Growth Hormone Explained
What is it and where does it come from?
Growth Hormone, a polypeptide hormone
secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that regulates tissue growth,
cellular repair, energy levels, fat loss, and muscle growth, is the latest
advance in bodybuilding supplementation! Growth Hormone (GH) is the master
hormone, because the master gland--the anterior pituitary gland, releases
it. While GH is not necessary or critical to one's survival, it seems to
play an important evolutionary role in human development. During puberty,
GH levels dictate a person's height and bone size. After puberty, GH
continues to regulate the body's metabolism.
What does it do and what scientific
studies give evidence to support this?
Human Growth Hormone levels decline
steadily after age 30. These HGH levels, along with the related IGF-1
amounts, must be elevated in order to maximize muscular size and growth.
Human Growth Hormone levels are associated with decreased fat, increased
muscle mass, high energy, and increased sex drive. It is HGH that has been
found in studies to facilitate the metabolism of fats in the body. HGH is
also known to build muscle fast. Increasing HGH is
definitely a good thing, especially for bodybuilders. HGH tends to decrease
naturally with age, so the older you get, the harder it is to lose fat.
Metabolically speaking, GH is responsible
for the regulation of insulin (glucose metabolism), protein synthesis,
transportation of amino acids across cell membranes, growth factor-1, (a
metabolic liver hormone) and IGF-2, osteablast production (bone mass) and
fat loss. GH also has a profound effect on the immune system.
The human brain shrinks in size by as
much as 30% by the time we die, as do other vital organs. Much of this is
due to the dramatic drop in the production of somatomedins (growth factors)
with age, which in turn are regulated by GH. Within the psychological
domain, when GH levels drop, mood levels become less stable and the feelings
of youthful resilience ( the ability to "bounce back") diminishes.
GH is one of the most extensively
researched hormones in the body. Anti-aging specialists focus on its
ability to regenerate kidney, lung, heart, and liver tissue. The majority
of GH research has focused on its clinical application at injectable dosage
levels (from 1 to 2 I.U.). However, research is now surfacing regarding
the effects of micro-dilution supplementation on quality of life.
Until 1996, GH was cost-prohibitive for
the average American, available in injectable form only. Fortunately, in
1996, due to the development of advanced delivery systems, Americans were
presented with other viable options, oral spray micro-dilution
supplementation, and cap/tab supplementation.
Therapeutic Effects:
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has been extensively studied both
clinically and theoretically for many decades. GH has been referred to as
the "Fountain of Youth". It has astounded the medical community with its
numerous positive physiological effects on degenerative conditions related
to both aging and disease. The reported higher energy levels, enhanced
libido and sexual performance; regrowth of internal organs that shrink with
age; and greater cardiac output.
In addition, superior immune
function, better kidney function, lowering of blood pressure, and improved
cholesterol profile (higher HDL
and lower LDL) has been documented. Younger thicker skin with tightening
and lessening of wrinkles, hair growth, sharper vision, mood
elevation/relief from depression, increased memory retention, and improved
sleep. Also, decreased recovery time from exercise, muscle strain/injury,
and regeneration of tissues in degenerative diseases have also been noted.
Indications:
For reversal of the aging process (see Therapeutic Effects), and
as an aid to both male and female athletes seeking to safely increase their
natural GH production.
Precautions:
HGH should not be administered to persons who have not completed
their long bone growth i.e.; children or adolescents, without first
consulting a health care professional familiar with HGH therapy. In
general, HGH supplementation is reserved for individuals over age 20.
Side Effects:
No adverse side effects have been reported when used as directed.
Follow the directions and recommendations per individual supplement.
Notes:
Recent studies have shown that the
effervescent HGH products are the best. The tablets/capsules are second
best, and the spray products are last. Of course, there are different
opinions on this so if something has been working for you, stick with it.
All the best,
Jeff Bedeaux
dr-natural-bodybuilding.com
Natural Fitness Concepts
11310 Melody Dr. Suite #10-302
Denver, CO 80234
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All Rights Reserved
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