The human growth hormone, or HGH, is being produced and secreted at the base of the brain by the pituitary gland. It functions by fuelling childhood years and aids in maintaining the optimum functions of organs and tissues all throughout our lives. The production of HGH by the body has a tendency to slow down with age and it may be decreased due to a series of deficiencies in the diet and medical conditions. There are no specific foods which have HGH, but one can include certain items in the diet in order to stimulate the body in order to produce more amounts of the hormone.

Low-Glycemic Foods

Elevated levels of blood glucose can suppress the body’s natural HGH production that is why sticking to the foods which have a low glycemic index can promote HGH secretion, according to “100 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism” by Ben Greenfield. This index measures the effects of several foods on the levels of blood glucose. Foods that may give way to a sudden increase in the level of blood sugar in the body are on top of the index, while foods that cause a slow falling and rising in the blood sugar may be found on the lower part of the index. A personal trainer and sports nutritionist, Greenfield notes that if we stick to foods which have a glycemic index of less than 50, this will ensure that the production of HGH is at optimum levels all the time. Some of the foods which are included in this category are bananas, apples, corn, carrots, mangoes, honey, oranges, milk, pasta, pancakes, strawberries, pears, and peaches.

High-Protein Foods

Robert Atkins, a cardiologist who came up with the diet for weight loss which supports this point, noted in his “Dr. Atkin’s Age-Defying Diet” that HGH production is being stimulated by consuming a diet which is low in carbohydrates and rich in protein. Similar to advancing age, obesity can slow the production of HGH that is why the maintenance of a healthy weight is important in sustenance of optimal levels of HGH in the body. The level of amino acids which may be found in foods which are rich in protein plays a vital role when it comes to triggering the production of HGH naturally. As some foods which are high in protein contain significant fat levels, opt for lean protein in order to avoid the effects of fat intake on the HGH production. Protein sources which are healthy include organic chicken, lean beef, organic eggs, almonds, tempeh, quinoa, wild salmon, tuna, and Greek-style plain yogurt.

GABA-Rich Foods

Consuming foods that have high GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid levels can stimulate the brain in order to increase HGH production, according to “Thin Over 40” by Dr. Gregory Jantz. Including foods which are high in GABA in the diet as a person ages can counteract the low production of HGH. Aside from that, GABA-rich foods can have a calming and relaxing effect on individuals as it has the tendency to inhibit fear and pain.

HGH, or human growth hormone, plays a vital role when it comes to rejuvenation and development. It is produced and released in the pituitary gland, HGH can only reach a few sites in our bodies. However, chemists have come up with a synthetic kind of human growth hormone which can penetrate almost all cells. This kind will offer the user with a wide variety of medical advantages. However, synthetic HGH can also cause dangerous adverse effects. Before taking HGH, it is best to consult with your physician first.

Facilitates Growth

Medical experts have been making use of HGH in order to treat clients who have a short stature. According to a review in the “Journal of Endocrinology” journal published in December 2003, growth hormones were originally obtained by pharmacists from human cadavers. Several concerns regarding the transmission of diseases led to the synthetic HGH development in the late 1980s. The treatment of choice for short children remains to be recombinant growth hormone. In the July 2011 “Hormone Research in Pediatrics” issue, an analysis revealed that about 80% of children who have been treated with synthetic HGH come really close to achieving their full genetic potential.

Fights Osteoporosis

Chemotherapy is being advised to children who have cancer of the bone marrow. This treatment often causes damage to the pituitary gland, which then results to a deficiency in HGH. This will in turn reduce the mineral density in their bones, which places them at high risk of developing developing osteoporosis, a report according to the “European Journal of Endocrinology” published in May 2011. Beginning a replacement protocol using HGH can aid in reducing this risk. In the August 2011 issue of the “Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology”, a clinical study tested a similar hypothesis with adults who have been diagnosed with cancer when they were children. HGH treatment for two years has shown to improve the bone mineral density of the patients and also their intellectual health.

Enhances Performance

Several athletes who want a competitive edge use growth hormones. According to an article in the “Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry” published last August 2001, this practice started even before the clinical purpose of HGH was discovered. Many sports stars believe that if they take HGH, their athletic abilities will improve, but studies have shown that only those with a deficiency of the hormone showed improvement and benefits. The “JCEM” May 2001 issue presented a study which evaluated the effects of growth hormones on adults with an HGH deficiency. A year of treatment later increased the capacity of the subjects to do aerobic exercises. Aside from that, HGH also lowered their cholesterol levels.

Builds Muscle

Bodybuilders and weightlifters take HGH sometimes in order to increase muscle mass. According to the “American Journal on Addictions” published last January 2011, this will often lead to drug dependence symptoms. However, there is little research available to support the potential muscle-building advantages of HGH in adults. Studies which tested adults who have a deficiency in HGH showed that human growth hormone can produce a series of anabolic effects.