Creatine Cycle

[murdock_]

I did a search and found no results that answer my pretty simple question:

"HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CYCLE CREATINE"

I have been taking it for 3 weeks, i usually take it for a month, and then a month off, but i was wondering whats the optimal amount of time to be on creatine, and how long of a rest before restarting...

THANKS IN ADVANCE

reps for a good response

[oggie]

I am currently on a cycle of creatine, and have been on it for 2 1/2 weeks. I usually stay on creatine for 12 full weeks, then I stop the cycle and start to cut for 3-4 months. This lets me gain size and strength, then goto a low bodyfat, and be ready for any sports that I will be playing. The other good thing that comes from doing this is that once you start to bulk at a low bf%, after you are done your bulk it is easier to get back down to a low bf%.

On the othet hand my buddy goes on creatine for 6 week cyles. He cycles 6 weeks on and 3 weeks off for about 5 months. Both of these methods have been working great for the both of us. But I think that my buddy's creatine cycle is to tme consuming because rather then my 12 weeks of bulking, he is bulking for close to 5 months, which can get tedious and expensive.

[murdock_]

excellent thank you. im gonna cycle creatine until i start cutting 5-15, thank you!

reps for u

[GOT2BSTRONG]

taking a month off is a bit long, i go 8 weeks on creatine 2 weeks off. And i load( not sure if i have to but i have the money to so its whatever).

[BackInTheJox]

Cycling really isn't necessary at all.

[PowerSwede]

I did a search and found no results that answer my pretty simple question:

"HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CYCLE CREATINE"

I have been taking it for 3 weeks, i usually take it for a month, and then a month off, but i was wondering whats the optimal amount of time to be on creatine, and how long of a rest before restarting...

THANKS IN ADVANCE

reps for a good response

Why would you want to cycle creatine?

[kalagan]

Why would you want to cycle creatine?

You means you take creatine all the time ??

[WANKA]

I just started taking creatine and I think what I'm going to do is take it for maybe a month or two, then stop for a couple weeks, then restart. But i have ONE question...

Will creatine in general make you fat after you stop using it? I've researched it a lot and the only side-affect i saw was weight gain, but maybe that's due to water. But my main question is will i gain a lot of fat if i stop taking creatine? thanks.

[*KNUCKLEHEAD*]

ive never heard of the weight gain thing wanka. ever. im sure that your strength may be effected to a small degree but as far as weight goes, youll probly lose weight due to your muscles not holding as much water.

[mikd154]

I personally use a 2month on, 1month off cycle

[WANKA]

Thanks. As far as I have read/know creatine is fine, but I hate how everyone thinks it's a steroid and it's BAD for you.. That's why I only tell the people I work out with, family, or want to know.. I have told maybe 4 people (good buddies) and told them not to tell anyone. :D

[pu12en12g]

"HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CYCLE CREATINE"


1) Current studies show that there is no "need" to cycle creatine

2) If you WANT (for whatever reason) to cycle it, it would be optimal to cycle on 3 days and off ____ days.

[BackInTheJox]

You means you take creatine all the time ??



If he's smart he does.

There is no need to "come off" creatine unless you are simply unhappy with your results (or lackthereof), or something like that.

Creatine does not need to be cycled like steroids.

Let me say it again for the people who aren't getting it.

Creatine does not need to be cycled.

[BackInTheJox]

I just started taking creatine and I think what I'm going to do is take it for maybe a month or two, then stop for a couple weeks, then restart. But i have ONE question...

Will creatine in general make you fat after you stop using it? I've researched it a lot and the only side-affect i saw was weight gain, but maybe that's due to water. But my main question is will i gain a lot of fat if i stop taking creatine? thanks.



The weight gain is generally in the form of a few pounds of water, which will disappear after a week or two if you stop using it.

[WANKA]

The weight gain is generally in the form of a few pounds of water, which will disappear after a week or two if you stop using it.

