Creatine supplementation is widely popular in the fitness and bodybuilding community as it helps individuals build muscle mass effectively. However, despite its benefits, there have been concerns surrounding side effects. Let's dive deeper into these concerns.
When evaluating the impact of creatine and considering its usage, the general consensus usually leans towards the rewards outweighing the risks.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF TAKING CREATINE SUPPLEMENTS
It's important to note that when introducing any supplement, there can be some issues that may arise. While these are usually temporary and not overly disruptive, they should still be acknowledged:
STOMACH DISCOMFORT AND GAS
Your body may take some time to adjust to a supplement, which could result in stomach discomfort and gas. Though discomfort is rare, it's not uncommon to experience gas. With time, your system adapts to it.
NAUSEA
Occasional feelings of nausea might occur during the stages of supplementation. To alleviate this for those who are sensitive to supplements on an empty stomach, consider mixing creatine with a protein shake after having a full meal.
SHORT-TERM DIARRHEA
In rare cases, some individuals may experience short-lived episodes of diarrhea as their bodies adapt to creatine supplementation. Typically, this resolves within a day.
LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF CREATINE USE
While these effects are less common overall, it's important to be aware of them:
UNEXPECTED WEIGHT GAIN
Due to water retention caused by creatine use, some people aiming solely for muscle gain may notice an increase in weight. Although gaining benefits during the bulking phase, some people find it challenging to lose the water weight, especially those with thyroid-related concerns.
There have been some suggestions that creatine may be linked to irregularities in heart function. While not extensively researched, individuals with a history of heart problems should consult a doctor before considering creatine supplementation.
It's important to understand these details so that informed decisions can be made. While most individuals do not experience any effects, it is essential to consider the outcomes before deciding to use creatine as a supplement.
