Growth Hormone

In chase to improving health, we seek constant self-improvement. Progress another rung in the ladder. We build to maintain our body and mind. While the pursuit can seem daunting, our bodies have unique ways of slowing down the aging processing. Adaptation is the foundation of our exceptional ancestry.

Today we will delve into a hormone of the body which is both resilient and brilliant in its function.

Growth hormone

The pituitary gland is the warehouse of this fascinating hormone. Fascinating because of the potent and powerful effects on the human body.

The primary function of growth hormone is to trigger cells to grow, repair, and heal within the body.

It would be logical to assume the more of this hormone circulating within your body, the better for your health. But, the secondary effects are just as amazing. Seriously. Our body uses this hormone for metabolism regulation, bone health, muscle growth, immune system supports and electrolyte/water balance.

In some studies, researchers have shown that the antiaging effect reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity, making it the best part. Who does not want to look younger?

How can we boost growth hormone secretion to ensure optimal health?

Sleep

Right after we enter deep sleep, it's interesting how the release of the highest levels of growth hormones occurs. Further testament to the healing properties of quality sleep.

Exercise

The research suggests short and intense sessions are the key to the potent release of growth hormone. Specifically mentioned was high-intensity interval training and sprinting, but resistance training at high intensity was also effective.

Avoid processed sugars

Indeed, processed sugars lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance caused devastating chaos upon the metabolism. The dysregulation negatively impacts circulating levels of growth hormone.

Fasting

During intermittent fasting for 16 hours or more, when you don’t eat for prolonged periods, your body responds by increasing the release of growth hormones.

Vitamin D

High levels of vitamin D are associated with increased circulating levels of growth hormone, besides being a powerful anti-oxidant critical for calcium absorption and overall health.

Body composition

Maintaining a healthy body composition of lean muscle mass and low body fat creates a healthy body environment for growth hormone.

The benefits of growth hormone

1. You burn fat faster. As per a study from the Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism.
2. Stronger bones. A recent study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
3. Increased Muscle mass. Specifically lean muscle mass. The Journal of Applied Physiology.
4. Sounder sleep. Improved sleep quality. Research in the Journal of Sleep.
5. Brain booster. Better memory and focus. The Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.

Supplements

There are specific amino acids which, based on research, have been beneficial in stimulating the release of growth hormone. Arginine the amino acid found in dairy, meat and nuts does this efficiently, especially during exercise. When we combine lysine with arginine, there is a mutually compounded effect causing optimal secretion of growth hormone.

Recent research has shown that certain supplements can have a significant impact on growth hormone levels in the body. One study found that a blend of Chlorophytum borivilianum and velvet bean increased serum growth hormone levels by 682% compared to placebo.

 Putting it all together

As with most of the beneficial hormones in our body, levels decline as we age, but that does not mean we can’t find a means of keeping the decline at bay for as long as possible. Using innate systems and hormones integrated into our body seems like the most simple and necessary method to maintain health and vitality as we age. The specific benefits of stimulating consistent hormone levels seem to be one of the key to health and longevity.