Alright, cuz I was told I would gain fat after I did.. My brother said that actually, he said a guy told him that his friend used creatine for 6 months, not sure if he stopped or not for a cycle, but he said he stopped using it and got fat. My guess is he stopped working out and ate like hell.. but whatever

thanks for the responses :D

[kalagan]

Alright, cuz I was told I would gain fat after I did.. My brother said that actually, he said a guy told him that his friend used creatine for 6 months, not sure if he stopped or not for a cycle, but he said he stopped using it and got fat. My guess is he stopped working out and ate like hell.. but whatever

thanks for the responses :D

I have nerver heard someone tell me that when you stop creatine you make fat !!

I think it's false !!

[bnrginnc101]

1) Current studies show that there is no "need" to cycle creatine

2) If you WANT (for whatever reason) to cycle it, it would be optimal to cycle on 3 days and off ____ days.

From what I understand about creatine is that you will plateau on creatine and the first 31 days of use produce the largest gains. So by cycling it, you can take advantage of the that 31 day bulk to put on some serious gains. I have just started using creatine and have noticed a huge difference in the gym, and in the mirror, but all I know about it is just what I've read.

[Mmats]

From what I understand about creatine is that you will plateau on creatine and the first 31 days of use produce the largest gains. So by cycling it, you can take advantage of the that 31 day bulk to put on some serious gains. I have just started using creatine and have noticed a huge difference in the gym, and in the mirror, but all I know about it is just what I've read.

Anyone cycling creatine at this point needs to recycle their brain.

[WADEAL]

Anyone cycling creatine at this point needs to recycle their brain.

Creatine works wonders but can play havoc with certain people's digestive systems (mine for one). I cycle off it for a month after 12 weeks to get the benefit of a digestive system that works porperly and I haven't lost the gains as a result.

Here is a quote from Dr Susan Kleiner's rather excellent book "Power Eating" which might surprise a few of the "more is better" crew:

"Scientific research shows that taking 4 x 5g doses a day will do the trick. This is typically called the loading phase. During your maintenance phase 2-5g will keep your muscles saturated with enough extra creatine. The logic that a small dose is good, a large dose is better isn't a good idea.The body has a ceiling on the amount of creatine that it will store in the muscles. If you carry on taking more creatine it will not continue to load in the muscles.

Since creatine levels will be maintained in your muscles for about 3 weeks another strategy is to cyle on and off creatine rather than using the loading and maintenance phases. Start with a dose of 5g per day for about 6 weeks. It will take longer to reach saturation levels compared to the loading dose, but the end results are virtually the same. Cycle off creatine for about 3 weeks and then go back on it again. Your muscle levels and training results will remain high during the off period. This strategy will also lighten the strain on your wallet, while still giving you competitive results".

Having tried 4 week breaks, I have to say that my lifts carried on increasing in a straight line and I'm a few dollars better off than those who continually run with creatine.

My advice would be to try cycling and see what results you get. At worst you'll save a few bucks and if the results drop off as a result you only have to try it once.

[Mmats]

Creatine works wonders but can play havoc with certain people's digestive systems (mine for one). I cycle off it for a month after 12 weeks to get the benefit of a digestive system that works porperly and I haven't lost the gains as a result.

Here is a quote from Dr Susan Kleiner's rather excellent book "Power Eating" which might surprise a few of the "more is better" crew:

"Scientific research shows that taking 4 x 5g doses a day will do the trick. This is typically called the loading phase. During your maintenance phase 2-5g will keep your muscles saturated with enough extra creatine. The logic that a small dose is good, a large dose is better isn't a good idea.The body has a ceiling on the amount of creatine that it will store in the muscles. If you carry on taking more creatine it will not continue to load in the muscles.

Since creatine levels will be maintained in your muscles for about 3 weeks another strategy is to cyle on and off creatine rather than using the loading and maintenance phases. Start with a dose of 5g per day for about 6 weeks. It will take longer to reach saturation levels compared to the loading dose, but the end results are virtually the same. Cycle off creatine for about 3 weeks and then go back on it again. Your muscle levels and training results will remain high during the off period. This strategy will also lighten the strain on your wallet, while still giving you competitive results".

Having tried 4 week breaks, I have to say that my lifts carried on increasing in a straight line and I'm a few dollars better off than those who continually run with creatine.

My advice would be to try cycling and see what results you get. At worst you'll save a few bucks and if the results drop off as a result you only have to try it once.

