Creatine side effects
Creatine is a chemical that is produced by the body and found mainly in the muscles. It is also a product that is produced for supplemental use and has been used for increasing muscle mass and improving the overall performance of many exercises. It helps to improve the athletic abilities of adolescents as well as healthy people during exercises or activities of high intensity. Creatine is also used to help treat certain medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, many forms of depression, high cholesterol, bipolar disorder and other conditions that affect nerves and muscles. Studies have also shown creatine to be effective in slowing the progression of many diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Creatine is typically taken by mouth and may vary in the dosage. Those taking the supplement for congestive heart failure typically take around 20 milligrams each day for five to ten days. For Parkinson’s disease, the dosage is much lower. Those taking the supplement to help with muscle building may take more or less, depending on the specific person and their individual needs.
It is not believed that creatine causes any significant risks or adverse side effects provided the patient takes the supplement as directed. Recommended dosage is important and should be followed precisely. Too much of any supplement can cause serious medical conditions. Commonly reported milder side effects include nausea, diarrhea, cramping in the muscles and some minor stomach pain. When taking in higher doses however, creatine can cause serious risks to your health. Kidney, heart and liver functions can be adversely affected by high doses of the supplement.
Creatine will cause the muscles in your body to draw water from other areas throughout the body. Because of this, it is very important that you drink plenty of water when taking these supplements. You should also avoid exercising during periods of extreme heat due to the risks of dehydration. The reason that most people use Creatine to gain weight is because is typically causes the muscles to retain water making you weight much more after just a few weeks of use. This however is water gain and not muscle gain.
There have been concerns raised about the potential risks of combining creatine with ephedra and caffeine. Researchers believe that this combination could have serious adverse side effects such as an increased risk of stroke. Creatine has been known to cause many people to experience irregular heartbeat and some studies are being done to determine a link between creatine and a pigment disorder in some patients. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking this supplement as it has not been determine whether or not Creatine has an effect on newborn or unborn babies.
Those with diabetes and/or kidney disease should also avoid taking creatine. Studies have shown that taking the supplement may worsen certain cases. Also, taking higher doses of Creatine than recommended may cause harm to the kidneys and increase the chance of developing kidney disease or damage. You should also check with your doctor before taking creating if you currently take regular medications for one or more medical condition as it is not known completely which medications will cause reactions when interacting with Creatine. To be on the safe side, consult your doctor before beginning a regimen that includes creatine. If you are being prescribed this supplement due to health reasons, be certain that you ask your doctor about any further possible risks or side effects that the supplement may produce. Those taking creatine for building muscle mass should consult their physician prior to taking this or any other supplement to be certain that no underlying health conditions may interfere with the supplement.
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