01/26/2024
Creatine:
Creatine phosphate (CP) is a high-energy phosphate stored in your cells that helps to immediately resynthesize ATP, (adenosine triphosphate), this is what is responsible for that first burst of energy you get, the explosiveness a sprinter needs at the starting line, if you train using polymetrics, are even CrossFit, where you need that explosiveness energy. However, this will only last for about the first 10 seconds, so the ATP will lose a phosphate - bond and leaves us with ADP, (adenosine diphosphate). I don’t want to get to far into energy transfer, but here’s where creatine phosphate comes in, it helps with the process of adding another phosphate – bond so we get ATP. Ok energy is a whole other subject so let me get back to creatine.
Ok so I am going to list some benefits and side effects of taking a creatine supplement, it is said to be the top performance supplement available. Some side effects could be, kidney and liver damage, kidney stones, dehydration, just to name a few, if you’re using a supplement make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Some of the benefits, helps muscle produce more energy, supports many body functions, as you read above it improves high intensity exercise, may help fight neurological diseases, and a slew of other things it helps in your body.
So should you take a supplement, or can you get this through diet. That would be up to you, however if you are going to take a supplement the best form is creatine monohydrate, I do not recommend brands you will have to research that and make your own choice.
You can also get creatine through diet, some foods that are high in creatine are, herring is at the top of the list along with pork at #2, salmon, tuna cod are also good, beef, chicken, keep in mind creatine is naturally found in animal tissue.
I hope I’ve given you enough information to make you choice, good luck on your fitness experience.
Joe’s Fitness & Nutrition; Feel your best, look your best, be your best.
(references, ISSA text books Personal Trainer, Nutrition; Healthline)