Creatine Effects – Can it hurt you?

When you are looking at Creatine effects, there are positive effects and negative effects.  Creatine effects can be beneficial and detrimental.  Some of the negative Creatine effects include possible high blood pressure, headaches, upset stomach, tendon injury, cramps and kidney dysfunction.  If you are planning to take Creatine to increase muscle mass and strength, consult your physician regarding medical problems or if you are taking medications. 

Creatine supplementation, in the dosages that are commonly used results in urinary concentrations that are 90 times greater than normal. The long term Creatine effects of this issue have not been fully investigated.  There is possibility of kidney damage and is potential for acceleration of kidney stone formation. In the past, famous baseball players were determined to have suffered from dehydration and kidney stones as the result of Creatine effects.  The bottom line is that no one can confidently state that prolonged Creatine supplementation is safe.  Creatine effects may also have dangerous interactions with caffeine, ephedrine and other herbs, supplements, and may also interact with some prescription medications.

Creatine effects result in increased body weight and overall body water content.  Some athletes such as bodybuilders consider this increased volume a desirable consequence of Creatine supplementation. Other types of athletes such as endurance athletes, may find that the extra weight actually slows their performance.

After taking the Creatine supplement ceases, there is a gradual decrease in muscle mass over time down to the level that it was before Creatine intake. The rate of this decrease varies among individuals and depends on dietary intake of Creatine, protein, and the individual’s workout regimen. Taking Creatine again generally restores muscle mass rather quickly.

It is important to remain hydrated while supplementing. Adequate hydration is essential because much of the body’s water follows Creatine into muscle, possibly depriving our other tissues of needed fluid.  Muscle cramping might result from an electrolyte imbalance because of possible Creatine induced dehydration.  You must drink plenty of fluids while supplementing with Creatine!

Remember that nobody really knows the long term Creatine effects.  You may benefit some from using this supplement but you also need to assess your risks to make sure that it is worth it.  You are considering a supplement that can have some really great effects on your body, but you are also looking at a supplement that can have some hard effects on your body as well.

Before you begin using Creatine, it is important to research its benefits and side effects. Although it is available over the counter, long term use of Creatine may cause some unfavorable side effects to the body. Creatine is already produced by the body so you could use the supplement when your body needs excess Creatine during intense exercise, but you should be fully informed before you start using any new supplement. 

There is another common side effect to Creatine that occurs when you stop using it. If you use Creatine for a cycle and then stop, you may notice a sharp decline in energy levels. However, you will also lose the water weight that you gained during use, and this could work to your advantage depending on your goals.

For more information on how to avoid these negative creatine effects, click here

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