How can I combat the side effects of creatine?

4 Responses to “How can I combat the side effects of creatine?”

1. Splash! says:

   March 16, 2011 at 7:44 am

   i thought creantine was an toxic acid gas
2. Ken N says:

   March 16, 2011 at 8:12 am

   I don’t think creatine has side effects. . . Well, maybe your body is used to the creatine boost and now that you’re not using it, the body feels weak without it. Try an alternative. . . maybe energy drinks?
3. Freemale says:

   March 16, 2011 at 8:24 am

   That may or may not be a side effect of creatine. Creatine does help increase levels of ATP, which can give more energy & help perform more reps. Your body might feel the difference as ATP production changes.

   More likely though, it’s probably your work schedule/activities that are fatiguing you. Another supplement that can increase ATP is D-ribose, since it is involved in ATP synthesis. Amino acids like Taurine, BCAAs, & Tyrosine can aid with energy/alertness. Energy drinks can help but you have to make sure you work out shortly after using them.

   Each person finds a time that works best for them to work out, but the morning does allow you to capitalize on higher testosterone levels, as testosterone decreases afterward.
4. robert y says:

   March 16, 2011 at 8:40 am

   Creatine
   Main article: Creatine
   Creatine is an organic acid naturally occurring in the body that supplies energy to muscle cells for short bursts of energy (such as lifting weights) via creatine phosphate replenishment of ATP. A number of scientific studies have proven that creatine can increase strength,[2] energy,[3] and muscle mass in addition to reducing recovery time. Also, recent studies have shown that creatine improves brain function,[4] improves recognition memory,[5] and reduces mental fatigue. [6] It increases what is known as cell volumization by drawing water into muscle cells, making them larger. This intracellular retention should not be confused with the common myth that creatine causes bloating (or intercellular water retention). Creatine is sold in a variety of forms, including Creatine monohydrate, Creatine ethyl ester and Creatine malate, among others. Though all types of creatine are sold for the same purposes, there are subtle differences between them, such as price, and necessary dosage. Non-supplemental suppliers of creatine include various types of offal, red meat, and kidney meat.

   Claims that creatine could be stressful to the kidneys (due to primary renal elimination via creatinine) have not been proven in a scientific study, although no independent, large-scale survey has been conducted. [citation needed] However in most studies that have been carried out about creatine they have found an increased amount of muscle cramping due to the water retention changes.

   NOTE: If you stopped taking Creatine – all the above may have reversed itself. Make milkshakes & add a raw egg in the ingredients for energy.