HGH

Natural Ways to Promote HGH

Peptide hormones are hormones that are derived from amino acids. These have specific endocrine functions in human beings. One such peptide hormone is perhaps the most sought-after ergogenic drug on the market; human growth hormone (HGH). Also known as somatotropin, this fundamentally significant hormone is responsible for growth and cell reproduction in humans. Growth, the factor that every aspiring bodybuilder seeks! Human growth hormone is available both medically and on the black market as an ergogenic aid or treatment, and its effectiveness is without question. However, most individuals will not have access to such a drug and therefore the question arises, is it possible to increase your HGH production naturally? That is the premise behind this short article and will form the foundation of its content.

Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland; a pea-sized structure located below the base of the brain. The pituitary gland secretes many hormones, but our remit herein is to discuss HGH. HGH release has close relationships with circadian cycles and is released during early sleep cycles in a ‘pulsatile’ manner. The two predominant factors affecting the release of HGH are sleep and exercise (Godfrey RJ et al, 2003). So let us now look at some potential methodologies for naturally increasing HGH secretion to stimulate anabolic growth.

A Good Night’s Sleep

Studies have shown (Takahsahi Y. et al, 1968 Born, J et al, 1988) that HGH release is peaked during the initial deep sleep phases of the daily circadian cycle (slow wave or delta sleep). So a good night’s sleep is one of the most influential factors with respect to the natural release of HGH. Avoid any influences that might affect a healthy night’s sleep. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and do not eat a heavy meal prior to going bed. Stress can also affect sleep patterns so try and go to bed with a positive outlook to aid the restful night.

Fasting

Dietary regimens that involve ‘fasting’ or intermittent restriction of calorific intake have positive effects on HGH release (Norrelund, H. et al, 2001 and Ho, K. et al, 1988). Norrelund’s study determined that ‘fasting’ may increase HGH production by up to 2000% in males and 1300% in females. This is a significant HGH increase.

Anaerobic Workouts

A study by Buckley J et al (2009) has asserted to the premise that lactate could play a major role in exercise-induced HGH responses in humans. So anaerobic high-intensity workouts such as HIT workouts could have highly beneficial effects on HGH release.

L’arginine Supplementation

L’arginine is the L-form of Arginine, a non-essential amino acid produced naturally in the body. It may also be found in foodstuffs such as yoghurts, whey proteins, beef pork, peanuts and other foodstuffs. Indubitably it can also be purchased as a supplement. At rest, oral L-arginine ingestion can enhance growth hormone release and a combination of Arginine plus exercise increases growth hormone release significantly. This response is seen in both younger and older individuals Kanaley, J. (2008).

Reference

Born, J et al (1988) The Significance Of Sleep Onset And Slow Wave Sleep For Nocturnal Release Of Growth Hormone (GH) And Cortisol. Pub Med. 13(3) pp233-43

Buckley J et al (2009) The Role Of Lactate In The Exercise-Induced Human Growth Hormone Response. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 43 (7) pp521-525

Godfrey RJ et al (2003) The Exercise-Induced Growth Hormone Response in Athletes. Sports Medicine. 33(8) pp599 – 613

Ho, K. et al (1988) Fasting enhances growth hormone secretion and amplifies the complex rhythms of growth hormone secretion in man. Journal of Clinical Investigation. Vol. 81(4) pp. 968 – 975

Kanaley, J. (2008) Growth Hormone, Arginine and Exercise. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 11(1) pp50 – 54

Norrelund, H. et al (2001) The Protein-Retaining Effects of Growth Hormone During Fasting Involve Inhibition of Muscle-Protein Breakdown. America Diabetes Association. Vol. 50(1) pp 96 – 104

Takahsahi Y et al (1968) Growth Hormone Secretion During Sleep. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 47(9) pp2079–2090.