We lose human growth hormone as we age. However, we can always make up for that loss.

Several years ago, I researched aging and longevity. What causes people to age? That was the question I wanted to be answered. I found two primary causes that slow down the aging process. I discovered several factors that can speed up or slow down the rate of aging but not the cause of aging.

I wanted to know what is the lowest level of action that directly affects aging. Stress affects aging, but it is not a cause of aging. The two primary causes of aging are the levels of human growth hormone (HGH) and the length of your telomere, the tip end of your DNA. My book, Longevity Secrets of Healthy Aging (https://amzn.to/38BsUB4) delves into many aspects of longevity.

Human Growth Hormone and Aging

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/does-human-growth-hormone-slow-the-aging-process Slowing down the aging process is not the same thing as becoming a teenager again after 60 years of age. However, it does mean that you might live longer and with the right tweaks to your lifestyle, you will be healthier and younger-looking than your peers at that age.

The higher the level of HGH, the longer you will live. The lower the level of HGH, the earlier you will die. Are those two statements absolute? No, but they are generally correct. And, you have control over your human growth hormone levels.

Factors and Longevity

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/growth-hormone/art-20045735 High levels of HGH helps to extend longevity. HGH levels are increased by daily nutritional balance, fasting, low blood sugar levels, exercise, quality sleep, laughter, and stress minimized regularly.

Conversely, HGH levels fall when you are nutrient deficient, have a hormone imbalance, eat trans fats, live with inflammation, stressed out all the time, eat foods and use products with toxins, not getting quality sleep, maintain high insulin levels, and a few more.

HGH in the Body

https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article/54/1/25/296008 Maintaining higher levels of HGH slows down the normal aging process. HGH declines naturally over our lifetime. Growth and cell reproduction in our early lives are stimulated by HGH.

The pituitary gland creates HGH and it is regulated by the hypothalamus. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH) are released from the pituitary. HGH is determined by the balance of the GHRH and GHIH. Low levels of HGH initiate many of the aging processes.

HGH is released throughout the day; however, the majority of HGH is secreted about an hour after the onset of deep sleep. HGH is affected by age, gender, diet, exercise, stress, and hormone balance. As HGH levels fall with age, we may experience bone density problems, immune system suppression, cardiovascular disease, and memory loss.

When we were infants, our HGH levels were extremely high. It was needed for our growth. As we age our HGH levels fall. HGH approaches levels of 2000 mg/day up until age five. Then, HGH falls to around 750 mg/day in our mid-teens. The big shift happens in our 50s when the HGH levels fall to around 125 mg/day. After reaching 80 years of age, HGH falls below 100 mg/day.

Synthetic HGH

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/despite-claims-synthetic-growth-hormone-not-effective-as-anti-aging-treatment/. Synthetic HGH is not approved by the FDA for any performance-enhancement to build muscle or improve athletic performance. It is also not approved by the FDA for use as an anti-aging drug.

Advertisers tell us that we can feel and look younger by taking HGH supplements. Synthetic HGH was developed in the mid-80s. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific conditions such as Turner’s syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic kidney insufficiency, HGH deficiency, children born small for their gestational age, Short bowel syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and HGH deficiency brought on by some types of pituitary tumors.

There are many contradicting articles about the safety and use of synthetic HGH. It is administered intravenously. It cannot survive the harsh environment of stomach acid. Synthetic HGH is used to treat specific medical problems, not to treat aging, or enhance athletic performance.

Body Fat and HGH

https://antiagewellness.com/2018/08/lose-that-stubborn-belly-fat-research-shows-hgh-helps-reduce-abdominal-fat/ HGH production is directly related to HGH and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth hormone 1) production. Losing body fat increased both HGH and IGF-1 when normal weight was achieved. Belly fat also increases the risk of many diseases as you age.

Fasting and HGH

https://www.dietdoctor.com/fasting-and-growth-hormone My favorite way to increase HGH levels is fasting – extended or intermittent. I do a 72-hour fast monthly. I do an 18-hour intermittent fast daily. Studies show that not eating increases HGH levels. Caloric restriction assists in the buildup of HGH. The right food selection during eating is critical to create and maintain higher HGH levels.

Arginine and HGH

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18090659/#:~:text=Most%20studies%20using%20oral%20arginine,levels%20by%20300%2D500%25. Arginine is an amino acid that has shown in tests to increase HGH levels by approximately 100%. Add exercise to arginine supplementation and HGH levels increase by 300-500%

Sugar Reduction and HGH

https://browngirlmagazine.com/2018/11/8-foods-that-reduce-human-growth-hormone/ Carbohydrates increase insulin which inhibits HGH. It is not unusual for healthy people the same age to have 300-400% higher levels of HGH compared to diabetics. Add obesity to this equation and the percentages go higher. Extra weight is not your friend for a healthy, long life.

Nighttime Eating and HGH

https://www.livestrong.com/article/498071-how-eating-carbs-at-night-affects-the-growth-hormone/ Eating three hours prior to bedtime interferes with quality of sleep. It also affects the amount of HGH that is produced. HGH is created within an hour after entering deep sleep each night.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) and HGH

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5757930_Growth_Hormone_Isoform_Responses_to_GABA_Ingestion_at_Rest_and_after_Exercise GABA is an amino acid as well as a neurotransmitter. It calms the brain and central nervous system to improve the quality of sleep. Studies show that HGH levels can increase from 200% to 400% using GABA.

High-Intensity Exercise and HGH

https://www.trainforeverstrong.com/11-research-backed-reasons-you-should-be-doing-hiit-instead-of-traditional-cardio/ High-intensity exercise is an effective way to increase HGH levels. Interval training, weight training, circuit training, running sprints, and other forms of HIIT (high-intensity interval training) increase HGH levels significantly. I fast for extended periods to raise my HGH levels.

I run 100-yard dashes, each one faster than the previous as part of my cardio workout, also to increase HGH levels. For most of my life, I used to run (jog) longer distances (3-8 miles/day). Ten years ago, I transitioned from longer runs to jogs to save time. I did not know at that time the other benefits of high-intensity exercise.

Quality Sleep and HGH

https://www.nestmaven.com/sleep/hgh-and-sleep/ HGH is created and released into the body when you sleep. The better quality of sleep, the more HGH is made. Poor quality sleep reduces the optimal levels of HGH that can be produced each night. It is best to reduce blue light exposure an hour or so before bedtime to improve your night’s sleep.

Natural Supplements and HGH

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-ways-to-increase-hgh Glutamine, creatine, ornithine, L-dopa, glycine, beta-alanine, and melatonin have shown the ability to increase HGH levels. Some work better with food or exercise.

HGH Inhibitors

https://browngirlmagazine.com/2018/11/8-foods-that-reduce-human-growth-hormone/ Sugar, alcohol, caffeine, prepackaged meats, acidic foods (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats), bread (carbohydrate foods – pasta, potatoes, rice, etc.), and more can inhibit the production of HGH.

Conclusion

HGH helps control your body as you age just like it did when you were growing from a baby to a toddler, to a child, to a teenager, and to a young adult. HGH production levels fall as we age. There are ways to keep HGH in control of our growth even in our 70s and above.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – RedOLaughlin.com

 

 

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