April, 2025 | LiveWell Health

What is Creatine and what are it’s benefits?

Posted on April 12, 2025

What is Creatine and what are it’s benefits?

Creatine is one of the most researched and widely used supplements in the world of fitness and sports performance. Naturally found in small amounts in meat and fish, and also produced by the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, creatine plays a vital role in your body’s ability to generate quick energy — especially during short bursts of intense activity like sprinting or weightlifting.

When used as a supplement, creatine can significantly boost performance, strength, and recovery, making it a staple in many athletes’ and fitness enthusiasts’ routines.

How Does Creatine Work?

Creatine helps produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s primary source of energy during high-intensity, short-duration exercises. However, ATP stores are limited and typically get used up within the first 10 seconds of intense activity.

Supplementing with creatine increases your body’s phosphocreatine stores, which in turn helps replenish ATP more quickly, allowing you to train harder and longer before fatigue sets in.

Benefits of Creatine

Creatine offers several benefits, both for physical performance and overall wellness:

1. Improved Strength and Power

Creatine enhances your ability to perform short, explosive movements, such as lifting heavy weights or sprinting. It enables you to push beyond normal limits, leading to improved strength over time.

2. Increased Muscle Growth

By allowing for more reps or heavier loads during training, creatine supports muscle hypertrophy. It also draws water into muscle cells, creating a fuller appearance and enhancing protein synthesis.

3. Enhanced Athletic Performance

Athletes in sports like football, basketball, rugby, and athletics can benefit from creatine’s ability to improve speed, agility, and power in activities lasting less than 30 seconds.

4. Cognitive and Brain Health

Emerging research suggests that creatine may also support brain function, especially in times of mental fatigue or sleep deprivation. It may help with memory, focus, and mental clarity.

How to Take Creatine

The most common and well-studied form of creatine is creatine monohydrate, typically available in powder form. It’s easy to mix with water, juice, or protein shakes.

Typical Dosage:

Maintenance dose: 3–5 grams per day
Optional loading phase: 20 grams per day (split into 4 doses of 5g) for 5–7 days, followed by a maintenance phase

You can skip the loading phase if preferred — your muscles will still saturate with creatine over time, usually within 3–4 weeks.

Tip: Take creatine around the time of your workout, ideally post-training, when your muscles are more receptive to nutrient absorption.

Is Creatine Safe?

Yes. Creatine is one of the most studied sports supplements, with decades of research supporting its safety and effectiveness in healthy individuals when used as directed.

That said, hydration is key. Because creatine draws water into your muscles, it’s important to stay well-hydrated to prevent side effects.

Possible Side Effects (usually mild):

Water retention
Stomach discomfort
Dehydration
Muscle cramps
Kidney stress (rare – typically only in those with pre-existing kidney issues)

If you experience any discomfort, reduce your dosage or stop use temporarily. Those with kidney conditions should always consult a healthcare professional before taking creatine.

Who Can Benefit from Creatine?

Creatine isn’t just for professional athletes or bodybuilders. It’s beneficial for anyone who wants to improve strength, power, muscle mass, or performance in high-intensity activities.

Ideal users include:

Weightlifters and gym-goers
Sprinters and explosive athletes
Competitive sports players (e.g. rugby, football, basketball)
Individuals looking to gain muscle or recover faster

Want to Maximise Results with Nutrition?

While creatine is a powerful tool, nutrition plays a vital role in unlocking its full potential. Pairing your creatine supplementation with a personalised nutrition plan can help you:

Maximise muscle gain
Improve recovery
Maintain optimal hydration and electrolyte balance

Our expert team at Livewell offers tailored nutrition advice for performance, recovery, and general wellbeing. Whether you’re new to supplements or want to build a science-backed nutrition strategy, we’re here to help.

Book your nutrition consultation today to get the most out of your training and supplementation.

What are the benefits of Protein?

Posted on April 12, 2025

What are the benefits of Protein?

Understanding Protein: The Essential Nutrient for Muscle Growth, Recovery, and Overall Health

When it comes to improving your fitness, supporting recovery, and maintaining a healthy body, protein is one of the most important nutrients you can include in your diet. Whether you’re training for strength, looking to tone up, or simply aiming to feel more energized, understanding how protein works — and how much you need — is key to achieving your goals.

In this article, we’ll explore what protein is, why it’s essential, how much you need, and the best sources of protein, including plant-based options and supplements. Plus, we’ll link you to our expert nutrition advice services to help you fine-tune your diet for peak performance.

What is Protein?

Protein is one of the three macronutrients our bodies need in significant amounts, alongside carbohydrates and fats. It’s made up of molecules called amino acids, often referred to as the “building blocks of life,” due to their crucial role in repairing and maintaining body tissues.

Why is Protein Important?

Protein plays several vital roles in the body, particularly when it comes to:

Muscle growth and recovery
Tissue repair
Supporting healthy skin, hair, and bones

When you exercise, especially during resistance training or high-impact workouts, your muscles experience tiny tears (micro-tears). Protein helps repair these tears and rebuild muscle fibers, allowing muscles to grow stronger and more resilient over time.

