As a naturally-occurring compound, creatine's job is to provide vital energy in the cells of the human body. Its primary focus is muscle. However, one study among young men found that creatine also seemed to work as a natural blood pressure reducer.
Eduardo Tibiri and colleagues of the School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the Estacio de Sa University conducted a study that included 40 men who were healthy and moderately active. These participants averaged 27.7 years of age. For one week the subjects consumed a dietary supplement in the form of creatine. This was administered in doses of 20 g/day of micronized creatine monohydrate.
The average mean blood pressure went from 92.1 mm Hg down to a lower 89.8. Aside from this, it was also observed that cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly. The study authors concluded that creatine, the natural blood pressure reducer, helped to improve systemic endothelial-dependent microvascular reactivity. It also increased skin capillary recruitment and density.
Individuals who are already quite physically active frequently practice creatine supplementation, which is abbreviated as CrS. The reason many people use CrS is for the purpose of stimulating protein syntheses and musculoskeletal hypertrophy as well as improved anaerobic power. Prior to this study the effects CrS has on things such as systemic microvascular reactivity and density had not been explained or published. CrS has additionally been proven to influence levels of homocysteine in the blood. This has resulted in presumed effects around the function of vascular endothelial.
It appears that CrS is able to exert a vital neuromodulator action when intracellular levels of creatine are reduced within pathophysiological states. This could in turn contribute to the healing of mental and cognitive disorders, such as schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. It may even lead to the prevention of Huntington's, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other such conditions.
CrS has been used to improve sarcolemma stabilization, deal with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies which are found in skeletal muscle disease, and it has also improved contractile function and arrhythmia frequency in myocardium. Along with physical exercise CrS has also been used to increase glycemic control. This is especially important to those individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Despite so much evidence that has been gathered and observed in regards to many various health issues and the effects of CrS, not many studies were conducted in regards to vascular function. Recently more information was gathered supporting the fact that creatine, the natural blood pressure reducer, can utilize anti-inflammatory actions directly on vascular endothelium. This lowers arterial stiffness which is seen after an individual does resistance exercise.
A small section of the research suggested that creatine supplementation might have a healthy effect on thyroid metabolism. This was discovered when plasma concentration of the thyroid hormones were observed. People who are taking creatine supplements must be cautious whenever they are using drugs which deal with the thyroid metabolism.
Whether indirectly or not, it is possible that creatine may help the adrenal glands to heal or help in the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. There is not a lot of information available relating adrenal fatigue specifically to creatine in a positive light.
Another interesting component somewhat related to creatine is creatinine. There is a distinction between creatine and creatinine which should be understood; these two are separate substances altogether. Creatinine results from creatine phosphate in muscle. It manifests as a breakdown product. This substance is produced by the body at a consistent rate and it is crucial in kidney function. The production of creatinine depends on muscle mass. Although creatine is also a naturally-occurring substance in the body it originates from amino acids through biosynthesization. Creatinine is not necessarily essential within the body, nor is it an organic acid, but creatine is. The two exist in equilibrium. Increased levels of creatine produce more creatinine. Often times creatinine levels are used in order to measure whether or not an individual has adrenal fatigue.
There are reportedly some connections between kidney conditions and adrenal fatigue. One of the most obvious links is stress. Stress can wreak havoc on the adrenal glands, but it can destroy the kidneys too. If the kidneys are suffering from stress, the obvious answer is adjusting one's life, if possible, to be more relaxing and overall stress-free. It is also important to learn how to effectively manage stress. Creatinine could be a helpful factor in healing the kidneys. In the case that high blood pressure is also an issue caused by stress, creatine may help to stabilize that blood pressure.
It is also possible that adrenal fatigue may be improved by taking healthy doses of creatine, the natural blood pressure reducer. As creatine has so many health benefits, it could raise the overall health of the body. This in turn would have positive effects on the adrenal glands.
Aside from creatine or creatinine there are a lot of other steps an individual can take to restore their adrenal health. The adrenal fatigue diet includes cutting out caffeine, sweeteners and sugar, microwavable and processed foods, and vegetables oils. Instead it is recommended to eat foods that are packed full of nutrients such as fatty fish, nuts, seeds, cruciferous vegetables, avocados, coconuts, and other similar foods. An individual may also employ supplements such as vitamins, zinc, holy basil, ashwagandha, and magnesium.
One of the most important aspects to healing the adrenal glands is stress reduction. This can be done through ample rest, at least moderate exercise, laughter, plenty of sleep, avoiding stress-triggers and negativity, and taking time to oneself. It may take some time for the adrenal glands to heal, possibly up to two years before real improvements begin to set in. This is especially the case for severe adrenal exhaustion.
Creatine isn’t just for boosting athletic performance; it may also support heart health by helping to lower blood pressure. As a natural supplement with numerous benefits, it could be an effective part of your wellness routine. However, every body is different, and it’s important to understand how supplements like creatine may interact with your unique health needs.
Want to learn more about how creatine can support your health? Give us a call at +1 (626) 571-1234 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our team is here to help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey!
© Copyright 2017 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
