Does Creatine Makes You Bigger?
Creatine is widely used or known among the fitness enthusiasts. If you are new, you’re less likely aware of this supplement.
Perhaps it’s only fair to briefly explain this supplement before answering whether it will make you bigger.
Our body naturally produces substance through amino acids, which is called creatine. Our kidneys, liver, and pancreas produce one to two grams daily on average, usually stored in skeletal muscles. This substance is also found in animal-based foods, mainly fish and meat.
So, does it make you bigger? The answer is yes. It makes you bigger, leading to bloating in the initial phase. Creatine enhances the ability to produce energy in our bodies. It allows you to exercise efficiently through the energy released by this substance.
Here is how it works: the muscles in your body convert this naturally producing substance into creatine phosphate. It’s then generated into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is a molecule that transfers energy into the body cells.
During high-intensity physical training, natural creatine gets exhausted quickly. Hence, some people use this supplement to provide more energy.
Consuming this supplement leads to a gain in water weight with a quick addition of muscle. The water in the muscles makes one look fuller and bigger.
Can Creatine Alone Build Muscle?
Creatine alone is less likely to build muscle. This naturally produced molecule in our body mainly provides energy. Athletes and physical fitness enthusiasts take this supplement to increase their productivity.
In fact, it’s a popular supplement to increase strength and muscle mass. It’s also been reported that creatine helps in lean muscle gains.
There is a misconception that creatine alone will make you bigger or build muscle. No doubt it does make you look fuller at the initial phase due to water weight.
During this phase, you may notice an increase in body weight due to high water content in muscles leading to a gain in muscle mass, resulting in bloating. However, it’s only for the short term.
So, don’t expect to build muscle just by consuming this supplement. It needs to go hand in hand with physical exercise. This supplement is widely used among fitness enthusiasts so that they might do more sprints or reps, resulting in greater muscle gains and strength.
Do I need Creatine If I Take Protein?
Creatine and protein are two popular supplements that are quite popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Both are excellent natural supplements that aid in muscle mass and increase strength.
For first-timers, there are questions like if one can consume both these supplements at the same time. Well, having them together is safe since it produces the same result.
Protein is produced through amino acids, which create muscle fibers. It’s a natural compound like creatine, which in comparison, is more invested in muscle tissue.
When it comes to dosage, the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is 0.8 grams for protein. However, one is expected to have more if there is intense physical training.
Keeping this in mind, the standard serving amount for creatine and protein is:
- Creatine: 3-5 grams Per Serving
- Protein: 20 grams Per Serving
If you plan on having both supplements appropriately, these dosage amounts mentioned above help in optimizing the anabolic benefit of the supplements.
You may also split the dosage amount into multiple servings in a day consuming at different times. It will allow maximum absorption of the nutrient.
Both may differ in working structure, but the outcome is the same. It depends on the individual ultimately. You may have these supplements at once or opt for one that is suitable for you.
Studies have revealed that consuming both supplements don’t result in additional muscle gain or strength. The only difference would be the way in which it’s accomplished.
We suggest consulting a doctor before taking the supplements if you have prior medical conditions.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Creatine?
Creatine is a natural compound available both in pills and powdered form. Consuming this supplement increases the total amount of creatine serum.
Not only that, the natural creatine stored in muscles increases. However, the levels drop when you stop using this supplement. It may cause some temporary side effects, including muscle weakness, low production of creatine, fatigue, and water weight loss. Let’s delve more into it.
A decline in the production of natural creatine
When you stop having creatine supplements after using them for an extended time, it ultimately affects natural creatine production. Since you consume it every day, your body will be expecting it.
This results in lower production for some time. However, it will start producing if you have stopped taking creatine for a long as the body will stop expecting it.
Losing water weight
Taking creatine results in retaining water in the muscles. As we have mentioned above, it makes the muscle bigger and fuller. However, once you stop having it, the water in your muscles will lose gradually in a few weeks. This results in losing water weight but will not affect muscles amount.
Loss of muscle mass
Muscle mass is also greatly affected if you stop using creatine. It gets noticeable in a few weeks resulting in a smaller body frame. Along with the loss of water weight, the loss of muscle mass significantly impacts your physique. Hence, it’s advisable to stick with this supplement or not start at all.
Loss of strength
Creatine is a natural energy enhancer. Athletes or bodybuilders use this supplement to give them strength as the natural one in our body soon gets exhausted. So, once you stop using this compound, you may notice a decline in your strength. You may not be able to carry intense physical sessions like before.
Less energy
People use this natural supplement to provide them with additional power since creatine gives energy to the muscles.
If you’re not consistent or stop taking it, the muscle cells get fatigued, resulting in less energy. It means the muscles will get drained soon, thus resulting in the inability to lift heavier objects like before.