It makes as much sense to cycle creatine as it does to cycle your food intake. Why dont you try not eating for a month and then eat 10k cals daily for the month after that. I wonder if youd have "digestive problems".

In other words, if creatine is giving you digestive problems, youre probably taking too much. 2 grams daily is plenty.

[Stevemeister86]

Cycling really isn't necessary at all.

Creatine increases my blood pressure from an average of 115/70 to 135/80 at a dose of 5g/day so I'm not sure about taking it long term. I'd like to see more people regularly monitor their blood pressure while on creatine.

[Smoothieking1]

I have nerver heard someone tell me that when you stop creatine you make fat !!

I think it's false !!

i don't think it's false i know it's false, it will however increase your water weight, creatine monohydrate will make your muscles retain more water, now as to why people cycle is because while on creatine your muscles become engorged with water and can lose that "cut" leaned out look to them, depending upon how your workout routine is setup will depend on what your cycle should actually be, in reality if you take it for weeks at a time with no cardio then you will only need to be taking it non stop for a month or so then off for about a week with increased cardio, if you guys have any comments or question my facts please write me, please rep

[FitnessGoals]

I am currently cycling Creatine 3 weeks on and one week off. The reason I am doing that is because by the third week I get sick of trying to drink a gallon of water a day. On the weekends I also cut my intake from 2 servings per day to one as I find I am not as diciplined enough on the weekends to get a gallon of water in me then either (yard work, kids sports etc). I am still seeing results though (I am on about my 4th cycle). Maybe it's not the best way to take it for optimum results but for me it's still seems to be working.
Chime in if i am really messing up...

[De__eB]

I am currently cycling Creatine 3 weeks on and one week off. The reason I am doing that is because by the third week I get sick of trying to drink a gallon of water a day. On the weekends I also cut my intake from 2 servings per day to one as I find I am not as diciplined enough on the weekends to get a gallon of water in me then either (yard work, kids sports etc). I am still seeing results though (I am on about my 4th cycle). Maybe it's not the best way to take it for optimum results but for me it's still seems to be working.
Chime in if i am really messing up...

you should be drinking a gallon a day regardless of creatine consumption...

[FitnessGoals]

you should be drinking a gallon a day regardless of creatine consumption...

Point taken and you are correct. Maybe I should have said if you are so whimpy as to buckle under the simple task of drinking enough water, you may want to cycle Creatine.

[PinchTheBear]

I am currently cycling Creatine 3 weeks on and one week off.

pointless

Try 12 weeks on 8 weeks off if you're going to "cycle" creatine.

[FitnessGoals]

Dude pointless, really?
I have been taking Creatine only for about 12 weeks now. I hardly ever follow the label when I am taking something new until I know what it does to me and what my tolerance level is going to be. I probably will take it more often and cycle off it less often as I go along and who knows I may end up at your numbers.
I did notice right away my strength improved (so even 1 week would not be pointless). Bottom line is everyone has an opinion here. I am trying to learn. I may do things differently but nothing I do (or anyone else who is trying to improve oneself) is pointless. Lastly, I stated I am trying to get a gallon of water in me a day and most days I do. I will look for a seperate thread on this but I weigh 158lbs. My gallon is different than someone who weighs 210lbs. There must be some science behind this (what you should be taking based on BMI etc). Anyone know??

[PinchTheBear]

Dude pointless, really?

Yes.

Intramuscular saturation will take ~4 weeks, washout period for homeostatic PCr levels will take 4-6 weeks. Three weeks on followed by three weeks off is pointless.

Meta analysis:
SPORT APPLICATIONS OF CREATINE: Issues of Uptake, Dosing,
Muscle Anabolism, and Performance (http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/conference_presentations/ISSNConference_200606_Willoughby.pdf)

Single Abstract:
Effects of Repeated Creatine Supplementation on Muscle, Plasma, and Urine Creatine Levels (http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2004/02000/Effects_of_Repeated_Creatine_Supplementation_on.24 .aspx)

[FitnessGoals]

haha lol, ok. Well thanks for posting the links, I'll take a look. By the way I have been 3 weeks on 1 week off (not 3). I really have just started taking it.
I am going to stick by my it's not pointless comment regardless. Maybe I am just not getting the full benefits from it based on the science behind how it works. I am still learning though and I am simply going by how it's made me feel. Based on my short experience with it and there was a change,,, in 3 weeks. (I am not saying it's the best way to take it). Again I'll take a look. I do want to take it longer and that's the plan. I like to acclimate a bit first.