This makes protein-rich diets essential not only for athletes but also for anyone looking to stay active, age healthily, or improve their body composition.

If you’re unsure how much protein your body needs based on your training routine or health goals, our team at Livewell offers personalised nutrition consultations. Speak to a nutrition advisor today →

How Much Protein Do You Need?

The recommended daily protein intake for a healthy adult ranges from 0.66 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight.

However, if you’re regularly exercising — especially with the goal of building or maintaining muscle mass — you may benefit from a higher intake, typically around:

1.4–2.0 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day

Example: A person weighing 70kg would require between 98g and 140g of protein per day to support muscle growth and recovery.

Still unsure how to calculate your protein needs? Contact our Nutritionists and they can help you determine exactly what your body needs based on your lifestyle, goals, and training schedule.

Top Sources of Protein

Protein can come from both animal and plant-based sources, so it’s easy to build a high-protein diet that fits your preferences.

Animal-based protein sources:

Chicken breast (30g per serving)
Cod fillet (20g per serving)
Eggs (approx. 10g per 2 eggs)
Milk, cheese, and yoghurt

Plant-based protein sources:

Lentils (25g per boiled cup)
Chickpeas, beans, tofu, and tempeh
Quorn meat alternatives
Nuts and seeds (approx. 5g per handful)

➡️ Tip: Aim to vary your protein sources. While red meat is protein-rich, excessive consumption can increase health risks such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to its high fat content. Lean meats like chicken or fish, and plant proteins, are healthier everyday choices.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan and unsure how to balance your meals, our plant-based nutrition support is designed to help you get the nutrients you need without compromise.

What About Protein Shakes?

Protein shakes are a convenient and efficient way to boost your intake, especially around workouts or when you’re short on time.

Powder-Based Shakes:

These are typically made using whey protein, casein, or vegan blends like pea or rice protein. One scoop usually provides around 20g of protein and can be mixed with water or milk.

Food-Based Protein Smoothies:

Alternatively, you can create a high-protein shake using whole food ingredients such as:

Frozen fruits
Greek yoghurt
Peanut or almond butter
Milk or plant-based alternatives

These shakes double as tasty meal replacements or post-workout recovery drinks.

Ready to Level Up Your Nutrition?

Protein is essential — but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. From macronutrient planning to meal timing, our expert team is here to help you fuel your body the right way.

Click here to book your personalised nutrition consultation with our Livewell Health team and start building better habits today. Alternatively contact one of our team and we will be only to happy to help where we can.

Supporting CBRE’s Row 50 Challenge

Posted on April 11, 2025

Supporting CBRE’s Row 50 Challenge: Helping Raise £50,000 for Alzheimer’s Society

On Friday 4th April, the Livewell Health event team had the pleasure of attending CBRE’s annual Row 50 Challenge at their London offices – an inspiring event that brings together teams and individuals to row 50km in support of a vital cause. This year, the challenge raised a phenomenal £50,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society, helping to support their mission to ensure dementia is recognised as a national health priority and to improve care, support, and awareness across the UK.

Representing Livewell Health on the day were Kit, Tracey, and Stephen, who were on-site throughout the event offering much-needed event recovery services to the dedicated rowers. These services included the incredibly popular Hyperice Normatec Compression Boot Therapy, provided in anti-gravity chairs for maximum comfort, as well as sports event massage and therapy, and injury prevention and assessment support.

The atmosphere at the CBRE offices was buzzing with energy, determination, and community spirit as dozens of participants gave it their all for a cause close to so many hearts. From first-time rowers to seasoned employees, every kilometre rowed was a powerful show of support for individuals and families affected by dementia.

Our team thoroughly enjoyed being part of the day, helping participants recover, recharge, and continue their rowing efforts with reduced fatigue and improved mobility. These types of events are a great reminder of the role recovery and preventative care play in supporting both performance and wellbeing, especially during physically demanding challenges.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to CBRE and Rebecca, who led the organisation of this incredible event, for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful day. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting the Alzheimer’s Society’s work, which includes groundbreaking research, vital support services, and advocacy to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

For our team, the highlight was seeing how positively participants responded to our services. Many shared how the compression therapy and massage support helped relieve aches and stiffness, allowing them to complete the challenge feeling stronger and more supported. The feedback we received reaffirmed why we do what we do – helping people move and feel better, especially when they’re pushing their limits for a great cause.

We left the event feeling inspired, grateful, and proud to have played a part in such an impactful initiative. Congratulations once again to all the teams and individuals who took part, and of course, to CBRE for hosting another successful Row 50 Challenge. Here’s to continuing to make a difference – one stroke, one service, and one event at a time.

For more information about our event services or to bring Livewell Health to your next charity or corporate wellness event, get in touch with us today.

LIVEWELL x BORN SURVIVOR – Official Recovery Partner

Posted on April 11, 2025

LIVEWELL ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH BORN SURVIVOR EVENTS

We’re thrilled to announce that Livewell has partnered with Born Survivor, the UK’s biggest and most authentic military obstacle course event, to provide our award-winning LIVE|Recover service at their thrilling 2025 events!

