Your Daily Dose of Wellness
Your Daily Dose of Wellness
How to know how much creatine to take? A nutritionist's guide
by Alva Brobakken on Dec 11, 2024
What is Creatine? Creatine has been a cornerstone of athletic and wellness supplementation for over 30 years
Your Daily Dose of Wellness
The Midlife Energy Boost: Why Creatine Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
by Alva Brobakken on Dec 03, 2024
Aging often comes with challenges—lower energy, slower recovery, and a sense that your body isn’t keeping up like it used to. But what if there was a simple, evidence-based way to reclaim your vitality?
Your Daily Dose of Wellness
Breaking the Myths about Creatine
by Alva Brobakken on Nov 24, 2024
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For years, creatine has been stereotyped as a supplement for bodybuilders or elite athletes. But the science tells a different story—creatine is a safe, effective, and versatile tool that benefits women across all ages and lifestyles. Let’s debunk the myths and uncover why creatine is a game-changer for women’s health.
The Myth: Creatine Will Make You Bulky
One of the most persistent misconceptions about creatine is that it causes significant weight gain or bulkiness. The truth? Creatine primarily increases water content within muscle cells, enhancing hydration and function, rather than building excessive muscle mass. This leads to improved performance and endurance without dramatic changes in size (Buford et al., 2007). For women, creatine plays a vital role in supporting lean muscle maintenance, which is essential for a healthy metabolism, physical strength, and mobility. As women age, natural muscle loss (known as sarcopenia) becomes more pronounced, leading to decreased metabolic efficiency and an increased risk of injury or frailty. By preserving and even enhancing muscle mass, creatine helps counteract these effects, making it easier to stay active and maintain independence.
The Benefits: More Than Just Muscle
Creatine offers far-reaching benefits beyond physical performance:
Improved Energy and StrengthCreatine fuels your body’s production of ATP, the energy currency your muscles and brain use during intense activities. Whether you’re lifting weights or powering through a busy day, creatine provides the energy you need (Kreider et al., 2017).Better Recovery After ExerciseSupplementing with creatine has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery, helping you stay consistent with your fitness routine (Cooper et al., 2012).Cognitive Health and FocusCreatine isn’t just for muscles—it benefits the brain, too. Studies suggest that creatine supplementation can improve memory and focus, particularly during tasks requiring sustained mental effort or in sleep-deprived individuals (Avgerinos et al., 2018).Combating Muscle Loss with AgeAs women age, preserving muscle mass becomes critical for mobility and metabolic health. Research indicates that creatine helps slow the natural decline of muscle and bone strength, supporting healthy aging (Chilibeck et al., 2017).
How to Use Creatine
Using creatine is simple and flexible. A daily dose of 3-5 grams is sufficient for most women, and it’s easy to mix into your morning coffee, smoothie, or water. For best results, pair creatine with regular physical activity to maximize its benefits.
Conclusion: Empowering Women with Science
Creatine isn’t just for athletes—it’s for any woman looking to enhance her strength, energy, and focus. From boosting exercise performance to supporting cognitive health and longevity, creatine is one of the most well-researched and effective supplements available. It’s time to reclaim this misunderstood supplement and unlock its potential for your wellness journey.
References
Avgerinos, K. I., Spyrou, N., Bougioukas, K. I., & Kapogiannis, D. (2018). Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Experimental Gerontology, 108, 166-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.013
Buford, T. W., Kreider, R. B., Stout, J. R., et al. (2007). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Creatine supplementation and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-4-6
Chilibeck, P. D., Kaviani, M., Candow, D. G., & Zello, G. A. (2017). Effect of creatine supplementation during resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscular strength in older adults: A meta-analysis. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 8, 213-226. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S123529
Cooper, R., Naclerio, F., Allgrove, J., & Jimenez, A. (2012). Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: An update. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-33
Kreider, R. B., Kalman, D. S., Antonio, J., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
Alva BrobakkenvNutritionist and writer
Your Daily Dose of Wellness
Nourish Your Bones, Nourish Your Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Bone Health
by Alva Brobakken on Nov 07, 2024
Bone health is essential for mobility, fracture prevention, and overall vitality. As we age, declining bone density increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Factors like genetics, nutrition, and physical activity play a key role in maintaining strong bones.
Your Daily Dose of Wellness
Creatine: Your Secret Weapon for Balanced Energy - No Matter Where You are at in Your Cycle
by Alva Brobakken on Nov 06, 2024
Tired of feeling drained and unmotivated during your workouts? Creatine might be your new best friend. Despite common myths—like the fear of looking “bulky” or gaining weight—creatine is a safe, science-backed supplement that boosts energy, speeds up recovery, and keeps you consistent, no matter where you are in your cycle. Perfect for women pursuing fitness and wellness goals, Her Creatine Plus delivers all the benefits without the fuss. Ready to feel steady, strong, and unstoppable?