Growth hormone (GH) flows like a river when you’re young, but peters out into a molasses-slow trickle as you age. With this slowing down of your flow of GH comes the change in body composition most associated with aging: you begin to soften up like a stick of butter left on the counter on a June day. Your level of fat is on the increase while your muscles begin to wither on the vine.
More than ever, anti-aging experts are looking at GH as an aid to fend off those telltale signs of aging and help people feel good again.
But more than how you look is the health risk of reduced lean muscle mass. Less muscle can leave you susceptible to falls and the resultant bone fractures that can occur. These falls are triggered mainly by your loss of mastery over your physical movements because of lack of muscle.
Aging Doesn’t Have To Feel Bad
People will say they feel “old” as they age, and assume that’s the way they’re supposed to feel. You don’t have to continue feeling bad just because the calendar is turning over. It’s the lack of GH that has led to your energy loss. And this loss of energy has the effect of making it more challenging for you to be physically active—which will actually give you energy, if only you could muster enough to invest it.
Getting GH production revved up can help return you to a more energized state of being, as well as help you hang on to muscle and bone mass. One study found a remarkable improvement in lean body mass, muscle strength and energy levels in subjects who were given GH therapy. (1)
There is currently a debate as to whether or not GH treatment is a safe option for your anti-aging arsenal. GH therapy is available, but it can be expensive and more studies are being done on the effects of therapy.
Boost GH Production Naturally
Before you resort to this costly—and possibly risky—form of treatment, there’s a natural way to boost your GH production. Remember, this is a natural substance your own body produces. First, to get the most impact, you need to muster whatever energy you can and begin to exercise vigorously. The more strenuous the exercise, the more your GH production will increase naturally.
Next, increase your intake of protein while reducing your intake of carbohydrates. A high intake of protein will give a milder boost to your GH production, but any increase is a benefit.
Also, make sure you’re getting a full night of sleep. GH production occurs during sleep, so any disruption to your sleep habits will also have a disruptive effect on production.
Reference
- Rudman et al. New England Journal of Medicine. 1990. 323:1-6
