JFIFC    $ &%# #"(-90(*6+"#2D26;=@@@&0FKE>J9?@=C  =)#)==================================================T" }!1AQa"q2#BR$3br %&'()*456789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz w!1AQaq"2B #3Rbr $4%&'()*56789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz ?<V}kEv9Oe*7$qZ`JsI8qԛN}8rȴ#veVe|să|nN`rcްsi:^k]QacpӂyT y*{?jD7,p'=+'+-+uk%ʬt0&֌:BmK_=/n$qP۽6vsLWmZZ2i{8#bbĿqt#JʓN4шM%GV{=Z+VN-ϏpTp#kNv ZJӜKuf5JOC@zhszLǻg2[2^6em;0CqtW E$C}k䁸ףq[=KR8#<IW!Ps+|cs*D$ xWmq'pg?Tu+w݃Pi/ޟg– PR~gckIYPȠ*`~j΁duwD=;ft}SĢRA3 ņRdx{4K 9a3"R\+:rOsa3Cw$bZeַqƪ 9{W!>%-),cF#f}+_Dۙ`2¬YgǛa-վ4DX{W{D@8㎿ӿjMjV#+v}VMKOyBB܃vZhs9Oxno x 7Qg$r!ac#ZCiliBZ Wr;m.ԋSiOw|zƖ~DG?άxI4[X]-2tI8n=QOwY @ g5R[WgMW̑_݅\;i8aeJɻ^+ ;gMi.D>!4FKK\é|3էyOcSCAa2]YWKYʘל%%v (\ֺk\]x!smA<8 ,'$m"ky 05 #gF4;[FԖ@}?Ah&tx~l8 2"^Ku i*AAI(nN}q-k4l&;PL/6c[TzFY9<fFvZKBF6==:{Yw;*|'ZyIHXaK@joFI|/ #3\MFުy1[_x-!RfeKcnKylZʨʹHTyj.qk6_X'0Ąa?-s:zڢ<([<7T2[WrGgh/)Xn77+s- -2[ij]KfBO 9aRZeryλō;[Vta"[7zJaX>!խf)G f8ȮQ [6+YPt߽:+9Vek vz^u$`6m~XhG_i6W0'cc j:ҫ;udٮiچjžcc2Aa8ULRiaihAsjb;V4Ԍl}KoA$`dwwp R¤'i}:5]aEZ"d$}}+*ҵdm :F-uq-$o23?*ve{C[УoES95k3Z:5[11}:o3,lclI9&''{.Tg qTI%(eA "p{ls qZa?The cramping issue is also without documentation. Speculation and anecdotal information from coaches and trainers suggests a relationship between cramps and creatine. However, they have never examined this theory, nor is there any physiological rationale for creatine to cause dehydration. As common as cramping is, no one knows what causes it. There are theories but no hard evidence suggesting the cause.<br>One explanation is the "dehydration theory": Its premise is that not replacing the fluids lost through perspiration causes cramps. Theory number two is "an imbalance in electrolytes". If too much sodium is lost through perspiration, it causes an imbalance with potassium resulting in cramping. The "environmental theory" states that exercising in extreme heat or humidity can lead to an electrolyte imbalance already mentioned above. Again, there are many theories, but no documented evidence. So if we do not know what causes cramps, and, we know there is no physiological reason creatine can cause dehydration, we can dismiss the notion that creatine causes muscle cramps.<br>Does creatine affect the function of the liver and kidneys? This has been and is currently being studied by three well known and highly respected researchers, Dr. Bill Kraemer, Dr. Rick Kreider, and Mr. Mike Stone to date, no undesirable side effects have been found. Kreider studied the effects of creatine on college football players and reported "no impact on tests of liver or kidney function." Kraemer examined active college students at Penn State after a heavy work out. He also found no side effects from the use of creatine. He examined hormone levels, blood profiles and muscle biopsies. Participants also filled out questionnaires regarding any side effects such as cramping, diarrhea, nausea. None were reported. Not only has Kraemer thoroughly examined creatine, he also used it when he was a competitive athlete as did his 17-year-old daughter when she played high school tennis and his 15-year-old son when he was weight lifting. Again, no adverse side affects. Creatine does have one well-documented side effect. It causes an increase in muscle mass. When taken as prescribed it has the capacity to increase body weight by as much as seven pounds in five days.<br>Are there any long term effects? The long term effect of creatine has never been studied. However, creatine has been us