| Answer: | Human growth hormone (HGH) is one of the many important ' neurochemicals of communication' , along with the likes of DHEA, acetylcholine and serotonin. Also known as somatotrophin, HGH is produced in the pituitary gland and influences the growth of bones, cells, organs and muscles. We produce less of it as we age, hence the interest in it as an anti-ageing treatment.
Taking an optimal amount of the nutrients from which the body builds HGH is unquestionably an effective anti-ageing strategy. They include the amino acids ornithine, arginine, glutamine, glycine and tryptophan, all of which are present in protein foods. Whether or not these specific nutrients actually do create HGH (even when HGH is one of them, as the digestion process often breaks down these structures prior to absorption) is another matter. But there are more pressing concerns to do with taking HGH.
I agree with Dr Michael Colgan, who says in his book Honnonal Health that HGH is not candy and is usually irresponsibly recommended. It' s very expensive. Some studies have shown no benefits, and side effects can include carpal tunnel syndrome, fluid retention, joint pain, pancreatitis, hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and full-blown Type II diabetes. There are better ways to increase your growth hormone and insulin growth factor (IGF-1), which is what HGH is really used to increase, than taking HGH. One is exercise, which would also help the conditions HGH is claimed to improve, such as low energy. HGH should only be used by those with a precisely defmed deficiency, tested and verified by a good endocrinologist, and only after following a nutrition and exercise programme for six months. I still believe that antioxidants plus B vitamins are the best anti-ageing strategy. |
