If you have noticed a loss of muscle mass or energy as you age, it may be time for a physical. You could be suffering a sudden decline of HGH, or human growth hormone. Before you can start on a synthetic growth hormone treatment, you may need a careful screening of your pituitary gland; a loss of HGH can be an indication of an illness of this crucial “control” gland. It should be noted that a slight decline in our own HGH production is normal as we age. However, should you notice a sudden drop in the following, it’s a good idea to get your levels checked:
- focus and mental acuity
- physical strength and stamina
- sexual interest and arousal
Rapid drops in HGH can be hard to diagnose; you may think that it’s just aging or that you are over-burdened by home life or your job. If you are feeling overwhelmed or low in energy, carefully review how you felt a month ago. Keeping a journal may help you track your sense of wellbeing. If the decline is marked, it’s time to act.
Staying Strong and Healthy
While you’re waiting on your test results and considering synthetic HGH treatment, take a look at natural ways to boost your own HGH production. Consider an arginine supplement. Taken before bed, these can help you build up higher HGH levels overnight. Next, take a look at your plate. A diet high in sugar can suppress your natural HGH production. If you’re using caffeine and sugar to replace the energy you used to enjoy from a healthy hormone level, it’s time to put down the fork and back away from the sweet coffee drinks. Your exercise routine should be considered next. If you have had to back off of running because of low energy or knee pain, consider using a bike to increase your intensity. Switching to walking can still support your overall wellbeing, but adding bouts of intensity during your workouts will help your body produce a healthy level of growth hormone on your own.
Consider intermittent fasting. One of the simplest ways to cut belly fat and support your own hormonal stability is to eat a light dinner early and avoid eating before bed. For example, you might have a healthy salad and a serving of lean protein with a glass of red wine. To keep yourself from snacking, brush your teeth and drink water for the rest of the evening. More water will keep you from feeling hunger pangs and keep your gut healthy. The transition away from late dinners may take some coordinating, but the choice to not eat a lot before bed can reduce belly fat and improve the condition of your entire digestive tract. About belly fat: Belly fat sets you up for unhealthy HGH levels.
High cortisol levels both contribute to and stem from fat concentrated around your tummy. To reduce belly fat, do your best to
- eat enough but not too much
- get enough sleep
- avoid sugar and alcohol especially before bed
Understanding when you’re full may take retraining your brain as well as your body. Try to break the habit of always holding onto your utensils during a meal. Put down the fork and take a sip of water. If you don’t like liquids with your meals, eat your salad with your protein and starch to keep your liquid intake up during the heaviest part of the meal. Functionally, if you notice that your tummy is full and there’s still a fork in your hand, you’re setting yourself up to overeat.
If your schedule is full and you don’t really have time to linger over your meals, try eating out of a smaller container or from a smaller plate. If at all possible, determine your eating time by your stomach and not by the clock. Both HGH therapies and simple lifestyle changes can help to bring your hormones back in balance. The first step is to have a thorough physical and check the condition of your pituitary glad. Ready to get started? Call us at 205-352-9141.