Human growth hormone, abbreviated commonly to HGH, is an important protein that has made its way into news headlines and medical journals frequently as new developments occur and doctors conduct research. Normally produced by the pituitary gland that then releases it into the blood, growth hormone is also produced synthetically. In the US, roughly 6,000 adult cases of growth hormone deficiency are diagnosed annually. But what does HGH do?
Growth Hormone’s Role in Adults
The name growth hormone suggests the protein’s role in children: helping them grow. HGH in youths stops increasing height once their growth plates have fused in their bones. However, even as an adult, you still need growth hormone. It aids in the maintenance of normal bodily structure as well as your metabolism. In adults, HGH also is necessary for helping keep glucose, or blood sugar, levels inside a range that is considered healthy.
Approved Uses of Growth Hormone
The FDA approves a synthetic growth hormone for the treatment of particular conditions. These differ between children and adults. In children, HGH is prescribed by providers to treat:
- Growth hormone deficiency.
- Conditions leading to short stature, including Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, and chronic kidney disease
In adults, the FDA approves this synthetic HGH to treat:
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Short bowel syndrome
- Decrease in muscle tissue due to HIV
While many unscientific sources may recommend HGH for other purposes, only take the synthetic substitute if your provider recommends it and prescribes it for you. The side effects of this protein alternative are numerous and impact 1 in 3 users.
What Foods are Good for Growth Hormone?
Diet can assist your journey in achieving healthy levels of growth hormone. Certain healthy foods keep the production of HGH at an optimum level by maintaining your body’s levels of insulin and fat. You should look for foods rich in melatonin to achieve this end. Try eggs, mustard seeds, nuts, raspberries, fish, tomatoes, and grapes. Pineapple contains natural substances shown to release serotonin and melatonin when eaten before bed. Speaking of bed, in addition to diet, healthy sleep can improve HGH production. Try improving your sleep hygiene by isolating the uses of your bedroom to sleep and sex, turning to quiet activities such as reading just before bed, and keeping your bedroom dark and cool. Good ventilation and ample comfort are a must to ensure solid, fulfilling, healthy rest.
Signs of Growth Hormone Deficiency
Humans need growth hormone even when they have ceased to grow. The signs of a deficiency of HGH include:
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold and heat
- Decreased muscle
- Depression and anxiety
- Heightened levels of body fat, particularly about the stomach and waist
- Decreased strength and stamina
- Changes in blood cholesterol
- Lowered interest in sex and decreased sexual function
- Reduced bone density
You can see how essential the protein is for normal function. It does everything from helping the ratio of high- to low-density lipoproteins in the levels of your cholesterol to aiding your brain in working properly.
Side Effects of Using Growth Hormone
Roughly a third of adults who utilize synthetic human growth hormone experience various side effects. These effects may include the following:
- Pain in the nerves, joints, and muscles
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Increased levels of blood sugar
- Swelling in legs and arms due to fluid retention, known as edema
- Onset of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Altered sensations in the skin, such as tingling or numbness
Studies show that the use of growth hormone can also increase your chances of developing diabetes and that it can contribute to the growth of tumors that are cancerous. Be sure to only obtain HGH from a doctor. Other sources may deliver a product that has not been approved, leading to unknown side effects.
The pituitary gland produces the protein known as growth hormone or HGH. When it is present in amounts that are too low, the adult body shows this deficiency in a variety of ways. HGH helps your body regulate cholesterol, your metabolism, and normal function of your brain. If you want to find out more about growth hormone and to find out if it is right for you, call 205-352-9141 now.
