There has been a lot of talk about creatine. It used to be only spoken about in fitness circles. It might be because of this association that it is often mistaken as a steroid. However, this supplement is steadily making its way into mainstream health.
Creatine is not a steroid. It is a natural substance already found in our muscles and brains. You can get more into your body through eating animal proteins or creatine supplements, often in the form of a powder added to a smoothie.
Creatine supplies the body with readily available energy that can be helpful when pushing through intense exercise. It can also help with recovery as it decreases muscle fatigue. That’s why it was popular with exercise enthusiasts.
Older people may benefit from creatine as it may combat muscle loss that can be a part of aging. That can help folks maintain their balance and mobility, improving their safety, health and quality of life. It also boosts energy in the brain, potentially adding mood and easing the symptoms of depression.
However, creatine isn’t a safe supplement for everyone. No supplement can be universal. It can be hard on the kidneys. It creates waste byproducts that need to be filtered, adding extra stress to the kidneys. It can also cause water retention and GI problems.
A 12-week study found that creatine helped prevent blood sugar spikes after meals. The results were promising, but more research is needed to know creatine’s long-term effects on blood sugar control.
Creatine can cause water retention and dehydration, which can be dangerous for people with blood sugar concerns. It may interaction with blood sugar medicine and cause dangerous lows, so it’s essential to speak to your doctor before adding it to your routine in you take medication or have kidney concerns. Track your blood sugar levels and, immediately stop taking it, and contact your doctor if you see any worrying changes while taking it.
Regardless of whether or not you take medication, you should take creatine with food. As creatine can cause GI problems, taking it with a meal or snack along with plenty of water can make it easier on the body. Plus, the body absorbs it more readily when it is taken with protein or complex carbs.
Creatine may be a beneficial supplement for you, even if you don’t live in the gym. However, it isn’t without its dangers, so you should research and speak to a medical professional before trying it. While it has many benefits, it also has drawbacks.
