Surprising Benefits of Taking Creatine.

A question that we get asked often is why take creatine, how do I take creatine safely and what are the benefits of taking creatine? All of which are great questions so we broke it down for you in a few short paragraphs to help better understand creatine powder and its benefits. 

What is creatine?

Creatine is an organic acid that helps supply energy to the cells of the body, especially in muscle tissue. It can be found in a variety of foods, but you can also take it as a supplement.

Creatine has been around for a long time and is not a new invention. In fact, it was first discovered in 1832 by a French scientist, Michel Eugene Chevreul who discovered creatine with a process of extracting it from meat.

What are the benefits of taking creatine?

Many people are still unsure about how creatine benefits them and why they should add it to their diet. Although you may Google this topic, there are many articles providing scientific facts, studies and maybe some jargon that you may not understand. So we broke it down in a few simple paragraphs on what we found on creatine consumption and it’s benefits!

5 surprising benefits of taking creatine and how much you should take:

While the answer to this can vary depending on who you ask, many people take 5 grams per day in powder form. This is the equivalent of one teaspoon.

1. Creatine helps with muscle growth

Muscles require energy for growth and repair, and creatine provides that energy. It helps build up your muscles by providing them with the power they need for this process.

2. Creatine may help improve endurance

Certain studies have found that creatine may help improve your endurance during high-intensity exercise. This means that you will have more endurance to last longer when it comes to activities like sprinting or weight lifting.

3. Creatine has been shown to aid in brain function

Creatine has been shown to aid in brain function, which can include helping with memory, thinking faster, and being more focused [R].

4. Creatine may help prevent kidney problems

Creatine may be able to reduce your risk of developing kidney problems because it helps filter out waste products from your bloodstream. Basically, it acts as a natural filter for your kidneys while also providing you with energy that is necessary for life processes like digestion.

5. Creatine may help heal injuries

Studies have shown that creatine can lead to a quicker healing time after an injury by reducing inflammation thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties; thereby healing injuries faster than without it.

How to take creatine

Creatine is a naturally occurring acid that is produced by the body and can also be found in foods (which includes higher levels found in red meats).

There are many ways to take creatine as a supplement, but for this article, we looked at how to take it as a powder. In order for your body to produce energy from creatine, it needs to mix with water or some other type of liquid. To help the creatine dissolve into water, you will need to shake or stir the mixture before drinking it. You can also use fruit juice or something similar if you prefer not to drink plain water.

It's important to note that creatine should not be taken with alcohol, as it reduces the effectiveness of the supplement. Some people may find that they taste creatine after drinking it; this is normal and nothing to worry about.

Creatine is found in many if not almost all pre-workout formulas in the industry. Be sure to use the appropriate amount each day, which includes the creatine found in energy drinks and pre-workout powders. Tip: Read the labels AND the ingredient list usually found below the ingredient panel.

Keep track in a notebook or in a note on your phone on your daily creatine intake so that you can maximize the benefits of taking a creatine supplement. Now it might be difficult to calculate creatine from foods and meats, so keeping track of creatine by means of supplementation is what we are referring to when keeping a record. 

Our Conclusion

Creatine is one of the most well-researched supplements on the market. It’s backed by over 70 published studies and has been shown to offer a variety of benefits, including increasing strength, endurance, cognitive function, and reducing fatigue.

Creatine isn’t just for athletes. Studies show that it provides benefits for all people who are physically active, including those who train for endurance sports, strength training, or recreational activities.

Creatine also has the potential to be beneficial for those with neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease [R], Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [R].

To reap the benefits of creatine, follow these basic guidelines.

1. Take 5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for 4-6 weeks

2. Take 5 grams of creatine monohydrate every day thereafter

3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day

4. Consume carbohydrates with creatine to maximize uptake

5. Take creatine with food to avoid stomach upset

6. Start with a smaller dose before increasing if stomach discomfort occurs

7. Limit your use to 8 weeks at a time before taking a break for 8 weeks

8. Avoid using other supplements that may interfere with creatine

Want to get started (or continue using creatine)?

Now that you have a better understanding of creatine, shop our wide variety of creatine HERE.