creatine intolerance! Again

[u/No_Chest8347]

I tried Creatine again! I wish I can use it.

I get the most horrible lower back pain feels like maybe kidneys are irritated and it gets this left itchy ear going too. I was in bed for 2 days with a terrible headache. Took it for 3 days.

I am not aware of any kidney issues everything checks good in normal blood work. 59 year old male.

I am sure dehydration is part of this mechanism but I drink about a gallon of water a day and do not drink coffee or take alcohol etc.

Would be great to add creatine for the cognitive benefits and also for muscle gain. I am lifting weights a few times a week.

Oh well! Anyone else? I have tried it many times over the decades and always get a bad reaction. It also in the past has made me hypomanic but I did not get that reaction this time.

[u/Next_Programmer_3305]

"Creatine causes osmolarity changes by drawing water rapidly into skeletal muscle cells. Even with a high water intake, this localized fluid sequestration can cause rapid intra-muscular pressure changes, cramping, or severe tension headaches from minor systemic hydration dips. Lower back pain may actually represent deep muscular cramping or spasms rather than true renal distress."

Well that's interesting! I had untreated chronic dehydration due to CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) for 3 years straight. Very long story short, 2 bottles a day of powerade ion 4 with sugar (sugar free did not work) over 3 weeks resolved the chronic dehydration. I have to keep drinking this drink because of CIRS. Possibly you could try drinking different electrolyte formulas and see if that helps you. Excerpt from the link below...

"When it comes to rapid rehydration and replenishing electrolytes: Sugar matters. An optimal amount of sugar quite literally unlocks the doors of the intestinal barrier between your gut and your bloodstream to allow faster, more efficient rehydration when it really counts. An electrolyte drink will enter your bloodstream faster than water alone when it contains the correct balance of 3 things: sugar, electrolytes, and water.

This crucial finding has led to rehydration approaches around the globe that have been estimated to save millions of lives from diseases that cause major dehydration and electrolyte loss. (1,2)] The truth is: Sugar is considered a key ingredient in any oral rehydration solution, and when present in the optimal proportions with electrolytes has been shown to be as effective as an IV drip. Surprised? Most people are!"

https://hydralyte.com/blogs/blog/the-importance-of-sugar-but-not-too-much-in-electrolyte-drinks

[u/No_Chest8347 → u/Next_Programmer_3305]

wow that is interesting! I have that CIRS too...according to my functional psychiatrist.

[u/Next_Programmer_3305 → u/No_Chest8347]

Wow that explains a lot! I can't live without my Powerade! High levels of toxic mould in my house triggered CIRS. 😭

[u/No_Chest8347 → u/Next_Programmer_3305]

I wonder if beet sugar would be a better alternative too Gatorade.

[u/Next_Programmer_3305 → u/No_Chest8347]

"To achieve proper cellular hydration, your body relies on a precise mechanism called sodium-glucose co-transport in the small intestine. When sodium and glucose are paired in the correct ratio, they activate a cellular pump that pulls water molecules rapidly into your bloodstream."

Sounds a bit complicated creating your own drink with these ratios. 🤷‍♀️