cell volume maximizers (creatine) and effects with water-loss agents (dandelion root)

[arjuna]

Hi,

Was wondering if using a duiretic like Dandelion root will pull water out of creatine loaded muscle cells? From my understanding, once glycogen has entered a muscle cell, it doesn't "leak" back out into the bloodstream. Do Creatine and Glutimate exhibit the same behavior?

I recently reduced my bf% a few % but feel like I'm retaining a lot of sub-c water. When I press my fingernail into my thumb pad, the depression remains for 30-60 seconds, sometimes longer. This indicates water retention. Right? So, I've been trying to lose the water through various means. Keto doesn't seem to help. I took a Chroma Slim Water Pill and broke out in hives, so I'm giving the Dandelion root a shot. I would use l-dex, but it's just a bit pricey at this time, maybe later if this doesn't work.

Now, would using creatine at this point be a waste? Would the duiretic work in an opposing mechanism to the creatine and in essence, negate the benefits?

Thoughts? TIA.

 

[muskate]

Diuretics act on extracellular water. That is the water outside of your cells. Creatine increases water retention intracellularly. That is the water inside your muscle cells.

Using the two together will lead to a very round and dry appearance of your muscles.

You want to use diuretics only occasionally. Using them long term is a horrible idea. It will put a lot of stress on your kidney and you will experience a lot of water retention as a rebound when you stop using them. The best thing you can do if you are naturally retaining water is to increase your water intake and watch your sodium intake (don't eliminate it).