What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Taking Creatine
Creatine is a substance naturally found in the cells of our brain and muscles (via Healthline). It is also a popular supplement because it can help you power through long workouts by providing energy for your muscles. It has also been shown to increase muscle mass by reducing protein breakdown. It can even improve muscle growth and speed up muscle recovery.
Creatine is clearly a great supplement for people into fitness, but what happens when you stop taking it after using it for a while? According to FeastGood, you'll notice a few different changes in your body. You may see a decrease in water weight. Creatine draws water into the muscles and can make them look bigger than they really are. When you stop taking creatine, the excess water leaves and your muscles may end up looking smaller. Putting your creatine supplements away can also lead to muscle fatigue while working out, a decline in strength, and a lack of energy in your muscles. You will get used to what your muscles were like pre-creatine eventually, but it may take some time to adjust.
Side effects of creatine
If you haven't started taking creatine but want to, here's what you should know. Although it is not FDA-approved, creatine is considered generally safe to take when staying within the recommended dosage (via Medical News Today). However, it is a supplement and all supplements come with potential side effects. If you take too much creatine, you may experience nausea, stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea. Creatine can also cause temporary weight gain due to water retention in the muscles, although this will clear up once you stop taking the supplement.
The long-term effects of taking creatine are not known, especially when it comes to adolescents. It has the lowest risk of causing harm to people who are healthy and eat a well-balanced diet. It's always smart to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements. They can help you determine if this supplement is safe for you and what the best dosage is for your age, weight, and fitness goals.