[rayr2010]

Dude pointless, really? My gallon is different than someone who weighs 210lbs.

/face palm

a gallon is a gallon bro.

the whole point of creatine is to boost muscular gain. assuming you are shooting for 10lbs/year without, it will gain you like 20% extra per year with~

so if your only using it for 4 weeks at a time, its gains are going to be little to none.

shoot for 3-6months with, and 2-4 weeks off. (4:12) or (10:12) months per year.

[John1593]

Personally I can never last a month off. I usually go 6 weeks on 2 weeks off. with the first 5 days being a loading phase.

[Smoothieking1]

Dude pointless, really?
I have been taking Creatine only for about 12 weeks now. I hardly ever follow the label when I am taking something new until I know what it does to me and what my tolerance level is going to be. I probably will take it more often and cycle off it less often as I go along and who knows I may end up at your numbers.
I did notice right away my strength improved (so even 1 week would not be pointless). Bottom line is everyone has an opinion here. I am trying to learn. I may do things differently but nothing I do (or anyone else who is trying to improve oneself) is pointless. Lastly, I stated I am trying to get a gallon of water in me a day and most days I do. I will look for a seperate thread on this but I weigh 158lbs. My gallon is different than someone who weighs 210lbs. There must be some science behind this (what you should be taking based on BMI etc). Anyone know??

When testing tolerance to supplements whether its a multivitamin or even creatine monohydrate your right to not take the recommended dosage, for example most dietary supps will tell u their max amount daily so u run through the product fast with maximum affects truth is to "test" your tolerance u need only 1 serving for the first 3 days to a week if you arn't getting any headaches stomach pains or runs, then your body is probably excepting it, but creatine specifically, if the body rejects it sideaffects are usually stomach pains, joint pains, inflamation of joints, and worst of all the bloating and runs lol, if u arn't suffering from those you are fine top up the dosage, an for the thread maker read my above post

[Smoothieking1]

/face palm

a gallon is a gallon bro.

the whole point of creatine is to boost muscular gain. assuming you are shooting for 10lbs/year without, it will gain you like 20% extra per year with~

so if your only using it for 4 weeks at a time, its gains are going to be little to none.

shoot for 3-6months with, and 2-4 weeks off. (4:12) or (10:12) months per year.

for the most part yes, creatine not only helps build lean muscle mass over time, but after long term exposure also increase your endurance, for example some1 of equal fitness w/o creatine does a hour workout after about 2 or 3 cycles they are easily doing 1.5 hrs. or more, this is of course w/o endurance training involved in their workout

[WannabeBuffer]

I've been doing some reading up on Creatine, and I have come to a conclusion that creatine cycling is necessary for optimal benefits.

WEEK 1: loading phase, at 0.3g/kg of body weight/day
WEEK 2-5: maintenence phase, at 0.03g/kg/day
WEEK 6-8: Rest

REPEAT.

Goodluck!

[TheSilverSurfer]

I have been using Creatine in different forms (they are in most pre-exercise supps) for more than 2 years without being off---I have had no ill effects.

[TrueAmateur]

My gallon is different than someone who weighs 210lbs. There must be some science behind this (what you should be taking based on BMI etchttp://imageshackz.com/images/me.gif). Anyone know??

ROFLMAO. I'm sorry, but that made me laugh my ass off.


/face palm

a gallon is a gallon bro.

I fully agree.

[desert88]

Anyone cycling creatine at this point needs to recycle their brain.


I had to make a user account specifically to address all the people thinking that it is okay not to cycle creatine.

Creatine is a relatively new supplement.... So yes, no one knows a specific way to cycle it.... But considering that

your body naturally produces creatine. I think anyone with a "brain" would realize that cycling would be a good and

healthy idea. This way we don't shut down the natural source of creatine that our body produces. Which in the long

run could have serious effects that are still unknown at this time.

