HGH promotes a number of biological functions most of which are associated with the vitality of youth.
HGH is responsible for the rapid growth and high metabolic rate we experience as teenagers. As we age past our thirties, there is a significant decline in the body’s natural HGH secretion leading to physiological processes accompanied by aging: tissue degeneration, weight gain, sexual impairment, lower energy levels, decreased stamina.
What is HGH?
Human growth Hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is produced in the anterior pituitary gland found in the brain. This hormone is continually secreted throughout life and profoundly influences the growth of our muscles, organs, bones, and virtually all of our cells. Production of HGH peaks during adolescence when most of us experience dramatic growth. A lack of HGH can result in dwarfism, while excess can cause the body to grow out of proportion as in gigantism.
The pituitary gland will actually store HGH at greater amounts than it secretes. The rate that the pituitary gland secretes is controlled by another gland located in the brain called the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus is able to sense the slightest chemical changes and stimulates the pituitary gland to either increase or decrease secretion. The hormone is circulated throughout the body at much higher levels when we are young helping us to burn calories more efficiently, boost energy supplies, and enhancing tissue regeneration. Unfortunately as we age past 21, the amount of HGH released from the pituitary gland is decreased. Between the ages 21-31 HGH declines by 14% per decade, so the total 24-hour growth hormone production rate is reduced by half by age 60.
As we turn 70 years of age there is a significant deficit. Approximate levels range from: 500 micrograms at 20 years of age 200 micrograms at 40 years of age 25 micrograms at 80 years of age The ability to stimulate HGH secretion passed the prime age of stimulation would hold very interesting possibilities.
How Does HGH Work in the body?
HGH is the most powerful anti-aging compound in the body, working on a cellular level to instruct cells to regenerate, replicate, and repair. By monitoring HGH we can monitor the aging process. A decline in HGH is thought to contribute to:
– Decrease in muscle mass
– Increase in fat stores
– Decrease stamina and energy levels
– Impaired immune function and healing capacity
– Decreased bone density/Osteoporosis
– Decreased sexual function
– Skin degeneration/wrinkling
– Increase risk of Cardiovascular disease
– Lower life expectancy
In conversation with E. Hammer, MD (November 2002) elevating levels of HGH can help to dramatically improve virtually every condition associated with age related deterioration of the body.
– Increased bone mass in osteoporosis
– Reverse declining cardiac function
– Reverse declining pulmonary function
– Reverse the decline in immune function
– Increase lean muscle mass
– Decrease in per cent body fat
– Increase capacity for exercise
– Promote vitality
– Reduce sleep disorders
– Improve sexual performance
– Enhance eye sight
– Slow down hair loss
– Improve cholesterol profile by increasing HDL and decreasing LDL
– Improve memory
– Increase cardiac output/stamina
– Improve kidney function
How do you maximize the stimulation/secretion of HGH?
Factors that stimulate the release of HGH:
– Decreased blood glucose levels
– Increased blood protein levels
– Carbohydrate restricted diet
– Fasting
– Increased protein diet
– Stage IV sleep
– Exercise/Weight training
Factors that inhibit release of HGH:
– Increased blood glucose levels
– Increased blood free fatty acids
– Obesity
– Pregnancy
HGH and Weight Loss Young adults who weight train and engage in resistance exercise stimulate HGH production.
Exercise stimulates the release of a powerful surge of HGH, which promotes repair and rebuilding of the muscle that sustained small micro tears during the workout. During exercise HGH is usually released toward the end of a work out and immediately afterward. Therefore it is recommended to work out on an empty stomach (avoid any power bars for fast energy), drink only water while working out (avoid high carbohydrate drinks), and wait at least one hour after workout for food consumption and then eating a high protein diet. Avoiding sweet, starchy carbohydrates especially before bedtime, which will cause increased levels of blood glucose and in turn inhibits HGH.
A nutrition plan with plenty of protein and keep your carbohydrates and free fatty acids restricted. Remember along with proper nutrition and exercise you must also get adequate amounts of sleep. HGH is secreted maximally in stage III and IV sleep, the first hour or two after reaching deep sleep.
To reach maximal potential you must get sound sleep every night. Additional Considerations with an Older Population: It is a fact that the best releaser of HGH is strenuous exercise/weight training and secondly a good night’s sleep. But because of the significant decline of HGH associated with age neither will cause an additional release of HGH in women over 50 years of age or men over 60 years of age.
In that case medical researchers have explored the possibilities of oral HGH and injectable HGH. In conversation with E. Hammer, MD (November 2002) it is strongly recommended that the injectable HGH is the true form of HGH used to gain consistent and appropriate levels for noticeable function. We will discuss this issue in the near future. We will continue with the Series of Human Growth Hormone by researching it’s continued value to the human body. In the near future we will take a more detailed look at HGH’s involvement in Cardiac function, Osteoporosis, Lean Muscle Mass, Memory and other topic’s of interest. Now that you are introduced to the wonders of growth hormone put it to work for you and remember to Stimulate!
Resources: Elkins, R. HGH Age reversing miracle. Pleasant Groove, Utah. Woodland Publishing’s; 1998:1-30. Eades M. Protein Power. New York, New York: Bantam Books; 1999:188-194. Lichten M. Antiaging Medication. Available at: WWW.USDOCTER.COM. Accessed: November 26, 02. E. Hammer, MD. Hammer Institute for Anti-aging Medicine. Scottsdale, AZ.
Provided by
