While some people swear by creatine, many health experts say it’s not necessarily the best choice for weight loss. That’s because creatine helps the body maintain a stable blood sugar level, which suggests it may have a stimulatory effect on the nervous system. In theory, that means you could burn more calories than you consume. But in practice, that theory doesn’t always work out. There are cases where people have lost significant amounts of weight through dieting and exercise, only to regain it once they started taking creatine. Here are some of the most common side effects of creatine use, along with suggested alternatives for people looking to lose weight.
Mental Fatigue
As mentioned, creatine can cause your nervous system to function slightly differently. One of the most serious side effects of creatine is mental fatigue. Since creatine is a ubiquitous chemical compound that naturally occurs within the body, it’s always present in relatively high amounts. That suggests your brain could get used to functioning on a higher plane, which some people have found exhausting. While it’s rare, some users have reported symptoms of depression or anxiety. Those are serious issues that need to be taken seriously. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental fatigue or has experienced anxiety or depression after using creatine, there are alternatives. For example, arginine is a substance that naturally occurs in the body. Like creatine, arginine is involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which helps regulate blood pressure and cell division. Unlike creatine, however, arginine does not appear to have any significant effect on the nervous system. Some studies have suggested that taking arginine along with creatine can reduce the side effects that come with creatine use, especially if used together regularly. There is also some evidence that arginine and creatine together may help treat liver disorders. If you’re interested in trying out a product that combines these two substances, you could try Alpha-Arginine by FitLife. This is a popular amino acid blend that is often recommended for people who are taking creatine to help with their energy levels and focus. Many people who use creatine say that they notice a significant boost in mental and physical performance when taking arginine along with creatine. According to the manufacturers of Alpha-Arginine, this product is ‘safe and effective’, and that people who use it regularly ‘see improvements in memory retention and focus, with the potential to enhance athletic performance.’
Muscle Cramps, Spasms, And Spasticity
Another negative effect of creatine is muscle cramps, spasms, and spasticity. When used in high amounts or for long periods of time, creatine can cause abnormal muscle contractions that result in pain, numbness, and tingling. These symptoms can be so severe that some people have had to cut back on or discontinue their usage of creatine. Because of this, many health experts suggest that creatine should not be used by people with certain medical conditions or those who are susceptible to muscle cramps, spasms, or spasticity. Certain medications, such as quinine, are also known to interact with creatine, so those individuals who are taking these medications should avoid using creatine as well. As with mental fatigue, there are alternatives for people who experience muscle cramps, spasms, or spasticity due to creatine use. Some of these alternatives are designed to treat specific conditions, while others are just meant to be a safer substitute for the chemical. In any case, if you’re wondering whether or not to take creatine, it might be smart to ask your doctor about alternatives first.
Heart Palpitations And Irregular Heart Rhythm
Some people have reported an unusually high risk of heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythm when taking high amounts of creatine. While these symptoms are generally harmless, they can be worrisome for people who are already susceptible to heart problems. Since these symptoms can be caused by several factors, it’s important to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to them. In some instances, this may mean avoiding or lowering your dose of creatine. In other cases, it could mean changing your medication regimen. In either case, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your doctor so that they can help you identify the source of the problem and come up with a plan of action. If you think that you or someone you know could be at risk for heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythm, then it might be a good idea to avoid or lower your dose of creatine until the issue is resolved. In extreme cases, this could be life-threatening.
Liver Disorders
The makers of Alpha-Arginine claim that this product is ‘safe and effective’ when used according to the recommended dosages, and that it can ‘prevent, treat, and reverse’ liver disorders. If you’re already experiencing symptoms of liver disease, such as jaundice, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor before you start taking creatine again. Even if you don’t have liver disease, it’s still not recommended to take high amounts of creatine. If you are taking creatine to help with your energy levels and to improve your overall health, it’s usually recommended to take a lower dose than recommended by the manufacturer. This is because high doses of creatine can cause liver disorders in some people. If you’re thinking about taking creatine, then it might be a good idea to ask your doctor about alternative products that could be more beneficial for your health and energy levels.
The point is that while creatine can be a useful supplement for some people, it’s not recommended for everybody. If you are already experiencing the side effects listed above, then it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor about alternatives before you start taking this product again. As for now, while there are no known cases of anyone dying from taking creatine, it might still not be the wisest choice for everyone. Just remember, nature always provides the best solutions to our problems, and sometimes it’s the simplest one too.