I was sharing with someone the other day why creatine is an essential micronutrient for overall health and realized I had never really discussed in here on the blog. I have been taking creatine for nearly 6 years. At first I cycled it, taking it for about 8 weeks and then taking a break from it but as time went on and more studies became available, I learned that you don’t have to cycle at all. It’s good to take all the time and here’s why.
What does creatine do?
Creatine is naturally found in meat sources. It’s a non-protein amino acid that our bodies use to make sure we have enough energy.
Why is it so important particularly as we age?
Creatine is perhaps the most widely studied supplement and for good reason. It helps with performance and recovery, aiding in muscle building and preservation. Keeping muscle is especially important as we age. What’s more, creatine has also been shown to enhance memory in older adults.
How should you take creatine? When should you take it?
Most people take creatine monohydrate in a pill or capsule form. Although there are different kinds of creatine, the monohydrate version is most easily absorbed by our body. It’s also cheap and easy to find. It’s important to take it every day to keep it in your system for ongoing use. While it doesn’t matter when you take it, most people take it right after a workout. It’s tasteless so you can even add it to you morning coffee.
Is creatine safe?
Yes. Creatine is one of the safest supplements out there. While there are some pros and cons to consider, by and large, most people would benefit greatly from adding it to their daily regimen.
What are the best brands?
If you want to add creatine to your diet, look for brands that don’t have anything else in them besides creatine monohydrate. Below are two that I have used:
Whatever brand you decide on, please make sure you check with your doctor before taking creatine, just to make sure it’s safe for you. Happy training!