Jake,
I had some kidney problems years ago, and had to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor for anyone who didn't know) at the foothills, he told me creatine wouldn't do anything bad to me. Talk to me in 20 years? Sure, but if that's our theory maybe you shouldn't be telling people to take more protein, because your kidneys also have a great deal to do with protein digestion and increased protein can lead to kidney stones and other kidney related difficulties.
to others,
I'd avoid taking some GNC health food store persons opinion on what's good for you or not. They're all due for a class action lawsuit for the shinguard they spew and sell to people. I remember going in to buy some creatine (I'll explain my use for it later) and having the guy try to tell me I should buy some Caffeine, Ephedrine, and Aspirin off of them and mix them to "get ripped"! NICE....
Another guy was telling people he got as big as he did taking protein supplements three times a day, and creatine, when he was a heavy steroid user.
Your run of the mill personal trainer at a WHC or some other gym is probably as helpful as they give away free memberships from these stores and love getting the business and sending it back..
If you want to take a supplement go ahead but make sure you read up about it, ask your doctor and only start it after you've been working out and eating well for an extended period of time..
That way you'll know if you can even maintain a healthy lifestyle before you waste money and health risks (whether there are or aren't) on sports supplements.
Creatine, I've taken it on and off for the last 7 years, sometimes I think it does something, sometimes I don't, I'm not sure if I will ever do it again because I'm as big as I want to be and don't want to gain weight as I don't exercise to be bigger, it just happens to be a side benefit (and I'm not big, just have some sort of build). The most recent times I've taken creatine was when I've felt I've been lazy and need to get a kick in the pants planning on hitting the pool, gym and rink 14 times in the next 15 days and it gives me a mental boost, gets me drinking a lot of water and the psychology of paying a bit of extra money seems to make the commitment factor increase.. I'd say for me it's all a placebo
Yet I still stand by my earlier comment that unless you know you can keep it up, don't waste your money on a six week workout/supplement binge if you're going to stop.
Also I'll throw in the "both my parents are doctors" comment to give myself some validity too LMAO...