Improve A Vertical Jump Through Better Understanding Of Creatine

There are many factors that are important if you want to improve a vertical jump. You have to train right - that means hard and correctly and also you need to eat right too. In our modern instant gratification society the natural human urge to find a short cut to success surfaces with ever-increasing frequency.

One supplement that crops up time and again is Creatine Monohydrate. There's lots of rumour, hype and speculation about what Creatine is and isn't, and also what it can and can't do for you. Let's dispel the five usual rumours about Creatine and get to the facts instead.

Myth #1 - Creatine is a drug.

Not according to the FDA, who's primary purpose is to protect the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human drugs and our food supply. Creatine has been classified as a food supplement by the FDA. Supplement manufacturers are not required to conform to the same production safety standards as drug manufacturers do, so it's common to find that cheap supplements get diluted or contaminated with other substances, which may accidently lead to a positive test for illegal substance. Good quality counts in Creatine brands.

Myth #2 - The NBA has banned Creatine use.

Not accurate, and in light of the first myth, it seems improbable simply because it's a food supplement; so no more at risk than iron tablets of getting banned. Creatine is allowed by the International Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). However, the NCAA no longer permits colleges and universities to supply Creatine to their students with school money. Students are allowed to buy Creatine with their own funds and there are no known plans to for the NCAAA to ban Creatine unless medical evidence indicates that it is harmful.

All professional sport associations take a dim view of illegal substance abuse however, so be careful of cheap Creatine of questionable supply that could have been contaminated or cut with something that is banned. Improve vertical jumps lawfully.

Myth #3 - Creatine has extreme side effects like increased rage, acne and a reduction in size of the part that men dread.

False also. The side effects above are commonly associated with the use / mis-use of Anabolic Steroids, which are derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. There are certain medical conditions that respond favourably to Steroid treatment, but this is as prescribed by a licensed medical professional. Creatine is not a hormone derivative and doesn't produce the same side effects.

Myth #4 - Creatine has absolutely no side effects and has proven to be safe.

This is false too. Some side effects could be felt from Creatine use like de-hydration, stomach cramps, gas or bloating. Most of these effects can usually be negated by sticking to the recommended amount and taking in plenty of water throughout the day.

In the case of the long term negative health effects of Creatine, it would be more correct to say that there are no studies that have proven that Creatine taken in the recommended amounts by healthy adults has a consistent detrimental effect on a person's health. Studies are still ongoing at the time of writing however, and it pays to keep abreast of new findings and research.

Myth #5 - Creatine use will definitely damage my Liver and Kidneys.

Again not strictly true but there are some facts and circumstances to be aware of. When the body processes Creatine, it turns unused Creatine into Creatinine, which is excreted through the urinary processing of the body. Over-use and abuse of Creatine products could put an un-necessary strain on the renal functions of the body, resulting in potential damage. People with a history of kidney or liver complaints are not advised to use Creatine for this reason.

Kidney stones have occasionally been implicated as an end result of Creatine use, and the Mayo clinic has linked Creatine use to Asthmatic symptoms and warns against consumption by persons with known allergies.

As serious and dedicated athletes, we all want a faster method to improve a vertical jump - this is only natural. Keep in mind however, that you're doing this for pleasure ultimately and staying safe and legal are the two of the pre-requisites to a long and happy life. Consult with your physician and team coach about the safe use of Creatine in your training.