Creatine is a well-known supplement in the fitness world, often used to enhance athletic performance and muscle growth. But did you know that creatine can also have cognitive benefits that may make you smarter? Let's explore how creatine supplementation can boost brain function.

What is Creatine?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in animal products like meat and fish. It plays a crucial role in the production of energy during high-intensity exercise by helping regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary energy source.

Study after study has shown that creatine helps increase muscle mass, strength, and exercise performance when taken consistently. While your body produces its own supply of creatine and you can get it through proper dieting as well, it is a good idea to supplement it as it is a good way to make sure you're getting the necessary amount to unleash all the benefits of this powerful compound.

Not only does creatine have profound effects on the body and helping you build muscle, it also has many positive effects on the brain as well. Something not many people are aware of.

How Does Creatine Make You Smarter?

Research has shown that creatine supplementation can have a positive impact on cognitive function. One study found that participants who took creatine supplements showed improved memory and intelligence compared to those who took a placebo. Creatine may help enhance brain function by increasing ATP availability in the brain, supporting neurotransmitter synthesis, and reducing oxidative stress.

Enhanced Memory and Cognitive Performance

Studies have demonstrated that creatine supplementation can lead to improvements in working memory, short-term memory, and cognitive processing speed. These cognitive enhancements can be particularly beneficial for tasks that require quick thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Creatine has also been shown to help with hydration, increasing total body water without altering fluid distribution. Since many people struggle with meeting proper daily hydration requirements, creatine can be an essential tool to those who struggle with proper hydration, which also plays a major role in brain function.

Proper hydration significantly improves brain function by enhancing mental clarity, focus, memory, mood regulation, and cognitive performance, while even mild dehydration can negatively impact these areas by causing fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating; essentially, staying hydrated is crucial for optimal brain health and cognitive abilities.

Key points about hydration and the brain:

• Neurotransmitter function: Water is necessary for efficient transmission of neural signals, which are carried by neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Blood flow: Adequate hydration ensures optimal blood flow to the brain, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen.
• Memory and learning: Proper hydration supports both short-term and long-term memory formation, crucial for learning and recall.
• Mood regulation: Dehydration can lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety, while staying hydrated helps stabilize mood.
• Brain plasticity: Adequate hydration supports brain plasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections. 

Neuroprotective Effects

Creatine has also been shown to have neuroprotective properties, helping to safeguard brain cells from damage and degeneration. This can be especially important for maintaining cognitive function as we age and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

How to Incorporate Creatine into Your Routine

If you're interested in reaping the cognitive benefits of creatine, consider adding it to your supplement regimen. The typical dosage for creatine supplementation is around 3-5 grams per day, although individual needs may vary. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to ensure it's safe and appropriate for you.

Is Creatine Safe?

Creatine is one of the most studied supplements on the market today and has little to no evidence showing it is harmful to humans. When searching for negative effects of creatine on the human body, you will struggle to find any significant side effects of the supplement. Rather, you will see that any side effects that do come up are nothing out of the ordinary from any over the counter medication one might take for a cold or headaches.

Some people with preexisting conditions, however, would definitely want to consult with their physician to make sure the conditions they do have will not worsen do to the addition of this supplement to their diet.

Make America Based Again

While creatine is commonly associated with improving physical performance, its cognitive benefits should not be overlooked. By supporting energy production in the brain and providing neuroprotective effects, creatine supplementation has the potential to enhance memory, intelligence, and overall brain function. Consider adding creatine to your daily routine to not only boost your athletic performance but also sharpen your mind.

Creating supplements that provide our customers with vital vitamins and nutrients is at the center of the Based Nutrition mission and with our all-natural line of nutritional supplements, you'll never have to worry about getting your daily dose of the essentials.

Based's flagship product and beef organ multivitamin is made from 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, and pasture-raised beef organs, with natural forms of many of the essential vitamins your body needs. Despite all the competition from well-known brands on the market, we differentiate ourselves by removing all the synthetics and poison these common products contain.

With more supplements, like creatine, on the way, be sure to give us a try and support us on our mission to bring the necessary building blocks to the American people and Make America Based Again!

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