[littlebones6]

I had to make a user account specifically to address all the people thinking that it is okay not to cycle creatine.

Creatine is a relatively new supplement.... So yes, no one knows a specific way to cycle it.... But considering that

your body naturally produces creatine. I think anyone with a "brain" would realize that cycling would be a good and

healthy idea. This way we don't shut down the natural source of creatine that our body produces. Which in the long

run could have serious effects that are still unknown at this time.

I read one such study that suggested that there would be a down regulation in CREAT1 transport proteins in muscle cells, however this was easily reversed by stopping supplemental creatine. Supplemental creatine is really only inducing a phenotypic change with the CREAT1 gene.

[gymjason]

1) Current studies show that there is no "need" to cycle creatine

2) If you WANT (for whatever reason) to cycle it, it would be optimal to cycle on 3 days and off ____ days.it is hard to know the real answer, you ask 20 different guys you will get 20 different answers. I heard (don't know if it is true) the reason that you need to cycle creatine, is so you don't plateau, give your body time off it do it can maximize your results do the next time you cycle you get better results from the first time. ( again don't know if this is true) its interesting and I thought it was worth a post . If you search Rick Morris creatine on YouTube he gives you lots of good advice on supplements , he has worked in the industry for 20 years he must know some stuff.

[brianscott2]

I did a search and found no results that answer my pretty simple question:

"HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CYCLE CREATINE"

I have been taking it for 3 weeks, i usually take it for a month, and then a month off, but i was wondering whats the optimal amount of time to be on creatine, and how long of a rest before restarting...

THANKS IN ADVANCE

reps for a good response

Personally, I really don't see any good reason to cycle creatine. When you cycle off it, all you're doing is giving up the advantages it was providing while you were on it until you cycle back. The benefits af creatine are with you or they're not. You can take it standing on your head or any way you want and it will still be the same. Your body will use what it needs and you excrete the rest in your urine. Make sure you use a high grade without contaminants...If you must cycle, unless it's for some personal strategic reason, I woud suggest at least 6 months on and 1 month off. There are no health reasons though to cycle it at all.

[tuckerdtown]

I have purchased Amplified Creatine 189 and Kre Alkalyn EFX. I've looked around online and most people say to take a Kre Alkalyn pill when i wake up and one after i work out. After stopping the Creatine 189 because of the water retention and all the side effects, I feel like i don't have all the energy to want to lift. Would it be pad if i took a creatine 189 and a kre alk together in the morning or could that hurt my body in some way? Or should i just stick to the Kre Alk. (Idk which is better but i want some good results)

[Chesticles2]

Cycling creatine?? haha, I haven't even heard it be put that way before. Creatine is a great supplement and can be taken for while without harm depending on dosage. 5g's of creatine improves brain function and cellular hydration, two great things anybody can benifit from. Even studies done with brain damaged patients showed increase brain acitivity and in mice its shown to help them escape mazes quicker haha that one is a little iffy...I thought Id mention it since its kinda funny. I would personally load it when I take it for the fact it just helps in increase the storage of CP molecules quicker. I would stay on it until my bottle is finished (30-35 days) and then take it again whenever I'm looking for an extra mental push with the strength gains. I wouldnt go on and off creatine all the time...no need, and if anyone has a good reason too take it often msg me with info.

[afnan]

hii
a week ago i stopped takin creatine after 4 months... many ppl adviced me to drink upto 2 litrs of water while takin creatine as dehydration may cause kidney damage.... i wanna know how long shud i keep drinking tht much load of water as i hav stopped creatine intake..... takes a toll

[MuscleTechPhil]

I did a search and found no results that answer my pretty simple question:

"HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CYCLE CREATINE"

I have been taking it for 3 weeks, i usually take it for a month, and then a month off, but i was wondering whats the optimal amount of time to be on creatine, and how long of a rest before restarting...

