Foods to Avoid to Improve Creatine Levels

Foods to Avoid to Improve Creatine Levels

Creatine is an organic acid found naturally within the body and used to supply your muscles with energy. While creatine levels can be boosted through the consumption of food that is high in protein, creatine levels can be kept at healthy levels by monitoring your protein consumption and increasing the amount of physical activity you perform each day. Unless you are a body builder who works out for hours each day, you will always be looking to keep the amount of creatine in your body at a low to moderate level. Some people suffering from poor kidney function will often suffer from high levels of creatine in their bodies. In addition to altering your diet, drinking large amounts of water throughout the day will also help you lower your creatine levels.

High-Protein Foods

Creatine is found in numerous high-protein foods such as chicken, fish and beef. As a result, it is important that these meats be reduced or limited in your diet to help you improve your creatine levels. While meat-based protein sources increase creatine levels, proteins such as tofu, rice and beans do not contain much creatine and will still provide you with adequate levels of protein. In addition to meat, eating excessive amounts of dairy products will also boost your creatine to unsafe levels. As a result, avoiding cheese, milk and other dairy-based products will help you keep the amount of creatine in your body at a safe level.

Amino Acid Arginine Foods

Foods that are high in the amino acid arginine should be avoided when trying to reduce creatine levels in the body. According to Vitamin Stuff, arginine helps your body produce creatine as well as nitrogen. Some foods to avoid that are rich in the amino acid arginine are chocolate, almonds, beer and gelatin. In addition to these foods, certain vegetables such as peas and certain grain cereals such as Kashi whole grain are also high in arginine. If your diet depends heavily on these foods, try to supplement different types of sweets and nuts such as cashews or sugar cookies that are not as high in arginine.

Amino Acid Glycine Foods

The amino acid glycine is found in many high-protein foods as well as other foods. If you are looking to reduce creatine levels in your body, it is important that you avoid foods that contain the amino acid glycine. Some foods which contain high levels of glycine are egg whites, seaweed, spriulina and sesame seeds. In addition, most foods that are high in protein such as chicken or fish also contain high levels of the glycine.

source : livesstronge.com