Before you begin using a supplement, it’s essential to learn about the potential side effects. In this article I’ll cover side effects connected with taking creatine, how common they are, and how to prevent them.

Cramps

By far, cramps is the most common side effect connected with creatine use. Many high school, college, and even professional level coaches have forbidden their players from using creatine because of this side effect. Yet, research scientists think the frequency of cramping is rare. Most studies have shown no change in cramping after using creatine. A few have even shown a decrease in cramps.

Getting Dehydrated

This is an additional side effect often connected to taking creatine. Once again, there isn’t any research information to support it.

Kidney Damage

In theory, more creatine should mean more work for the kidneys, because they have to filter out any extra that your muscles don’t use. In reality, reports of kidey impairment have been very rare. As often occurs, one or two famous cases greatly influences public perception. Derek Bell, a player with the Houston Astros, attributed his kidney troubles to taking creatine. It is unknown whether creatine played a role in his troubles or not, but it definitely made a lot of people worry about using creatine.

Muscle Or Tendon Damage

Creatine increases the intensity with which you can work out. Because of this, there has been worries about increased rates of trauma to muscles and tendons. Once more, the research does not back this up.

Stomach Upset

There have been anecdotal reports of gastointestinal distress, but no evidence of it in studies.

Avoiding Negative Side Effects

Lower Dose

When people take larger than suggested amounts, unforeseen side effects can come about. Use your brain. More is not better. I advocate using 2.5 to 5g per day. Studies have shown using small amounts for a prolonged period to be just as effective as large amounts for a short period.

Take Creatine One Month On, One Month Off

If you use a small dose of creatine for a month, you muscle tissue will be saturated. They will stay close to saturation for a long time, so you do not have to keep supplementing. Taking a break decreases the strain on your detox system, and also saves money.

Drink A Lot Of Water

Cramping, dehydration, kidney troubles, and stomach distress are often the outcome of not ingesting enough water. Drink 12 oz of water in addition to your creatine, and a good deal of water throughout the day.

Exercise Intelligently

Pay attention to your body. If something is hurting, stop. Do not push through injury, you’ll just make the injury worse. Nearly all minor aches and pains will be gone by the next time you work out, but watch out for continual pains. If something keeps hurting it may be time to take a break and see a doctor.

Purchase A Quality Creatine

Pure creatine monohydrate has demonstrated no evidence of negative side effects. However, cheap products can have impurities or unsafe additives which can have their own side effects. Buy a name brand U.S. or German manufactured supplement.

Look at my sites for supplement information and creatine information.

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