Pros and Cons of Creatine

What is creatine? You may be hearing a lot about this emerging compound but not sure what it is. Creatine is an organic substance that can be found in your body’s muscles. It is then converted to creatine phosphate, which aids in the creation of ATP. ATP is the major source of energy for your workout. Creatine supplements and powder can be taken before a workout to improve your performance in the gym. However, its rising popularity has raised many health concerns. In order to settle this debate, we will dive into the pros and cons of creatine.

Pros

1. Taking creatine before your workout can improve your overall performance, strength, endurance, recovery, and muscle mass/growth. It is especially beneficial for high-intensity workouts.

2. Creatine has been proven to increase lean muscle mass, which helps athletes that frequently lift weights.

3. Creatine contributes to producing ATP in your body, leading to increased energy levels during a workout.

4. Creatine supplements and powders have also been linked to preventing various diseases, such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers. Creatine is an essential compound found in the brain that is crucial for neurological health and function.

Cons

Although creatine has been proven to improve athletic performance, there are a string of side effects that you should be cautious about.

1. Creatine supplements can lead to increased weight gain, anxiety, muscle cramps, and kidney problems.

2. It is also important to note that creatine is a steroid. Meaning it should only be taken by high-performing and professional athletes, as it can have negative health effects on women and teenagers.

3. There has been some stipulation about the effect of creatine supplements on the liver. With that being said, people with kidney/liver disease, or high blood pressure, should avoid taking creatine to prevent any detrimental health effects.

At the end of the day, the decision to take creatine supplements is fully yours. Athletes have been using this substance to improve their physical fitness for years. The pros suggest that it is an effective way to achieve your fitness goals. However, it is important to be cautious of the cons and side effects. If you are still unsure if taking creatine is right for you, email us at 1jpfit4life1@gmail.com or call (802)522-6521. We would love to talk more about this topic!