In the Space News section of www.CareersIn.Space we published two articles that received an enormous amount of interest.

• Longevity in spacefarers – Could NMN and Resveratrol be useful?
• The Wacky Things That Happen to Your Body in Space: A Space Medicine Overview

If humans are to become a multi planetary species, then we will need to understand the rigours placed on ourselves (and any other species to be transported) and how to mitigate them. Also if space travel involves very long journeys, then it would be most useful to have an extended, healthy, active and fertile life.

Elon Musk has raised the issue of falling population across many countries as the graph lines for births and deaths cross over. This has the world in a position where there are fewer and fewer earners to support more and more elderly people, with pension and health care costs wreaking havoc on government budgets.

If we can address the issues of leading a life that is healthier, happier and more productive, then it could solve a whole host of growing problems.

I believe that we have entered a period of “order of magnitude” change in health care – a whole different level of disease prevention by new ways of addressing ageing. It reminds me of two sayings:

• “You don’t invent the fluorescent light bulb by making incremental changes to a candle”.
• “The future is already here, it’s just not evenly distributed”.

This series is going to cover my journey of gob-smacking discovery – from very humble beginnings (Creatine is neither new nor revolutionary) – to changes that will knock your socks off and blow your mind (an interesting visual combination).

So, here we go, let’s start our travels down into the rabbit hole and out through the worm hole to space!

It all began with my son, who’s an avid sports enthusiast. He plays Rugby League, Rugby Union, and Gridiron with a real passion. But as fate would have it, during one of his matches, he dislocated his shoulder. In a moment of extreme bravery but not necessarily wisdom, he banged it back into place on the ground as there were no reserves that day and he did not want to let his team down by coming off the field. He tried physiotherapy to avoid surgery but to no avail. He was told he was more prone to such injuries as he is double-jointed. He was devastated when, eight months later during his first game of the season, he damaged his shoulder again on the third tackle. If he wanted to continue playing football, he needed surgery. This meant no sports at all for the rest of the year.

The surgeon and physiotherapist suggested he build up his body in the meantime, so that would be in top condition when he returned to the field.  That’s when he came to us and said he wanted to use Creatine. At first, we were hesitant, as we didn’t want anything to do with substances like steroids or growth hormones that have horrible side-effects and are known to provide an unfair advantage. However, he explained to us that Creatine could be used to build muscle to protect the shoulder, is safe, natural, commonly used, and sports legal. While his mother refused, saying it was the wrong path, my son argued that I should practice what I preach and be open-minded to a logical argument.

He did his research and put together a solid proposal, and after much consideration, I decided to try it myself before allowing him to do so. As well as wishing to protect my son I was interested because of its relevance to space, as muscle loss can be a significant issue if exercise is restricted, and to ageing healthily, as muscle wastage is a key concern to avoid injury.

Now, I must warn you that Creatine is not a magical substance that will transform your body overnight. It is a naturally occurring compound that is found in meat and fish and is produced by our bodies. Creatine supplements are used to increase the body’s creatine stores, leading to enhanced performance during high-intensity, short-duration exercises such as weightlifting and sprinting. While Creatine is safe and legal for most individuals, it’s always advisable to consult a doctor before starting any supplement.

As promised, here’s a summary of the pros and cons of Creatine:

Pros:

• Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that is produced by our bodies and is found in meat and fish.
• Creatine supplements are safe and legal for most individuals and are commonly used in the sports world.
• Creatine has been shown to enhance performance during high-intensity, short-duration exercises such as weightlifting and sprinting.
• Creatine supplementation may help reduce muscle wastage associated with ageing.

Cons:

• Creatine will not transform your body without exercise.
• Creatine may cause gastrointestinal distress in some individuals, particularly if adequate water is not consumed.
• Creatine supplementation may lead to weight gain due to water retention.
• Long-term effects of Creatine supplementation are not yet known.

In conclusion, my son’s desire to take Creatine led me down a path of discovery, one that has shown me the benefits and risks associated with Creatine supplementation. As with anything in life, moderation is key, and it’s essential to consult a doctor before starting any supplement.

The research and results were just my first step into the abyss. Stay tuned for Part 2, things only accelerate wildly from here…

NOTE

Creatine is widely available in chemists and sports health stores.

My personal preference for health supplements is DoNotAge.org who have kindly offered a 10% discount when using the code “SPACEMED”.

Reference Papers

• • Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?
  • Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health
  • Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  • International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine

Malcolm Engledew
President at Careers In Space
https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-engledew/

Watch out for the next episode: Sports Medicine, Space Medicine, Longevity – Part 2 Fad or Fact?

Employers – Did you know?

You can put us to the test..

We would like to offer you a complimentary Introductory Job Ad Package, which comes WITHOUT cost or obligation. You can also see our ongoing services and prices at https://www.careersin.space/product-category/employers/

Candidates – Have you taken action yet?

Whether you are currently happy in your job or looking to move ahead, this is the way to stay on the cutting edge for consideration of new roles in the International Space Industry WHENEVER you are ready.

Including Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cyber Security, Drones, Hypersonics, Information & Communications Technology, Machine Learning, Optics, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Space Law, Space Medicine and Virtual Reality.

• Have you registered at https://www.careersin.space/login-or-register/ (it is free for Candidates)?
• Have you loaded your Resume and completed your Profile?
• Have you used the Search facility? https://www.careersin.space/candidates/search-space-careers/
• Have you set Job Alerts for your areas of interest?
• Have you followed on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/careersin-space/
• Have you started submitting Job Applications?

Disclaimer

The information in this article is intended for the  sharing of personal experience information only.   It should be noted that the Author is not in any way whatsoever involved in a medical field, and that the content is based solely on his own experience (which may differ to yours). Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment,  and  before making any decisions regarding your health.  The information provided is “as is,” without any warranties, express or implied, and the Author disclaims any and all liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages that may arise from using any information in the article.

Disclosure

Please be advised that the discount code provided in this post may result in a small commission for me. Additionally, I would like to disclose that DoNotAge.org has provided me with free products in order to test and gain personal experience for my series.