Kicking off on April 26th in Cheshire, and returning for a second epic challenge on September 13th in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, we’ll be supporting participants throughout the day with a comprehensive recovery and injury prevention zone designed to keep you in peak condition before, during, and after your mission.

The LIVE|Recover unit is a fully mobile state-of-the-art event recovery facility offering:

Sports Massage
Physiotherapy
Injury Assessment
Taping & Strapping
Compression Boot Therapy
Anti-Gravity Chairs
Ice Plunge Pods
Hot Steam Saunas
And much more…

This collaboration brings together two powerhouses in health, fitness, and resilience. Whether you’re tackling the 10km Ultimate Military Obstacle Course or trying one of the flexible distance options (6km or 8km), Livewell Health will be on hand to support your recovery and enhance your performance every step of the way.

About Born Survivor:
Set in rugged landscapes like the stunning Ribble Valley, Born Survivor is not your average OCR. With military-grade obstacles, epic slides, underground tunnels, the infamous Big Wall Finisher “The Blitz,” and a celebratory Survivor Bar with live music – this is an experience you won’t forget.

Early bird tickets are available now for the September event – don’t miss out!

Join the adventure. Smash the course. Recover like a pro.

LIVEWELL x BORN SURVIVOR – THE ULTIMATE PARTNERSHIP IN PERFORMANCE & RECOVERY.

Livewell - Official recovery partner for Born Survivor 2

Am I Perimenopausal?

Posted on April 3, 2025

Am I Perimenopausal?

One of the most common questions I get asked is: “Am I perimenopausal?”

It’s fantastic that conversations around menopause are becoming more open, but unfortunately, there’s still a lot of misinformation—especially on social media.

Common Myths About Perimenopause

Many people assume they’re not perimenopausal because:

“I don’t have hot flushes.” – Hot flushes tend to appear later in the transition, but perimenopause can start without them.
“I’m only 32.” – While perimenopause often begins in the 40s, about 1% of women experience menopause before 40 (known as premature menopause).
“I still have a regular cycle.” – Your cycle may still be regular in early perimenopause, but hormone fluctuations can still cause symptoms.

First Steps: What You Can Do

✅ Track Your Symptoms – Download the free Balance app, where you can log your cycle and symptoms. You can then generate a free health report to take to your doctor.

✅ Book a Doctor’s Appointment – If possible, request an appointment with a family planning doctor or one experienced in menopause care. A double appointment can give you more time for discussion.

✅ Ask for Blood Tests – Some symptoms of perimenopause overlap with other health conditions. Request tests for iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and thyroid function to rule out deficiencies. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, ask about a DEXA scan to assess bone health. If you don’t get given a test by your doctors, then Livewell do offer at home Menopause tests as well as general health blood testing. Click here to find out more about these.

Preparing for Your Doctor’s Visit

Bring Your Balance Report & Questions – Brain fog is real, so write down any concerns you want to discuss.
Discuss Treatment Options – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one option, and there are various types to consider. Some women also explore low-dose blood pressure medication or antidepressants to help with hot flushes (even if they don’t have high blood pressure or mental health concerns).
Ask About Side Effects & Follow-Ups – Make sure you understand potential side effects and when you should return for a review.

Don’t Forget Your Free Health Check!

Mini Health Checks – In the UK, you’re entitled to a free NHS health check at age 40 and every five years after that. However, many people never receive an invitation—so be
proactive and book one!

These checks assess cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Since high cholesterol and high blood pressure often have no symptoms, it’s important to monitor them before problems arise.

If you are worried about any of the above you can contact our health and wellbeing team directly on info@livewellhealth.co.uk.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like further information about our Menopause Awareness webinar or seminar for your workplace, please email info@livewellhealth.co.uk. The webinar/seminar includes: signs and symptoms, treatment options, and a mid-life health checklist so you can get the care you deserve.

About the author: Anjanette Fraser (MSc Nutritional Medicine) is a highly experienced nutrition and women’s health expert with a distinguished 19-year career delivering impactful seminars and webinars to a diverse range of organisations. Clients include corporations such as CGI, IKEA, BP, Network Rail, Hilton Hotels, John Deere, PwC, ICAEW, Coca-Cola,
and Vodafone, as well as numerous SMEs and charities.

With a Master’s degree in Nutritional Medicine, Anjanette combines academic expertise with a practical, relatable approach to health and wellbeing. She is deeply passionate about raising health awareness, empowering individuals and teams to make informed, sustainable lifestyle choices that enhance both personal and professional performance.

Before transitioning to the field of nutrition, Anjanette built a successful career in Corporate Finance, specialising in Mergers & Acquisitions at PwC London. This unique background gives her a deep understanding of workplace dynamics and the critical role that wellbeing plays in organisational success.

Anjanette’s engaging and evidence-based approach continues to inspire positive change, making her a sought-after speaker in the field of corporate health and wellbeing.

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