By Jennifer Tardy
February has brought a fresh round of patterns and observations from client sessions and lab reviews. Here’s what’s been surfacing most often this month.
Why Magnesium Levels Are Often Low
Yes, soil depletion plays a role in declining magnesium intake — but that’s rarely the primary issue I see.
The bigger driver is chronic stress and blood sugar instability.
Every time blood sugar spikes and crashes, the body increases urinary magnesium loss. Many people are unknowingly spiking six to eight times per day. Coffee without protein. Skipping or undereating lunch. Protein bar crashes. Afternoon caffeine to compensate.
Then comes the familiar statement: “Magnesium didn’t work for me.”
The reality is this — you cannot supplement your way out of a blood sugar problem. Stabilizing metabolic patterns must come first.
That said, supplement form does matter. Magnesium glycinate is well-absorbed and calming for the nervous system, especially at night. Magnesium L-threonate can be helpful for cognitive support and brain fog. But supplements are supportive tools. They do not replace foundational metabolic repair.
The Nutrition Advice That Concerns Me Most
“Just eat more protein.”
The intention is understandable, but if digestion is compromised, increasing protein often backfires.
Low stomach acid, impaired bile flow, sluggish pancreatic enzymes or chronic stress can all impair protein breakdown. Doubling protein intake in that state can lead to bloating, reflux and constipation.
Before increasing protein, it’s important to consider:
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Is cortisol suppressing digestion?
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Is vagal tone low?
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Is chronic stress reducing enzyme output?
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Is gallbladder function impaired?
Digestion must be repaired before macronutrient increases can be effective. Once the system is functioning well, protein intake can be adjusted appropriately — but there is no one-size-fits-all formula.
What I’m Using Personally This Week
Creatine — 5 grams daily.
Not for muscle. For brain energy.
The brain uses a tremendous amount of ATP. Creatine helps regenerate ATP more efficiently, particularly during periods of stress. After about two weeks, I noticed a clear improvement in afternoon brain fog.
For perimenopausal women especially, creatine is an underrated metabolic and cognitive support tool.
These are the patterns I’m seeing this month. What are you noticing in your own body lately — energy shifts, sleep changes, cravings or brain fog?
Jennifer Tardy is an IPHM-certified holistic nutritionist, integrative health coach, and personal trainer. Eating for Healing Nutrition and Wellness focuses on holistic approaches to health and wellness. She can be reached at 803-556-2593 or at www.eatingforhealing.org
