Creatine is an amino acid that is naturally occurring in the body found in the muscle tissues. Creatine works by providing energy for the muscles. The creatine supply is mostly found in the skeletal muscles. Some of the creatine may be found in the testes, blood and the heart. Creatine is mostly taken from food sources such as red meat. However, dietary sources may only be present in trace amounts. Due to this, creatine supplementation is sometimes needed. Creatine supplements are in the form of creatine monohydrate.

Uses and Advantages of Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine is used for ATP or energy production. Creatine monohydrate is commonly used by body builders and sports enthusiasts. Creatine monohydrate is used to improve weight lifting by increasing the energy of the skeletal muscles. It also buffers the production of lactic acid, thereby enhances the endurance of individuals taking it. It is also beneficial in delaying fatigue just by increasing the muscle strength. Creatine monohydrate seems to provide the body up to 2 to 3 times the benefit of a high protein diet in improving the muscles.

Aside from these, creatine tends to increase the fluid inside the cells leading to firmer and bigger muscles, termed as cell volumization. Cell volumization is different from water retention. Cell volumization tends to improve gaining of muscle mass. Creatine usually produces beneficial effects in the first week of use. Creatine monohydrate, unlike other body building drugs, is approved by athletic associations for use by athletes.

Aside from its effects on body builders and athletes, Creatine monohydrate has been found to be beneficial for the management of the following conditions:

• Congestive heart failure
• Arthritis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Disuse and gyrate atrophy
• Huntington’s disease
• McArdle’s disease
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Muscular dystrophy
• Mitochondrial disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Creatine monohydrate also has neuroprotective functions; thereby improving the cognitive abilities of people.

Creatine Monohydrate Side effects

Creatine monohydrate may also produce side effects just like any other medications. However, it can be minimized with proper use and dosing. The use of 5 to 20 grams of creatine per day seems to prevent Creatine monohydrate side effects. The following are the possible Creatine monohydrate side effects:

1. Allergies

People with certain allergies may also be hypersensitive to creatine monohydrate as a Creatine monohydrate side effect. It is important to seek consult from a physician regarding creatine use when you suffer from certain allergies. Voltaren side-effects may also lead to allergic reactions.

2. Asthma

Those who are allergic to creatine may also develop asthma reactions as Creatine monohydrate side effects. Asthma may lead to difficulty of breathing and wheezing. When you are allergic to creatine, it is better to avoid its use and better get creatine from natural food sources.

3. Muscle cramping

Studies also have shown the possibility of muscles cramping because of the effects of fluid movement in the muscle cells that may also affect the electrolytes. Nevertheless, some studies have also showed that muscle cramping is a rare Creatine monohydrate side effect.

4. Interstitial nephritis

Creatine is metabolized in the body and turns into its byproduct as creatinine. When excessive levels of creatinine are present, it may increase the workload of the kidneys in eliminating this byproduct as a Creatine monohydrate side effect. Huge amounts of creatine intake may eventfully lead to kidney problems. Intake of recommended dosage is essential to prevent kidney problems.

5. Altered liver function

There may also be problems in the liver functioning of individuals taking create monohydrate as a Creatine monohydrate side effect. Watch out for yellowish skin and sclera, which may indicate liver damage.

6. Loss of muscle strength and mass

Discontinuing creatine monohydrate may lead to temporary loss of muscle strength and muscle mass as a result of decreased fluids inside the muscles. It is important to differentiate real muscle mass from cell volumization in order not to be disappointed when you suddenly lose your muscles when you stop taking creatine monohydrate.

Other less serious Creatine monohydrate side effects include dizziness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and sudden weight gain. Creatine is also believed to increase risk for cancer especially those who take excessive dose of creatine monohydrate. In order to prevent these Creatine monohydrate side effects, it is essential to adhere to its recommended daily dosages.

Apple cider vinegar is a commonly used remedy for specific conditions as well as ensuring a healthy metabolism. Apple cider vinegar is made from the fermented extract of crushed apples. Apple cider vinegar contains vitamin C and vitamin B complex. It also contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. In addition, apple cider vinegar also contains citric acid and acetic acid, which is beneficial for various conditions.

Apple cider vinegar is used for various ailments such as:

• Overweight
• Bad breath
• Acne
• Rosacea
• Age spots
• Yeast infection
• Diarrhea/ Constipation
• Indigestion
• Diabetes
• Leg cramps
• Sore throat
• Hypertension
• Sinusitis
• Arthritis
• Sunburns
• Dandruff
• Shingles
• Infections such as vaginitis
• Insect bites

People suffering from certain illness may get the benefit out of this kitchen ingredient. In addition, it also does not only help manage the above conditions, but also provide essential nutrients and minerals.

Apple cider vinegar Side effects

Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy, which causes few or no adverse effects at all. However, it may still cause mild apple cider vinegar side-effects since it is not a natural substance in the body. There are variousapple cider vinegar side effects, which should be taken into consideration. Although it is a possible effect, taking apple cider vinegar appropriately may prevent these apple cider vinegar side-effects. Apple cider vinegar side effects include:

#1 Apple cider vinegar side effects: Tooth enamel corrosion

Because of the presence of acids in apple cider vinegar, drinking too much of it in regular intervals may eventually weaken teeth because of corrosion. Drinking pure apple cider vinegar increases the concentration in the tooth enamel, thereby making it more potent in weakening the teeth. In order to prevent his Apple cider vinegar side effect, never drink apple cider vinegar in its pure form, instead, dilute it with water and rinse the mouth with fresh after to remove the apple cider vinegar that may have stayed on the tooth. In addition, rinse the tooth before brushing because brushing the teeth with the apple cider vinegar on it may increase the corrosive effects of the vinegar.

#2 Apple cider vinegar side effects: Skin and Throat Irritation

Apple cider vinegar may also burn and irritate the soft tissues on the throat and skin. When apple cider vinegar is taken in full strength, it may possibly burn the throat and intensify the sore throat sensation. Those who take apple cider vinegar pills may also cause burning of the esophagus due to the presence of stacked pills on the throat. In order to prevent throat irritation, drink apple cider vinegar diluted in water or take apple cider vinegar pills with a glass of water to prevent it from staying in the esophagus.

Apple cider vinegar may also burn the skin when applied directly on the skin when treating skin conditions. To prevent his, never leave apple cider vinegar on the skin longer than 5 minutes. Rinse the apple cider vinegar immediately after 5 minutes.

#3 Apple cider vinegar side effects: Gastric Irritation

The acidic component of apple cider vinegar may also irritate the gastric lining leading to upset stomach. Frequent use of apple cider vinegar may lead to gastritis and ulceration of the stomach. To prevent these apple cider vinegar side effects, take apple cider vinegar after meals.

#4 Apple cider vinegar side effects: Low Potassium Levels

Despite the presence of traces of potassium in apple cider vinegar, it may also cause low blood potassium levels when taken in high amounts. Take low dose apple cider vinegar to prevent this.

#5 Apple cider vinegar side effects: Decreased Bone Density

Because of possible low potassium levels, the bone may have reduced bone density. Patients who have osteoporosis or have increased risk for osteoporosis such as menopausal women should avoid taking apple cider vinegar.

Despite these apple cider vinegar side effects, taking apple cider vinegar is still beneficial and should be considered. However, to prevent apple cider vinegar side effects, make sure to take apple cider vinegar as instructed. Just like other medications, they also have side effects such as Enalapril side effects, which should be prevented by taking the medications as prescribed.