Is Creatine the Most Used Supplement by Bodybuilders? How Does It Help in Muscle Growth?

Bodybuilders, in their pursuit of achieving a well-defined physique, apart from acute workouts and strict diet plans, are also inclined to other methods. Those competing professionally often use performance-enhancing drugs, such as creatine and trenbolone. It is essential to understand both the potential benefits and the side effects associated with these before adding it to your cart.

Before getting into the details, let us get to know what is creatine and why it is popular in the bodybuilding community. According to the Cleveland Clinic, creatine works as a natural energy booster to help grow muscles. However, the human body naturally produces it, and can also get it from certain foods or take it as a supplement.

Creatine: The potential aid to muscle growth

But How does it benefit athletes? Well, it helps your muscles work better, especially during exercises. About half of the creatine your body needs comes from food like red meat, seafood, and animal milk. The other half is made by your body (liver and kidneys). However, to fulfill its need in the body many athletes tend to take creatine supplements, which come in different forms like powders, tablets, and liquids. These are majorly popular in the fitness and bodybuilding world, where athletes engage in hard-core training regimens and might not get enough from their particular diet.

Besides helping with muscle growth, according to research, creatine is more beneficial for younger bodybuilders. as it also aids in speedy recovery. Athletes are fond of creatine because it provides a quick burst of energy and boosts strength without affecting endurance. It’s like a power-up for sports like bodybuilding, football, and wrestling. But is the intake of Creatine always safe? The supplement is not without its own side effects.

Creatine’s side effects

The most common type of creatine supplement is creatine monohydrate. Whenever someone takes creatine, most of it goes straight to their muscles, helping them make a special kind of energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy is like fuel for cells while lifting heavy weights or sprinting. Besides the muscle benefits, it increases hormones that aid growth, and keep muscle cells hydrated.

READ MORE: Bodybuilding Expert Breaks Down How ‘Trenbolone’ Can Absolutely Destroy Health: “Not the Fu*king Holy Grail”

Side effects for those who are used to these substances occur when they stop taking creatine. During this time, their body naturally fulfills its absence but people still tend to feel a bit tired and lose some muscle mass. The other side effects include things like weight gain due to water retention, dizziness, nausea, and more. Many suggest to not use such substances without talking to a medical professional. On the other hand, other than creatine, trenbolone is also used by many bodybuilders.

One of the most used PEDs is Trenbolone

Trenbolone is a synthetic anabolic steroid that belongs to the class of nandrolone-derived compounds. It was originally developed for veterinary asks, but later, it gained popularity in sports for enhancing muscle mass, strength, and overall performance. How does this work? It sticks to the parts of the body which makes muscles grow. Also, unlike a few other substances, it doesn’t change into estrogen, a hormone that can make the body hold onto water and cause other issues.

Trenbolone promotes nitrogen retention and protein synthesis, leading to significant muscle growth. It also leads to a substantial increase in strength, allowing for more intense and productive workouts. Trenbolone can also help with fat loss by increasing one’s metabolism rate and promoting a more defined, vascular appearance.

Tren’s impact on the body

Unlike other supplements, trenbolone does not typically cause water retention, contributing to a more dry and hard look. However, it can negatively impact cardiovascular health and can cause androgenic side effects, including acne, and hair loss, and can sometimes increase body hair. Notably, some reports suggest sleep disturbances and night sweats.

The one thing that is common among these supplements is that they all promote muscle growth and increase strength, however, it does not work in longevity. Side effects like hormonal imbalance, liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and psychological effects are somewhat similar between trenbolone and other PEDs. Moreover, there are quite a few bodybuilders who openly oppose using it and warn people not to delve into something dangerous, like steroids.

Greg Doucette’s message to aspiring bodybuilders

Greg Doucette, the IFBB pro opened up about his life and said that he’s happy at the age of 48 and didn’t want to die sooner, for that he’s been taking care of himself. He was disappointed in today’s generation who without even competing, immediately started using steroids to get a physique like a pro. “Please remember this: you cannot get your time back on this earth. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. You want to live as long as humanly possible,” said Doucette.

In addition, the 48-year-old coach said confidently, “And I can tell you when you’re young and you’re experimenting drugs it feels like it’s worth it but as you get older, you’re going to look back and say why did I do this why was I doing that.” He warned not just fitness influencers but people who seemed to not care to try something that looks fine at a young age but it will affect their lives later. Greg delved into his physical attributes and affirmed that he refrained from utilizing any form of steroids, as he has an outstanding physique.

Despite many like Doucette advocating against the use of such supplements. They still continue to be used by up-and-coming fitness enthusiasts. What’s your opinion on the use of PEDs in bodybuilding? Let us know in the comments section.

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