{"id":5286,"date":"2024-01-09T09:05:06","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T09:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maxhealthliving.com\/?p=5286"},"modified":"2024-01-23T17:12:28","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T17:12:28","slug":"can-you-dry-scoop-creatine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maxhealthliving.com\/can-you-dry-scoop-creatine\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Dry Scoop Creatine? (WHY YOU SHOULDN’T!)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this article, we will discuss the efficacy and side effects of dry scooping creatine powders.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dry Scooping \u2013 a TikTok trend that has caused many people to end up in ER.<\/p>\n

So, from an experience standpoint, we\u2019d never recommend you ingest dry creatine powder because this intake method not only reduces the supplement\u2019s efficacy but can also cause respiratory distress, gastrointestinal problems, and teeth damage.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not all; it can even lead to some serious life-threatening conditions like stroke, brain injury, and cardiac arrest.<\/p>\n

Find out more about it here<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Is Dry Scooping Creatine Better?<\/h2>\n

The simple answer is \u201cno\u201d. Dry Scooping is a less effective way of creatine supplementation compared to mixing. Moreover, this practice is associated with many side effects.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The thought behind dry scooping culture<\/a> is that absorption rates and efficacy of supplements are higher when they are taken in concentrated forms.<\/p>\n

But this belief does not comply with facts, and scientific evidence has proven that nutrients work better when they are taken in liquid forms, diluted by water or some other fluid.<\/p>\n

Creatine has the same bioavailability pattern. However, it slightly differs from other nutrients as it readily absorbs in blood vessels of the gut lining in both concentrated and diluted forms.<\/p>\n

Research indicates little difference in creatine absorption rate when taken in solution, solid, or meat forms.<\/p>\n

However, the same clinical trial<\/a> on exercise physiology proved that when it is taken in solid form, its bioavailability is lesser compared to creatine mixed with a fluid.<\/p>\n

It was reported that plasma concentration was 20% higher when users ingested it in solution form.<\/p>\n

Hence, if you dry scoop creatine, you are likely missing some of its growth and power-boosting effects on muscles.<\/p>\n

Besides that, ingesting dry powder also relates to some negative effects, as enlisted in the next section;<\/p>\n

\"dry<\/p>\n

What would happen if You Dry Scoop Creatine?<\/h2>\n

1. Choking<\/h3>\n

The most common downside of dry Scooping is throat choking because the dry powder is hard to ingest and sticks with the throat membrane, causing irritation and cough.<\/p>\n

And when you try to force-swallow the powder, some of it can get into your windpipe, and you may end up with a choked throat.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, you will be fine after gagging for a minute or so. But other times, it can lead to severe consequences.<\/p>\n

3. Gut problems<\/h3>\n

Creatine is a protein derivative that interferes with the body\u2019s osmotic balance, causing a fluid shift in muscles.<\/p>\n

Though this osmotic effect helps with pumping and vascularity<\/a> of the bicep and quadriceps muscles, it becomes a little stressful when the fluid shift happens in the muscular lining of the digestive canal.<\/p>\n

As a result, people often experience pain and gut problems related to water absorption in the intestine, like diarrhea or constipation.<\/p>\n

Those who dry scoop are likely to face these issues more frequently than others because the concentrated dose rapidly changes the fluid distribution.<\/p>\n

4. Dehydration<\/h3>\n

Creatine is famous for its water retention property. It causes muscles to absorb and retain a large amount of water.<\/p>\n

Resultantly, water availability for other body functions is reduced. And you feel dehydrated and thirsty.<\/p>\n

This effect is even more prominent when taking creatine without dissolving it in water, as dry molecules will fetch more water with them.<\/p>\n

5. Arrhythmias<\/h3>\n

Dry Scooping is notorious for causing cardiovascular problems like heart arrhythmias, angina, or even heart attacks.<\/p>\n

Recently when TikTok\u2019s \u201cdry scoop pre-workout\u201d trend went viral, several severe side effects were reported, including heart attacks and brain injuries.<\/p>\n

The risk prevails with creatine, too, because it is a nitrogenous organic acid known by science to cause fibrillation and irregular heartbeats.<\/p>\n

Hence, if someone is predisposed to cardiovascular issues, gulping dry creatine powder increases the probability of arrhythmias and angina.<\/p>\n

The risk is even higher if your supplement also contains caffeine.<\/p>\n

6. Brain injuries<\/h3>\n

If your creatine product includes caffeine anhydrous, dry scooping can possibly lead to brain injuries.<\/p>\n

Caffeine is a neuro-stimulating alkaloid whose intensified dose causes overstimulation of neural pathways leading to cognitive impairment and brain hemorrhages.<\/p>\n

A tiktoker<\/a> suffered from a brain injury when he took eight dry scoops of a fitness supplement containing creatine and caffeine.<\/p>\n

Is Dry Scooping Creatine Bad for Your Teeth?<\/h2>\n

Creatine molecule does not affect teeth by itself, but if your supplement contains caffeine or citric acid, dry Scooping may lead to tooth damage.<\/p>\n

There is no scientific evidence linking creatine or its derivatives to tooth damage. However, the creatine powders available on the market sometimes have a small amount of caffeine to boost energy levels and focus.<\/p>\n

Besides that, citrate is often added to creatine to improve its absorption.<\/p>\n

Both of these ingredients can strip off tooth enamel which may lead to yellowing of teeth or sensitivity.<\/p>\n

And the damage probability is increased with dry Scooping as concentrated powdered ingredients would come in direct contact with the enamel and may get stuck between teeth. Hence, their reactivity time is increased.<\/p>\n

How to take Creatine – The safe way!<\/h2>\n

If not dry Scooping, what is the right way to take creatine?<\/p>\n

Following is the mixing method which ensures health safety and high efficacy of creatine supplements;<\/strong><\/p>\n