Amping up my CREATINE
Yes, creatine. It sometimes gets a bad rap but I have to tell you that it is my staple for muscle building.
Taken from CREATINE.COM
What is Creatine and where is it found?
March 01, 2007 Posted 08:42 am
Unlike most supplements that athletes use, creatine is neither a vitamin, mineral, herb nor hormone. It is a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in our body that has the chemical name methyl guanidine-acetic acid (see Figure 1 below). As most of you are already aware, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The majority of creatine (about 95%) is located in the skeletal muscle system, and the remaining 5% is in the brain, heart and testes. We acquire most of the creatine in our system by consuming meats and fish as well as dairy products, egg whites, nuts and seeds. Although the human body has a way of storing very high amounts of creatine to enhance recovery and muscle power, it is quite challenging to consume enough food to provide the same amount of creatine that using supplements will. In the event that you do not consume enough creatine to suit your body’s requirements, your body can synthesize it from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. This manufacturing process takes place in the kidneys, liver and pancreas.
How does Creatine affect Growth Hormone and aging?
March 01, 2007 Posted 03:12 pm
Creatine does more than provide your cells with ample amounts of creatine phosphate. There have been studies performed that suggest creatine has the ability to raise Growth Hormone levels in your system. In these studies, subjects would consume 20 grams per day of creatine and their blood GH levels showed a statistically significant increase of GH for two to six hours following the ingestion of the creatine. It is important to note that these subjects did not exercise or consume any other type of supplement that could influence a natural elevation in growth hormone levels. The scientists concluded that the increase in blood levels of GH was solely due to the consumption of creatine. GH is the hormone that controls the regulation of body fat, maintains the body’s immune system, allows you to build muscle mass, heals wounds, maintains bone mass as well as hundreds of other vital functions. Besides the benefit of increased recuperation and additional energy supplies, creatine’s ability to promote the production of GH is a major step towards maintaining or enhancing health.
Science has proven that as we age the amount of Growth Hormone that our body produces declines. This is the reason that we have more physical related problems as we age such as; loss of muscle mass, our bones become frail, our skin is less elastic, we get sick more often, and we do not have the energy we once had at a younger age. Through its ability to enhance GH levels, creatine can offer aging health enthusiasts an opportunity to maintain their health as well as their youthful vitality and general well-being. For those elderly individuals feeling the effects of muscle loss as they age, creatine provides a “double-whammy” by volumizing muscle cells as well as increasing growth hormone levels
What are the benefits of Creatine for women?
March 01, 2007 Posted 03:45 pm
So far we have seen how creatine can enrich the physical well-being of the general athlete and the elderly, but we have not discussed its benefits for the female population in particular. Of course, creatine will help boost energy levels in the female athlete the same as it does with their male counterparts. However,by aiding the production of muscle mass, creatine will help female athletes add the muscle they need to improve their performance.Women generally have a more difficult time trying to gain muscle size and strength than men do. Creatine will help women see results in strength much quicker. It is a well documented fact that carrying more muscle causes the body to burn more calories…even during rest. Women that use creatine and add some additional muscle to their frame will burn more calories and body fat throughout the day
How does Creatine stimulate muscle growth?
March 05, 2007 Posted 08:55 am
Although creatine’s role in the energy production process is its most notable trait, there is evidence that creatine can stimulate muscle growth. It does this in a couple of different ways. By allowing you to perform more work as a result of additional energy, increased protein synthesis is stimulated. Secondly, when an abundance of creatine phosphate is stored n the muscle, the muscle will hold more water in its cells and become what is known as “volumized” or “super-hydrated.” The more volumized a muscle is, it will promote the synthesis of protein as well as deter the breakdown of protein. Volumizing the muscle will also create an environment where an increased level of Glycogen synthesis will take place. Increased protein synthesis along with training will lead to muscle growth. There is also scientific evidence that shows supplementation with creatine causes muscle tears to repair themselves quicker.
This is why I love my creatine!!! I have been cycling it on and off for 3 years now. My preference is Gaspari’s SIZEON, but its also in superpump250, but in lesser amounts. Its legal, its safe, it’s scientifically proven!!! Happy supplementing!!
