What is creatine?
Creatine is a supplement that provides energy to your muscles. It is a substance that many people take to build muscle and help support their brain health.
Creatine, “originally, is a natural source of energy that allows your skeletal muscles to flex or contract”, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic. When you exercise for a while, your muscles break down, but with the support of creatine, your muscles will keep a good amount of energy in themselves, so you can keep working out.
Creatine comes in many different forms: powders, gummies, tablets/pills, liquids, and energy bars. Creatine is made up of three different amino acids that are called glycine, arginine, and methionine. These substances create creatine and then store it in the skeletal muscles.
Who can take creatine?
Almost anyone can take creatine, but people with health conditions should be sure to consult their healthcare provider if creatine is safe for them. If you are unsure about taking it, it is always best to reach out to your doctor.
Most athletes or active people generally take creatine daily, and it is more common for them to take it. But, most of the time it is safe for anyone performing physically at high levels. If you take creatine, but do not exercise often, it will not impact or hurt you.
Creatine’s benefits:
Creatine has many positive benefits that are the most impactful for athletes/fit people. Creatine is a supplement that speeds up recovery in muscles, helps grow muscles, and provides more energy to the human body. Creatine can “enhance athletic performance and may enhance power or speed bursts requiring short periods of anaerobic activity,” according to Howard E. LeWine, MD. There has also been further research from Harvard Medical School that creatine can help quick to recovering the muscles after intense workouts if the proper amount of protein and calories are consumed. Creatine was also discovered to help fight other neurological diseases that occur in the brain while also improving the brain’s function. Altogether, creatine provides many physical and mental health benefits to people who take this supplement.
Creatine’s risks:
Creatine has a few concerns that affect many people. Healthline states that it “can lead to many stomach and digestive issues, harm healthy kidneys, cause dehydration, lead to liver problems, cause weight gain, and muscle cramps.” People with health conditions should always be careful before taking any supplements, as it could affect them negatively.
Bottom line: Everyone should talk to their doctor before taking this supplement.