THANKS IN ADVANCE

reps for a good response

I have yet to see any convincing body of evidence to suggest that cycling creatine would lead to any greater ergogenic benefits. So in all likelihood there is no need to cycle. If you're facing budgetary constraints and need to prioritize where you spend your money, I can see where cycling any supplement may put less stress on your wallet during the off times. However, creatine is a relatively affordable supplement and should be one of the staples in your program if you're serious about maximizing muscle size and strength. However, if you do stop taking creatine, research shows it takes about 1 month for the creatine concentration within muscles to return to baseline levels. At this point you may notice that you need to reload your muscles with creatine. If you want to learn more about creatine go here for the International Society of Sports Nutrition stance on creatine. It's a free and credible source of info:

http://www.jissn.com/content/pdf/1550-2783-4-6.pdf

[NO HYPE]

I have yet to see any convincing body of evidence to suggest that cycling creatine would lead to any greater ergogenic benefits. So in all likelihood there is no need to cycle.

In contrast, I have yet to see any convincing body of evidence that excludes supplemental creatine-induced CREAT1 transporter downregulation either.

[TrueAmateur]

You means you take creatine all the time ??http://imageshackz.com/images/me.gif

I thought the whole purpose of creatine was for it to always be present in the system. Everyone I know whom is on it that stops for awhile lose a lot of mass, size, and strength. It's kind of like a fill-in in my opinion. I don't mess with it too much personally.

[HoisTiTup]

I did a search and found no results that answer my pretty simple question:

"HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CYCLE CREATINE"

I have been taking it for 3 weeks, i usually take it for a month, and then a month off, but i was wondering whats the optimal amount of time to be on creatine, and how long of a rest before restarting...

THANKS IN ADVANCE

reps for a good response

I read you really should cycle off because it can prevent your body from creating it naturaly. I only take it now on workout days. Just before mixed in juice or water, and then after in my protein shake. I cycle off on rest break after 12 weeks of intense training. Then you should cycle a month min to two months off.

Research it yourself. I feel it does help in my workouts!
I drink a shake after workout...take creatine and fishoil...thats all. I want to use vitamins also...not the cheap stuff your body rejects either

[mbwest]

Wow,

There are ****loads of opinions.

I do 5 days loading then 5 weeks and 2 days maint (6 weeks on) followed by a week off.
I do this for 3 reasons:

1. As my body produces it naturally I do not want to trick it in to stopping if it thinks there is enough already. Your body responds to surroundings and develops!

2. Optimal gains are seen early on so it's stops the plateau.

3. Because it is the accepted norm. It is what most people do and most people don't have too many bad effects from it (pretty crap reason I know).

Finally I just want to address the 'a gallon is a gallon bro' comment and the fact that the guy that suggested it was different was called an idiot. I think the people that responded are the actual idiots, he doesn't mean a gallon varies in size, it's the same as protein, creatine and even food. If you are MASSIVE you will need more and if you are TINY you will need less. As an extreme example if you were a midget and only had a gallon of fluid in your body you would flush out all the vitamins/minerals etc. in your body and kill yourself if you drank this much! You can overdose on ANYTHING, including water and EVERYTHING you take should have some correlation to your size.

[Socalchoirboy]

Wow,

There are ****loads of opinions.

I do 5 days loading then 5 weeks and 2 days maint (6 weeks on) followed by a week off.
I do this for 3 reasons:

1. As my body produces it naturally I do not want to trick it in to stopping if it thinks there is enough already. Your body responds to surroundings and develops!

2. Optimal gains are seen early on so it's stops the plateau.

3. Because it is the accepted norm. It is what most people do and most people don't have too many bad effects from it (pretty crap reason I know).

Finally I just want to address the 'a gallon is a gallon bro' comment and the fact that the guy that suggested it was different was called an idiot. I think the people that responded are the actual idiots, he doesn't mean a gallon varies in size, it's the same as protein, creatine and even food. If you are MASSIVE you will need more and if you are TINY you will need less. As an extreme example if you were a midget and only had a gallon of fluid in your body you would flush out all the vitamins/minerals etc. in your body and kill yourself if you drank this much! You can overdose on ANYTHING, including water and EVERYTHING you take should have some correlation to your size.
Loading is unnecessary for creatine. 2g a day is fine. Anything above will be wasted

[vplow]

2 months on, 1 week off

[rtpurdum]

2 months on, 1 week off

Why? There is not need to cycle creatine. 3-5g per day will do take it as long as you can the only adverse effect you might get is some bloating. There are people who respond to it and others that don't.

