Creatine: Worth it or Not?

No mother, this is not the secret steroids I use on a daily basis (do I really look like I’m on steroids?!?!). It’s actually one of the most studied, safest, and most effective supplements for anyone trying to improve their physical or mental performance.

What is it, really?

Creatine is a compound your body naturally produces and also gets from foods like red meat and fish. When you supplement with it, you're just topping off your body's natural stores, which can help you perform a little better in training and recovery.

What are the actual benefits?

• Strength and power output improves
• Helps retain lean muscle, especially while dieting or aging
• May support cognitive function and mental fatigue resistance
• Supports strength in older adults
• It's affordable, simple, and backed by real research

Why it might not be useful for everyone

• If you already eat a lot of red meat and fish, your creatine stores might already be heightened (this is heavily unlikely btw, but still could be a different story depending on the diet).
• If you’re not strength training consistently, you won’t get the full benefits
• It’s not a quick fix, but a slow, steady performance enhancer over time

Can it be harmful?

For most healthy people, no. But a few things to know:
• Some people experience minor bloating from water retention in the muscle
• It’s not recommended for people with diagnosed kidney issues unless cleared by a doctor
• It doesn’t replace sleep, solid nutrition, or good training. It just supports them

Bottom line

I use it because I notice a difference. More strength. Better output. Small edges that add up.
Is it necessary for everyone? No.
Could almost anyone benefit from it? Absolutely.