The Best Creatine | 2023

Looking for a little boost for your gym time or sports workout? Creatine is a supplement that can help you. With muscle building attributes, creatine is an ideal substance for those who are performing heavy lifting or exercise that is high-intensity.

There are countless natural substances found throughout your body. These substances are there to help your body function properly for everyday living. Some of these substances are depleted when you push your body to extremes with things like childbirth, extreme workouts or even a very physical occupation.

Creatine is one of those substances needed for your muscle cells to function at their max capacity. It encourages the production of energy in your muscles. It has similar characteristics to amino acids and can be made from glycine and arginine, two common amino acids.

The consumption of meat, hormone levels (especially testosterone) and exercise affect the boy’s creatine levels. It is stored mostly in the muscles as phosphocreatine but a small percentage can be found in the liver, kidneys and brain.

What happens when you take the supplement is an increase in the phosphocreatine, which becomes energy stored. This stored energy then produces ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate, an energy carrier in most living things. When you eat or your body absorbs energy through light, it is stored as ATP for when you need to use that energy. When your body needs that energy, it then breaks down ATP through hydrolysis. Through this process, the bond is broken, and the phosphoryl group is eliminated, in turn releasing energy for the cells.

In addition to increasing energy, creatine accelerates recovery in your muscles and even increases muscle mass. How does creatine do these things? It allows your body to endure through longer periods of extreme exercise which helps your muscle grow. It also increases cell signaling that helps with muscle growth and more importantly muscle recovery. Finally, creatine elevates water levels in the cells, which not only helps with the function but also plumps the muscle up.

Taking creatine is shown to significantly reduce the breakdown of proteins that comprise our muscles. It encourages the growth of the muscle by lowering myostatin levels, the protein that can prevent muscle growth. Additional studies have found that the increase of phosphocreatine in the brain enhances function and can prevent neurological malfunctions.

Creatine can have other benefits, too, says Dr. Niket Sonpal, a doctor based in New York City.

“Sleep deprivation has a negative effect on mental performance and mood. This can be caused by a drop in creatine levels in the brain,” he says. “Studies suggest that taking a creatine supplement can help to offset the decline in mental performance that normally happens when you’re short on sleep.”

Importantly, Dr. Sonpal advises talking to your doctor before you begin taking supplements of any kind, including creatine. And keep in mind that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

“Always check with your physician before adding any supplement to your diet.  Do not expect miracles from any product. A sensible, healthy diet and regular exercise program are the real keys to achieving and maintaining weight loss and overall health,” he says.

So how do you consume creatine supplements? Most consumers use a powder form of creatine that can be mixed into beverages or smoothies. There are a few different varieties to choose from, but most of them are monohydrate variations. You will find different potencies to accommodate the level of exertion you plan on performing.

With several different potencies, you can start with the lowest strength of the Optimum Nutrition Creatine and work your way up if need be. This Keto-friendly powder won’t disturb your dieting and will enhance your muscle mass and energy levels.

For a pH balanced option that won’t affect your GI tract, you’ll want the patented EFX Cre-Alkalyn Creatine. This has a pH level of 12 to prevent all the noted bloating and cramping associated with creatine supplements.

With the concern of different diets these days, there are now vegan-friendly options as well.

When you want the purest creatine, opt for one with a  no sugar, no filler, pure-as-can-be formula. This type of creatine will surely give you the muscle gain you want without the added ingredients.

Creatine is a great supplement to take if you are working towards a physical achievement or goal. Your muscles will thank you both during and after the workout session, and you won’t feel as much strain on your muscles when used. Find the dosage that works for you and see the results for yourself.

• Creatine should not be abused. Your body makes enough creatine, naturally and through the foods you eat, to support everyday functions, so this supplement is really specific to those athletes that are going above and beyond.
• Make sure to always consult a health professional and discuss safe doses for your body before starting on any amounts of creatine.
• Although most of the powders are unflavored, it is always more pleasant to add this supplement to a shake or smoothie.
• Make sure to explore the options that best suit your diet, whether that means vegan, low-sugar or even Keto-friendly.
• When you experience adverse side effects, talk to a medical professional before continuing on a regiment.