[charltonlynn]

7 years on 1 week off

You don't even have to cycle creatine ? Unless your a health freak there is no point Especially for a short period of time waste of time and money better off not taking it at all.
Creatine is pretty much 'water whey' going off creatine for weeks will just un saturate your muscles which in long term will do damage to your muscles

In my opinion unless you can eat 7 chickens a day don't stop taking it

[m1sio]

This thread helped me, had some common queries.

[lako]

Is there still a big variance of opinions on whether or not creatine should be dissolved in warm liquids? When I took it years ago, I dissolved it in coffee and had a lot less gastro issues than I did when I just mixed it with water and juice.

Some guy was telling me that hot liquids would ruin the creatine. How is that possible?

[doughnutgut]

Is there still a big variance of opinions on whether or not creatine should be dissolved in warm liquids? When I took it years ago, I dissolved it in coffee and had a lot less gastro issues than I did when I just mixed it with water and juice.

Some guy was telling me that hot liquids would ruin the creatine. How is that possible?

I personally do not see the need to cycle creatine for any reason.



pre and post workout i place it onto a small cup along with lucozade. STRAIGHT TO THEM MUSCLES. like a car pool lane....

Other times just add it to my shake......

[doughnutgut]

Is there still a big variance of opinions on whether or not creatine should be dissolved in warm liquids? When I took it years ago, I dissolved it in coffee and had a lot less gastro issues than I did when I just mixed it with water and juice.

Some guy was telling me that hot liquids would ruin the creatine. How is that possible?

Creatine + hot water = same results ... Does no damage to the suppliment at all.

But flax oil on the other hand.... Dont cook with it haha... Tried and failed.... Cold only.

[milton4]

Cycling really isn't necessary at all.

That's completely true. There is no evidence of any health risks associated with not cycling creatine. Though people supplement it you have to remember it is a naturally occurring substance. However, cycling can have advantages. One thing the human body does best is adapt. With that being said many people cycle so that they will see/feel the effects more. Typically your off cycles don't need to be as long as you on cycles, but most tens to agree that it takes 10 days or so for all of the creatine to completely exit your system.

[WillBrink]

I did a search and found no results that answer my pretty simple question:

"HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CYCLE CREATINE"



You don't. Vid series that covers most major Qs on creatine: cycling, loading, etc, etc, here:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDE7E8FEAC1E38BC7

Series on BB.com that covers just some of the extensive health benefits of creatine:

Although creatine offers an array of benefits, most people think of it simply as a supplement that bodybuilders and other athletes use to gain strength and muscle mass.

Nothing could be further from the truth. People who don't follow the research on creatine are often stunned to find out how much research has been done, and how many health, fitness, and longevity uses creatine may have.

Why the mainstream media has ignored this fact - in favor of outlandish poorly substantiated scare stories - is unclear, but there has always been a double standard in the mainstream media when it comes to nutritional supplements.

This report will cover much of what creatine has to offer as a safe and inexpensive supplement with an exceptionally wide range of potential uses. Though I will go into depth about each, creatine may positively effect:

Sarcopenia (a loss of muscle mass due to aging)
Improve in brain function of healthy and damaged brains
Modulate inflammation.
Diseases effecting the neuro muscular system, such as muscular dystrophy (MD)
Wasting syndromes/muscle atrophy
Fatigue
Gyrate atrophy
Parkinson's disease
Huntington's disease and other mitochondrial cytopathies
Neuropathic disorders
Various dystrophies
Myopathies
Various brain pathologies.
May increasing growth hormone (GH) levels, to those seen with exercise
Reduce homocysteine levels
Possibly improving the symptoms of Chronic fatigue Syndrome
Improve cardiac function in those with congestive heart failure

Creatine is proving to be one of the most promising, well researched, and safe supplements ever discovered for an exceptionally wide range of uses. See:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/willbrink17.htm