The creatine cure

A creatine cure is the cyclical intake of the dietary supplement. The cure consists of three different phases. The advantage of a creatine cure is that the creatine stores grow in a very short time and the maximum strength of the muscles is increased.

In addition, the regenerative capacity of the muscles is improved, so that the training is intensified. However, the creatine cure also has disadvantages such as bad breath, flatulence or cramps. Experts therefore recommend that you only use the creatine cure if you want to take creatine for a short time.

More information on this topic: Creatine Cure

One begins with the so-called loading phase of one week. During this time you take four times the amount of the normal daily dose. This corresponds approximately to an amount of 20 grams.
In order to avoid incompatibilities such as stomach aches or nausea, one should not take the entire quantity, but in distance of three hours always 3-5 gram.
After this charging phase follows the so-called maintenance dose. This should last for three to four weeks. During this time the normal daily dose of 3-5 grams is consumed.
Afterwards a taking pause follows.
This is important to empty the creatine stores. If this pause is omitted, the kidneys are no longer able to absorb creatine and simply excrete it again. Therefore, taking creatine during this time would be ineffective. How long this break should be, must be taken from the package instructions of the preparation. Some preparations suggest a break of one week, others recommend that the break should be as long as the previous phase.

What else should I consider when taking this medicine?

The intake of creatine as a dietary supplement is relatively safe – according to the current state of science, there are no clinically relevant side effects. Nevertheless, the package insert should always be read carefully and kept. If the dosage is too high, stomach cramps, flatulence, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Therefore, the dose should be kept as low as possible. In principle, creatine should be taken with plenty of water, at least 300 ml. A lot of fluid should also be taken throughout the day, as creatine binds it.

Long-term creatine intake may lead to a magnesium deficiency and cramps may occur. In this case, additional magnesium should be taken in consultation with a doctor. Until recently, it was still recommended that creatine be taken with sugary juices, as this stimulates insulin secretion and the creatine can be better absorbed.

This recommendation was rejected. The same applies to the assumption that creatine is better absorbed when taken together with short-chain carbohydrates. It is also important to know that taking creatine leads to an inevitable increase in body weight.

The reason for this is the storage of water. Athletes who are divided into weight classes must take this weight gain into account. In addition, the increased water retention in the muscle cells leads to a high pressure in the cells.

This increases the risk of injury. People with kidney disease must consult a doctor before taking creatine, as creatine is utilized via the kidneys. If these cannot convert the creatine sufficiently due to a disease or disorder, kidney damage can occur.