Creatine is believed to be a naturally occurring compound that can be found inside the body. It is created from many amino acids and a single phosphate molecule. It can also be stored in the skeletal muscles and be used as energy throughout exercise.
Synthetic creatine is now being used as a nutritional supplement to improve performance in athletes. It also helps increase their ability for rigorous exercises, like resistance training and sprinting. Muscle growth is also promoted with the use of creatine.
The Pros of Creatine
Here are the primary benefits to the use of creatine:
1. Creatine is scientifically proven and tested to improve the performance of athletes during intense workouts and activities. It further allows one to work harder and better with decreased regeneration time of the ATP. ATP is considered a precursor for the energy in most muscles.
2. Performance is increased between 5 and 10 percent with use of creatine.
3. Creatine is considered very safe and up to three grams can be consumed on a daily basis without adverse effects.
4. When the directions are followed, it is expected to be safe.
5. Creatine products are very inexpensive.
The Cons of Creatine
Here are the primary issues associated in the use of creatine:
1. Creatine causes water retention, which may also cause weight gain. It can also cause you to feel bloated and sluggish. This can be very bad for weight regulated sports like wrestling.
2. Cells in the body cannot absorb water as well when using creatine. This may result in dehydration which can be dangerous and have negative side effects on its own.
3. Once the supplemental creatine is metabolized inside the body, the compounds called as metabolites may be filtered on the kidneys and excreted in the urine. With an increase number of metabolites, they may put excess stress in the bladder and kidney that potentially increase risk of kidney stones and kidney damage.
How Do You Feel About Using Creatine?
The use of creatine further cause serious health effects or even provides benefits to users. However, it is best to first consult a physician even before taking creatine, or any other, supplements.
