Understanding HGH and Aging

Author: James Moffat

Getting your beach body isn’t just for twenty-somethings anymore. Baby boomers are increasingly concerned with staying young, healthy and fit. Unfortunately, sometimes they have physiology working against them. Understanding one of the key components of aging – hormone production – is a major advantage when trying to minimize the signs of aging. We age because our hormone production declines – our hormone product doesn’t decline because we age.

Human growth hormone, also referred to as HGH, is a critical hormone in both the aging process and body composition and metabolism. HGH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and has countless important functions in the body, most notably to stimulate the growth of muscles and bones and helps regulate metabolism. It also prompts the liver to make proteins which contribute to the maintenance of lean body mass and can also mobilize fat, providing other body cells an alternative fuel source. Having optimal levels of HGH goes a long way in maintaining or achieving the coveted bathing-suit body.

Unfortunately, as with many hormones, the production of HGH slows with age. HGH production reaches its peak during puberty and begins to decline around age 21 and the rate of decline increased each year thereafter. Lack of sleep and high levels of stress can further accelerate the decreased in HGH production. Many symptoms of aging, such as decreases in muscle mass and bone mineral content and increases in fat mass, are also symptoms of HGH deficiency.

There are many factors that can naturally increase the stimulation of HGH within the body. Simple things, such as healthy sleep and exercise, can contribute to the production of HGH. Additionally, supplementing with ingredients such as arginine has been shown to enhance the secretion of HGH by stimulating the endocrine system to produce and release its own HGH naturally.