Human Growth HormoneThe process of aging is as yet incompletely understood. What causes the changes of aging, and what can we do to halt, reverse, or at least slow down the process? One factor that has been identified as important to the aging process is the hormonal system, particularly the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland. Human growth hormone (abbreviated HGH) is produced in the pituitary gland, a tiny gland at the base of the brain which regulates the endocrine glands. This article by Dr. Ron Kennedy, examines the effects of HGH on the human body. In childhood, HGH causes the growth of long bones and this brings a person to his or her final height. Traditionally, this was all HGH was thought to do. New research shows that every cell in the body has HGH receptors and that HGH is doing a host of jobs in human metabolism in every organ in the body. There are even receptors in the brain the activation of which results in the production of endorphans, molecules which keep one's mood even and upbeat. Skin cells respond to HGH with even growth producing the smooth appearance of children's skin. One would think everyone would begin taking this fountain-of-youth hormone ... but average yearly costs for replacement therapy for this hormone is over $10,000 U.S. It is highly regulated and expensive hormone. All is not lost however ... there is something that increases HGH production: exercise. Vigorous, sustained, anaerobic exercise causes the release of growth hormone, as every serious body builder knows well. Kennedy goes on to say that carbohydrate intake will block the production of HGH, even in the presence of vigorous exercise. He also says creatine will produce similar effects, though he is vague on how that works. Nor does he cite any supportive studies beyond "Cynober L Can arginine and ornithine support gut function? Gut 1994; suppl. 1:S12-S15" which doesn't sound that relvant. Then he suggests protein drink and proteinase to increase the supply of circulating amino acids. Again, the details are sketchy and proof absent. These look like matters we will need to examine further in future LongevityBlog entries... |
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