Creatine is produced naturally in the body and is not really a drug. It’s a combination of three amino acids: actually glycine, arginine and methionine. Creatine is available in some foods, and is commonly found in things such as fish or meat.

It helps the body do so-called “explosive” high intensity and repetitive exercise. This means that you can get a better workout when you take creatine, and you’ll feel better after your workout too, since your muscles can cover much more quickly from fatigue. It helps reduce the accumulation of lactic acid after your workout, which will help you avoid muscle soreness after your workout.

Even though you can get creatine from your diet, taking supplements of creatine will give you larger amounts of it. Taken within reason, this can help you exercise longer with less fatigue and soreness, and with faster recovery times so that you’ll recuperate for less time between workout sessions. This is especially helpful for bodybuilders or other athletes who wish to build muscle mass quickly or improve performance by working out longer and harder.

Adenosine triphosphate or ATP is a substance that is stored within your muscles for whenever you might need it. This provides an instant fix, accounting for the “explosive” benefit given to the muscles, leaving the body ready for a more intense workout.

Just remember that while taking creatine your body is going to retain more water in your muscles, resulting in the need for you to increase your intake of water to off set the rest of your organs. In short, be sure you drink enough when you’re taking creatine.

Creatine may facilitate longer, more strenuous and more frequent workouts than you would have without using it, helping you to amass muscle quicker. In addition, it can vastly lower the amount of post-workout muscle soreness, and as a result you’ll return to your workout earlier and feel better too.

However, it has some cons, too. You will experience weight gain because your body will retain water in its muscles. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but just be prepared for the higher number on the scale. You can experience dehydration and related side effects like nausea, vomiting or even seizures, in addition. Also, it is not advised to take Creatine if you have kidney problems due to the added stress that Creatine can cause to the kidneys.

You must eat right, no matter which supplements you may take. Otherwise your body won’t function at an optimal level and your workouts won’t be as effective.

You can take all the creatine in the world, for example, but if you sit there and eat junk food instead of concentrating on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, you’re not going to be helping your workout. Your muscles have to have something to build themselves on, and junk food is not the answer. So make your diet healthy by including plenty of lean proteins like lean meats and fish, complex carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables. Limit or eliminate trans fats, simple sugars and carbohydrates, and junk food in general.

Even so, when following these guidelines, creatine can definitely promote better workouts and muscle building if it is used appropriately.