If you’re looking for a way to add muscle mass to your body, you may be wondering how creatine can help. This is a naturally occurring substance that provides energy for muscle contraction. It’s also considered to be safe for those with preexisting kidney problems.
It’s a naturally-occurring substance
If you are one of the unfortunate few who suffer from kidney stones, you are no doubt familiar with the pain and discomfort associated with these painful little critters. Kidney stones are caused by the excess of crystal-making substances in the urine, such as calcium and uric acid. Fortunately, there are a number of measures you can take to reduce your chances of developing the disease. One such measure is a diet rich in magnesium. Magnesium is vital to the body’s function, and deficiencies can lead to all sorts of health problems from high blood pressure to leg cramps. In addition to that, a low-sodium diet may also be protective.
Another important dietary measure to keep in mind is the benefits of being vegetarian. Vegetarian diets are associated with several health benefits, ranging from reduced cardiovascular risk to improved bone health. A study published in the journal Nature in 2011 found that a moderately restrictive vegetarian diet was associated with a 45% reduction in the incidence of recurrent kidney stones. The authors also note that a diet enriched in vitamin C and beta-carotene might be worth a try as well.
Finally, while you are at it, consider a high-quality multivitamin. Vitamin D deficiency is a known risk factor for kidney stones, so a supplement might be in order. Similarly, a diet rich in potassium might be a good idea as well.
Despite all the hype, there is a silver lining to kidney stone disease: a well-balanced diet and some exercise can actually help prevent the affliction. Several studies have shown that a low-sodium diet can ward off these painful little critters. And, if you are prone to kidney stones, it may be worth considering a surgical intervention, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). You should never attempt this treatment on your own, as it carries a high risk of complications.
It’s a source of energy for muscle contraction
Creatine is a protein found in muscles, as well as other tissues. It is a natural source of energy for muscle contraction. However, its use has not been extensively studied in a long term way.
In skeletal muscles, creatine is a vital part of the energy system that supports short, intense bouts of muscle activity. During these brief periods, the muscle cells must rapidly replenish their ATP supply. Without sufficient amounts of ATP, the muscle cannot contract. Fortunately, the body has three ways to produce ATP. These are glycolysis, aerobic respiration, and anaerobic respiration. Each of these methods uses different chemical reactions to produce ATP.
Glycolysis is a process whereby the cell breaks down glucose. When the cell produces a molecule of pyruvate, two molecules of ATP are produced. The pyruvate can be used in aerobic respiration or converted to lactic acid. Lactic acid is harmful to the body in extreme cases. This is why the body uses pyruvic acid instead of lactic acid in aerobic respiration.
Aerobic respiration is a more complex process that takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. Unlike glycolysis, this method does not require oxygen. It produces two molecules of ATP and produces a small amount of lactic acid as a by-product.
Although skeletal muscles contain a large amount of creatine, it is only enough to support a few seconds of muscle contraction. If the muscles are depleted, they switch to the faster, more efficient ATP source, glycolysis.
Muscles also have a small reserve of high-energy phosphates, known as phosphocreatine. A small amount of this compound is found in the heart and brain. But most of the body’s supply of creatine comes from a carnivorous diet and the liver.
Throughout the body, there are two major contractile proteins. Actin and myosin are both important in skeletal muscle contraction. Myosin heads bind to binding sites on the actin filaments. During contraction, the myosin heads pull the actin filaments towards the center of the sarcomere.
In resting state, tropomyosin covers the binding sites on the actin strand. But when the myosin head binds to a binding site, it rotates around the actin filament to expose the site. Tropomyosin then blocks myosin from binding to the actin, preventing it from pulling the filaments.
It’s safe for people with preexisting kidney problems
If you are considering taking creatine, you might be wondering if it is a good idea. The best way to decide is to ask your doctor. He or she will know whether your kidneys are healthy or not. For example, if you are taking medications that could harm your kidneys, you should avoid taking creatine.
Creatine has been found to be safe for most people with normal kidney function. Nevertheless, it’s not recommended for anyone with chronic kidney disease, or for those taking potentially nephrotoxic drugs. It’s also a good idea to stick to the manufacturer’s suggested dosage and dosing instructions.
A number of health organizations, such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health, have cited creatine as a promising treatment for patients with renal disease. In fact, studies have found that taking creatine can help improve creatinine clearance rates in up to 70% of individuals with end-stage kidney disease. This is great news for the aspiring sports star, but it’s not a guarantee.
Although it’s hard to say if creatine is worth the hype, it’s worth doing a little research before you go out and drop your hard-earned cash on a supplement. Also, you might want to subscribe to some third-party testing to see if your supplement is really any good.
The best thing about creatine is that it is available in an array of flavors and forms. This allows you to find one that will complement your diet and help you achieve a healthier balance of sodium and potassium. Sodium helps to keep your blood pressure in check, while potassium helps your body balance fluids in and out of your cells. You might need to limit your intake of high potassium foods such as bananas, avocados, and yogurt to help your kidneys perform their best.
One last word of caution: it is a good idea to take creatine only when your doctor advises you to. Even the safest supplement should be taken with caution, but this is a reasonable precaution. Your doctor will probably want to test your serum creatinine levels at least once a year.
It’s not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is stored in muscles and used as a source of ATP, a key form of energy. However, creatine is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. This lack of regulation can lead to inconsistent quality.
Many athletes use creatine supplements to enhance their performance. These supplements are especially popular with young people. In fact, one 20-year-old undergraduate called 244 health food stores in the U.S. and asked workers for recommendations on supplements. Approximately two-thirds of them recommended creatine.
If you’re considering taking a creatine supplement, it’s important to get a third-party certificate of its safety and efficacy. You can find this information on the product’s label. Third-party testing can also help ensure that the product is free of filler ingredients.
While creatine is generally safe, there are some side effects that can occur if you take high doses. For example, it can stop your body from producing creatine, resulting in kidney damage. Some studies have shown that taking creatine may increase lean muscle mass.
Athletes who are concerned about the effects of taking a creatine supplement should consult their doctor. There is little research into the safety of creatine for children under 18 years old. Also, creatine supplementation isn’t banned by the International Olympic Committee or the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
While there is little evidence to suggest that creatine supplements improve performance, athletes should still be careful. Taking too much can lead to kidney damage. Instead of rushing to the store to buy a supplement, it’s best to wait until you’re injured and see a doctor.
Creatine is a popular supplement among competitive athletes. But, the United States Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration aren’t regulating its sale. The FDA isn’t able to inspect a supplement’s manufacturing process to ensure that it’s safe. Until the government steps in, the industry is regulated by private industry. When it comes to dietary supplements, the FDA does not hold them to the same standards as medications. Therefore, the industry is not fully regulated and isn’t held to the same safety standards.
