Creatine is a natural substance found in some of the foods we eat-namely red meat. In recent years, creatine has been proven to help bodybuilders in many different ways. As a result, creatine is the popular dietary supplement used by bodybuilders and powerlifters. Discuss the health risks of taking creatine supplements with your doctor, but realize that there are benefits to upping your creatine levels as well.

1. Creatine rebuilds ATP. ATP, or more technically adenosine triphosphate, is the chemical in the body that powers your muscles. When you are lifting, ATP helps your muscles contract. With each contraction, the amount to ATP in your system decreases until you are maxed out-at the point where you can no longer lift. The only way to replenish ATP in your muscles is with creatine.

2. Creatine increases your ability to store glycogen. Your muscles use glycogen to fuel the anabolic process. In other words, you need adequate glycogen to help your muscles recover after an intense workout. By doing this, your muscles grow bigger and faster.

3. You can use creatine supplements if you aren't getting enough in your diet. Creatine is mainly found in red meats, like steak, so vegetarians or anyone who doesn't eat a lot of creatine-hearty foods may benefit from the use of supplements. Glycogen, a carb, is often achieved by carb-loading (like eating a lot of pasta), so taking creatine supplements will mean that you have to do less of this as well.

4. Creatine increases cardiovascular activity. When you take creatine supplements, you will most likely notice the effects of the drug in your anabolic workout, but it can positively effect your cardiovascular exercise as well. Creatine helps increase the amount of aerobic activity you can do before getting winded, so you will be able to exercise longer and more intensely.

Of course, creatine is not for everyone. Although studies have shown that it is generally safe to use, unlike a lot of anabolic steroids and other supplements on the market, do not begin using creatine without first consulting a doctor. You also want to be sure that you are using creatine in the correct amounts. The label should give you a general idea, but to efficiently use creatine, you should calculate the amount you want to use in accordance to your weight and percentage of body fat. The result of increased creatine in the body is the chemical creatinine, which is normally easily flushed out of the body through the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, however, increased amounts of creatinine can be destructive to your health. Use common sense when taking creatine, as you would with any substance. If not abused, it can help you achieve results faster.