When to take creatine? Help!

[amp909]

I know this has been discussed before, but I can't seem to get a straight answer. I just started taking creatine last week, and I have been taking 5 grams about 2 hours before my workout, and 5 grams with my post-workout protein shake. First off, am I taking too much? Secondly, if I were to cut back to 5 grams a day, which is a better time to take it?

Thanks for your help.

AMP

 

[Liftbig]

10 grams a day is fine. take it when you wake up, and right after your workout.

 

[bicepts101]

10 grams a day is fine. take it when you wake up, and right after your workout.

my thoughts exactly

 

[amp909]

I've also been having diarrhea about 45 minutes to an hour after I take the creatine (with grape juice). It doesn't bother me that much, except that it's a little uncomfortable and inconvenient. Is this normal, or what? Thanks for your help.

 

[bicepts101]

try taking it with a different juice or just plain.
I believe its the juice giving you the shits

 

[Liftbig]

in the morning i wix my creatine with warm water. and after i workout i just throw it in my whey/dextrose shake.

 

[~ThaGame~]

in the morning i wix my creatine with warm water. and after i workout i just throw it in my whey/dextrose shake.

if you don't mind me asking, what is the theory behind mixing it with warm water and not cold water?

 

[Liftbig]

i just think it holds better in the warm water vs. the cold water. of course you still have to drink it quickly becuase the creatine doesnt want to mix well, but i find warm water is easier to use.

 

[~ThaGame~]

really? maybe i'll try it out
when you say it holds better, do you mean it sits better like its easier on your stomach? or you get better results from warm?

 

[Kona]

Basic chem. Warmer the liquid, the greater the ability to hold a solute (the creatine). Otherwise know as "solubility". Try it out. Mix some creatine in cold water, and then mix some creatine into water nuked in the microwave for about a minute or so. The creatine will dissolve faster and more thouroghly in the warm water.

 

[Liftbig]

Basic chem. Warmer the liquid, the greater the ability to hold a solute (the creatine). Otherwise know as "solubility". Try it out. Mix some creatine in cold water, and then mix some creatine into water nuked in the microwave for about a minute or so. The creatine will dissolve faster and more thouroghly in the warm water.

exactly

 

[mr. sparkle]

I used the chewable tabs from GNC when I was taking creatine...easy to handle and portable Pop one in the am and one right after workout--- no fuss no mixing

---Mr. S---

 

[bmwwade]

mix your creatine with 75grams of dextrose not juice. you will get an insulin spike which is the idea of drinking juice but it wont cause the diahrea.

 

[kflex10]

take a scoop of the creatine throw it in ur mouth and mix the creatine in your mouth and swallow.......saves alot of hassle!

 

[amp909]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I've been taking it with warm water and it hasn't bothered my stomach at all.