes for depression — even with therapy

A 2025 double-blind study found that adding 5g of creatine to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduced depression symptoms twice as much as CBT alone — pushing many participants into full remission.

Sherpa NN, De Giorgi R, Ostinelli EG, Choudhury A, Dolma T, Dorjee S

Creatine timeline

Timeframe

What happens

Week 1–2

Increased energy during workouts. Subtle lift in motivation.

Week 3–4

Brain fog fades. Focus improves. Creatine stores near full saturation.

Week 6+

Noticeable improvements in memory, mental clarity, and resilience.

Month 3+

Full-body strength + brain health compound. Mood stabilizes.

Dosing?

  • Start with 3g/day for 5–7 days

  • Standard dose: 5g/day (Creatine Monohydrate — the gold standard)

  • No need to load or cycle — just take it daily.

Best taken with water, coffee, or a smoothie.
Pair with carbs for faster uptake if desired.

Bonus?

Add fiber (25–30g/day)

→ Reduces gum inflammation
→ Regulates appetite + blood sugar
→ Nurtures your gut-brain axis (key for mood + cognition)

Add purposeful learning

→ Research shows lack of cognitive engagement accelerates mental decline
→ Volunteering, learning, and coaching keep your brain biologically young
→ Self-directed growth is the best neuroprotective tool available

I break it down below. Keep reading.

Quit doomscrolling, do this instead

🌍 WellnessInDubai.com 

I built this because I was sick of missing out.

Best wellness events
Longevity breakthroughs
Daily rituals that actually move the needle

But the problem?

Everything was scattered.
Most of the advice?
Fluffy. Unscientific.
Or straight-up influencer noise.

So I created WellnessInDubai.com — a daily updated hub for Dubai’s smartest wellness intel.

It’s curated.
It’s credible.
It’s built for high-performers.

And one ask:

If you find value here — share it.
It’s free.
It’s life-changing.
And it might just be what someone close to you needs this week.

The anti-inflammatory + appetite-regulating impact of fiber

It’s the silent MVP for performance, longevity, and even oral health.

New 2025 research published in Nutrients found that eating 22–30g of fiber/day:

→ Decreased plaque buildup
→ Reduced gum inflammation
→ Improved tissue strength around teeth

Why does this matter?

Because chronic inflammation in the mouth is linked to cardiovascular risk, metabolic dysfunction, and brain fog.

Gum disease is now considered one of the top 6 chronic conditions worldwide — and it’s preventable.

The fiber advantage:

  • Regulates appetite + blood sugar (supports fat loss)

  • Reduces inflammation — both oral and systemic

  • Fuels a healthier gut-brain axis (improves mental clarity)

Daily Target:

  • Women: 25g/day

  • Men: 30–35g/day

Food

Fiber per Serving

Serving Size

Pro Tip (How to Use It Daily)

Chia Seeds

10g

2 tbsp

Mix into morning smoothie or yogurt

Lentils (cooked)

8g

1 cup

Batch-cook + add to lunch bowls or soups

Raspberries

8g

1 cup

Use in smoothies or eat with dark chocolate post-meal

Avocado

7g

1 medium

Add to eggs, wraps, bowls — or just spoon it straight

Black Beans

7g

1/2 cup (cooked)

Add to tacos, bowls, or mash with olive oil + garlic

Broccoli (cooked)

5g

1 cup

Use in stir-fry or roast a full tray on Sunday

Almonds

4g

1 oz (about 23 almonds)

Snack on raw or mix into Greek yogurt

Sweet Potato

4g

1 medium

Roast with skin on — top with tahini or goat cheese

Flaxseeds (ground)

3g

1 tbsp

Stir into smoothies, oats, or protein shakes

Purpose over retirement

The real risk of “slowing down” after 40 or 50?

It’s not your job.

It’s retiring from learning.

“When people retire, their minds also retire. And the body is not far behind.”

Jim Kwik, Mindbodygreen Podcast

New data shows that cognitive decline often isn’t due to age — but to the loss of structured learning and purpose.

One study from China (2025) showed that cognitive function dropped significantly in adults who stopped working — not because they quit a job, but because they stopped being mentally and socially engaged.

How to stay sharp without working forever?

  • Take 1 class per quarter (languages, cooking, strategy, design)

  • Engage in strategy-based games (chess, Sudoku, etc.)

  • Teach or mentor someone once/week

  • Join a mastermind or discussion group

  • Volunteer or coach in your zone of genius

Think of this as neuroplasticity training — your brain loves challenge and novelty.

Closing thought

Here’s the 3-part daily protocol to feel sharper, stronger, and more stable in 30–60 days:

Stack Element

What It Does

How to Start

Creatine (5g)

Muscle + Brain energy

Add to coffee or smoothie

Fiber (30g)

Gut, oral, and metabolic health

Focus on whole foods + supplement

Mental Reps

Longevity + cognitive protection

Learn, build, coach, or compete

If someone forwarded this to you, click below.

References

  • Sherpa NN, De Giorgi R, Ostinelli EG, et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety profile of oral creatine monohydrate in add-on to cognitive-behavioural therapy in depression: An 8-week pilot, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility and exploratory trial in an under-resourced area. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 90:28–35.

  • Yeater T, Birkenbach K, Attia P. (2025). An emerging role for creatine supplementation in the treatment of depression.The Drive by Peter Attia, M.D. 

  • Knudsen M.S., et al. (2025). Study Shows Eating Fiber Helps Improve Inflammation Related To Gum Disease.Nutrients (Systematic Review & Meta-analysis).

  • Kwik J. (2025). The No. 1 Mistake That Leads To Cognitive Decline. MindBodyGreen Podcast.

  • Cuijpers P., Miguel C., Harrer M., et al. (2023). Cognitive behavior therapy vs. control conditions, other psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies and combined treatment for depression: a comprehensive meta-analysis including 409 trials with 52,702 patients. World Psychiatry, 22(1):105–115.

  • MindBodyGreen Editorial Team. (2025). How Long Does Creatine Take To Work? We Break It Down By Benefit.

Reply

or to participate.