Creatine isn't truly a drug, rather it is a natural substance which is created by our own bodies. In fact, it is a mixture of a trio of amino acids: glycine, arginine and methionine. Another way we get creatine is from our diet, from animal products such as fish or meat.

It helps the body do so-called "explosive" high intensity and repetitive exercise. This means that you can get a better workout when you take creatine, and you'll feel better after your workout too, since your muscles can cover much more quickly from fatigue. It helps reduce the accumulation of lactic acid after your workout, which will help you avoid muscle soreness after your workout.

Even though you can get creatine from your diet, taking supplements of creatine will give you larger amounts of it. Taken within reason, this can help you exercise longer with less fatigue and soreness, and with faster recovery times so that you'll recuperate for less time between workout sessions. This is especially helpful for bodybuilders or other athletes who wish to build muscle mass quickly or improve performance by working out longer and harder.

A substance called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP for short, simply sits in your muscles waiting for you to need it. When you need it, it is provided quickly and instantaneously, which accounts for the "explosive" benefit it gives muscles, in that you can do very intense workouts almost instantaneously.

Just remember that while taking creatine your body is going to retain more water in your muscles, resulting in the need for you to increase your intake of water to off set the rest of your organs. In short, be sure you drink enough when you're taking creatine.

Creatine can help you work out longer, harder and more frequently than you can without it, which can help you build muscle faster. It can also greatly reduce muscle soreness after workouts, which not only means you can work out sooner, but you'll also feel better.

However, it has some cons, too. You will experience weight gain because your body will retain water in its muscles. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but just be prepared for the higher number on the scale. You can experience dehydration and related side effects like nausea, vomiting or even seizures, in addition. Also, it is not advised to take Creatine if you have kidney problems due to the added stress that Creatine can cause to the kidneys.

But, simply put, no matter the supplements you take, your body's not going to function right and your workouts aren't going to be as effective or as efficient if you don't eat right.

You can take all the creatine in the world, for example, but if you sit there and eat junk food instead of concentrating on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, you're not going to be helping your workout. Your muscles have to have something to build themselves on, and junk food is not the answer. So make your diet healthy by including plenty of lean proteins like lean meats and fish, complex carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables. Limit or eliminate trans fats, simple sugars and carbohydrates, and junk food in general.

When used properly, creatine can help you improve your workouts and in turn, your muscle mass, with these guidelines in place.