The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests 5-7 grams of creatine for HIV patients if there is no known kidney disease.  As a sidebar, it is highly suggested that anyone with a history of kidney disease refrain from creatine supplementation.  We started Bill on 5 grams per day.  At the time I was training a natural bodybuilder who we had on 5 grams of creatine, 5 times per day, for 5 days and then started to back down which was, and sometimes still is, common practice for people wanting to gain large amounts of muscle.  Within only a few weeks, Bill's weight began to increase and he looked much healthier.  Needless to say he was pleased with the results.

  

In the late nineties, when I was competing as a professional duathlete (run-bike-run) here in the United States and garnering podium finishes, I was using 5 grams of creatine per day.  In those days, I was fairly fast with the ability to zip off an 18 minute 5 km run after biking 30 km and running another 5 km before that.  In track workouts I could do 3 mile repeaters averaging 5 minutes and 4 seconds.  Creatine definitely gave me an edge.  I felt stronger, had greater endurance and definitely was faster.

Susan (middle) with Team Canada

 

So what is creatine exactly?  Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid produced in the liver that helps create cellular energy.  Creatine can also draw water to the muscle creating an appearance of greater muscular contraction. It is made out of three amino acids: L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionine. To consume optimal amounts of creatine for any noticeable improvement in performance, strength gain and energy one would have to consume 500 grams of raw meat.  Vegans do not get any creatine from food sources.  Creatine is best assimilated by 'piggy backing' on a glucose molecule and thus any creatine supplement is best taken with some form of carbohydrate.

  

  

Researchers in New South Wales, Australia, found that creatine supplementation improved performance by 15%.  Their findings were published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.  The Journal of Athletic Training published an article illustrating that 'TBW' total body water increased with creatine. This is exceptional for endurance athletes or those doing 'HIIT,' high intensity interval training because dehydration through intense sweating can be dangerous.  Creatine is ultimately believed to increase speed, stamina and strength.  It has also been studied in non-athletic populations, as noted above, for the benefits of increasing lean muscle and other non-physical ameliorations such as better mood.  In fact three Korean universities  found that women with a predisposition to lowered emotional states benefited from creatine supplementation. 

 

 

If you have a medical condition, you must see your primary care practitioner and make that decision.  Creatine, as mentioned, is a naturally occurring substance in your body however there may be dietary deficiencies.  People with kidney disease should not supplement with creatine.  If you are healthy, looking to gain muscle, get stronger, faster and take it to the next level, creatine could be a great way to do it. 

 

I invite you to join our guest, David Despain, who works in the Scientific Research Department at Isagenix, on our Monday Night Call.  David will be talking about AMPED, the new performance product from Isagenix that does contain creatine. 

 

Lastly - if you are using AMPED and have a great success story, we want to hear from you.  Please email us at  info@isateamsuccess.com and include a photo that we can use in the Team Success News.

Isagenix Taiwan 2015 Celebration is November 15 at the Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Taipei, and we want you to be a part of the action.

Join Isagenix Co-Founders Jim and Kathy Coover as they introduce new customers to the company culture, celebrate current customers' success, and inspire everyone to build local, grow global.

Plus, you will receive exclusive hands-on training from top leaders, share in the excitement as the market unveils new promotions, be able to join the IsaBody Challenge®, participate in the 90-Day Game Plan, and much, much more.

We're delighted to share that Strawberry Cream IsaLean® Shake is now available to order in Australia and New Zealand!

Mix up your daily routine with this creamy, fruity new flavour and add Strawberry Cream IsaLean Shake to your favourite Isagenix Program or Pak today!

Available in 14-serving canisters or in a box of 14 convenient single-serve packets to suit every need, Strawberry Cream is more than a delicious shake, it's a delicious meal.