The human growth hormone or HGH is one of the most important hormones naturally produced by the body. It is made in the pituitary gland, and plays a crucial role in various bodily processes, including growth, cellular metabolism, cell repair, and body composition. It is also essential in the growth and development of muscles, rate of healing and recovery, and physical strength and performance.
If your body does not produce enough HGH, you may experience numerous side effects that can mess up your overall health and wellbeing. You may contract infections and diseases frequently or gain weight easily and be at greater risk of obesity.
What should you do to keep your body’s HGH amounts at optimal levels?
Anyone who has low HGH levels is urged to try the following ways to naturally increase their HGH:
1. Burn those extra fats away
According to health professionals, the amount of body fat that you have and your body’s HGH levels are connected. They said that people who have more body fat are likely to have lower HGH levels and a greater risk of illnesses, infections, and other health problems.
In one study, participants who had three times more fat in their bodies than a healthy average adult had HGH levels that are less than 50% of the ideal HGH level range. This finding also noted that among the different types of excess stored body fat observed, belly fat displayed the most dangerous side effects.
So, to keep your body’s HGH production running smoothly, you should burn those excess body fats away, most especially stored belly fat. If you can achieve that goal, you can enjoy good HGH levels, and see a positive change in your overall health.
2. Take L-arginine supplements
L-arginine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the human body. It can offer a long list of health benefits, including clearing and relaxing the blood vessels, relieve the signs and symptoms of certain diseases like peripheral arterial disease and angina, lower the risk of heart failure, improve erectile function, and alleviate the side effects of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. Moreover, it is used as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and dementia.
A study found that taking L-arginine supplements can significantly increase HGH levels in the body. In it, one group of participants was asked to take high doses of the supplements over a particular time period. Their HGH levels were documented, and in the end, they exhibited a 60% increase in their HGH levels. However, another group of participants who was asked to take L-arginine supplements and do some exercising during the study showed a small amount or no increase in their HGH levels.
So, to enjoy the maximum effect, take your L-arginine supplements in high doses and not do any exercising during that period.
3. Reduce your intake of sugar
A study found that foods that contain high amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates can raise your body’s insulin levels and lower your HGH levels. Among the participants, those that were fit and healthy had much better HGH production in their bodies than those with diabetes and impaired insulin and carb breakdown functions.
Another thing about high sugar intake is that it can make you gain weight fast and increase your risk of obesity, which are detrimental to your HGH levels too.
For the sake of your HGH levels and overall health, you should eat a balanced diet, and lessen your consumption of foods that are loaded with sugar and refined carbs.
4. Regularly do high intensity exercise
One of the best and most effective methods of increasing HGH levels is by exercising. According to health experts, to enjoy a significant boost in your HGH, you should do routines that are high intensity.
Interval training, circuit training, repeated sprints, and weight training are a few examples of these high intensity exercises that can remarkably improve your HGH levels. They can also help you get rid of excess body fat, and protect you against obesity, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other diseases.
A few times a week, you can do one session of high intensity workout for about 30 minutes. Just do not overdo it and give yourself a rest day in between your workout days to allow your body to recover and recharge and prevent injuries and other complications.
5. Sleep well
Most of the HGH that your body produces are released while you are asleep, so you should get enough sleep to have more HGH. Every night, you should strive to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep to make that happen. By sleeping well, you can not only keep your HGH levels up, but also give your tired and stressed body the time to relax and recover.
To improve your sleeping cycle, you should make sure that your bed is clean and comfortable. Change your sheets, blankets, and pillow cases regularly. Keep your room dim and noise-free by putting up some blackout curtains and shutting your windows close, and set your air conditioner to a nice and cool temperature. Avoid drinking coffee or eating a lot at least a couple of hours before bedtime, and do not use your laptop, phone, or other devices in bed.
6. Try taking other natural supplements
Aside from L-arginine supplements, there are other natural supplements that can enhance your HGH levels. According to medical professionals, the following are great natural options to boost your HGH production:
- L-dopa – This supplement was given to patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and a significant increase in their HGH was observed.
- Glutamine – Taking a 2-gram dosage of this supplement can improve HGH levels short-term by up to 78%.
- Glycine – This supplement can raise HGH levels short-term and boost physical performance.
- Creatine – Taking a 20-gram dosage of this supplement can cause an HGH boost that can last for 2 to 6 hours.