Human Growth Hormone: The key to your full potential

Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin and somatotropic hormone, is an anabolic hormone produced and secreted by the pituitary gland.

GH is a single-chain polypeptide that directly and indirectly promotes growth by stimulating the release of growth factors from the liver – most notably insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).

Why is growth hormone so important?

Growth hormone promotes the growth and thickening of bones, muscles, and other tissues. This hormone has a powerful anabolic effect, stimulating protein synthesis in muscle tissue, as well as fat metabolism, mobilizing fatty acids from cells as a source of energy.

Along with the mobilization of fats, growth hormone also raises blood sugar levels. For this reason, long-term use of somatotropin in the form of drugs predisposes to the development of insulin resistance. Growth hormone begins to mobilize fat between 20 minutes and 3 hours after its release.

Many people wonder why strength training is so effective at burning subcutaneous fat, even though performing it doesn’t seem to burn as many calories (for example, at first glance we don’t burn as many calories with a few sets of squats as with 20 minutes of cardio). The reason is that strength training stimulates the release of growth hormone, which in turn mobilizes fatty acids from the depots. You can learn more about HGH and its uses at hghtherapydoctor.us.

The other effects of GH are:

• Reduces the absorption of carbohydrates
• Inhibits glycogen synthesis
• Supports protein synthesis and transport of amino acids to cells
• Supports fat metabolism
• Increases collagen synthesis and the growth of connective tissue, tendons, and scrotum
• Retains nitrogen, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus
• Supports immune and kidney function

The reference values of growth hormone in healthy individuals are in the range:

• In women: <10.0 ng / mL
• In men: <5.0 ng / mL

In the case of growth hormone deficiency, there is the possibility of drug therapy. As mentioned, there is a risk of developing insulin resistance, which requires medical supervision. With an excess of this hormone during the years of growth, the state of gigantism develops.

Growth hormone and insulin

These two hormones have opposite effects – growth hormone has a hyperglycemic effect and insulin has a hypoglycemic effect.

The effect of sleep on GH

During sleep, about 3/4 of the amount of growth hormone is secreted during the day, and the levels reach their peak in the period of 23-2 hours at night. This explains the regenerating and restorative effect of sleep.

With age, sleep duration decreases, and GH levels decrease accordingly. Insomnia in young individuals is also associated with decreased somatotropin levels and may contribute to the development of the metabolic syndrome.

Workouts and GH

The more intense your training, the more growth hormone will be secreted by the pituitary gland – for this purpose, rest no more than 60 seconds between sets. Always include weight training and HIIT in your program.

Also, catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), which are released during strength training, can stimulate the secretion of growth hormone.

GH levels are highest not during exercise, but during recovery.

Nutrition and GH

To keep growth hormone levels optimal, include adequate amounts of protein and keep blood sugar levels low. Blood sugar can be controlled by consuming low glycemic index carbohydrates such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and more. The periods in which you should strive to increase growth hormone levels are before training and before bedtime.

Summary and recommendations

To maintain optimal levels of this vital hormone:

• Do intense workouts, including complex, basic exercises
• In the last series of each exercise, increase the number of repetitions at the expense of weight to 12-15
• Rest no more than 60 seconds between sets
• Eat protein after a workout
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night