What is Growth Hormone?
Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone that is produced in the anterior pituitary gland and is essential for regulating linear growth and body composition during childhood and adolescence It is also involved in muscle, bone and organ tissue formation, metabolism and the regulation of glucose and fat in the body. GH is produced in response to growth hormone-releasing hormones (GHRH) from the hypothalamus and growth hormone-inhibiting hormones (GHIH) from the anterior pituitary. These hormones interact to regulate the amount of GH being produced in the body.
Growth hormone is important for normal human growth and development, but it can also be used as a hormone supplement to treat diseases, conditions and hormone deficiencies as well. GH can be used to treat stunted growth in children, muscle wasting in AIDS patients, and hormone deficiencies caused by Turner syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome. It can also be used to treat certain endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, dwarfism, and acromegaly.
As people age, their levels of GH naturally decline, leading to increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, and fatigue. This age-related decrease in GH can be countered by increasing GH levels in the body through exercise, lifestyle change, and supplementation.
Five Ways to Increase Natural Growth Hormone Levels
1. Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is essential for the production of GH, as it is released in pulses during deep sleep. Getting enough quality sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help ensure adequate GH production.
2. Exercise: Exercise triggers the release of GH, particularly resistance training. High intensity interval training (HIIT), in particular, is a great way to boost GH levels.
3. Eat Foods That Increase GH Levels: Certain foods and supplements can also help to boost GH levels. These include fish oil, amino acids, and certain plant-based proteins.
4. Reduce Stress Levels: Stress and cortisol production can inhibit GH production, so managing stress levels is essential for increasing natural GH.
5. Supplement With GABA or L-DOPA: GABA and L-DOPA are naturally occurring hormones and neurotransmitters that can help boost GH levels. Taking a supplement that contains either of these can be beneficial.