Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is illegal except when prescribed by a doctor for Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) only. HGH is a naturally occurring peptide hormone the pituitary gland produces that stimulates human growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. It plays a crucial role in development, metabolism, and overall health. HGH influences height, muscle mass, bone density, and other bodily functions.
Since 1985, after the FDA first approved synthetic HGH for medical use, the chemical was widely sought out for several unapproved applications, primarily the following:
- Athletic Performance
Athletes have used HGH to enhance performance, increase muscle mass, and accelerate injury recovery.
- Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders often use HGH to promote muscle growth and improve physique.
- Anti-Aging
Some people use HGH to try to counteract the effects of aging, such as muscle loss, increased body fat, and decreased energy levels.
In 1990, due to HGH’s impact on unfairness among sports competitors, The Anabolic Steroid Control Act included HGH in its regulation, making it illegal to distribute or possess HGH for non-approved uses without a prescription, and HGH was considered a controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration.
After 1990 restrictions were put into place, there was a desperate attempt to import and otherwise distribute black-market HGH in defiance of the regulation.
Finally, in 2008, The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act further tightened regulations, making it illegal to distribute HGH through the Internet or by other means without a valid prescription for approved medical use only.
The Good News
The good news is this: long before the invention of synthesized human growth hormone, the body was already designed to create HGH on its own. Left to its own devices, the body will deteriorate with age commensurate with its lower levels of HGH. But any human, even you and me, can cause our pituitary gland to kick in and start generating HGH again at any age, though it takes a degree of proactivity.
How Can I Make My Own HGH?
That is the question to which there is a good answer. You can still obtain all the advantages of human growth hormone because your body can create its own HGH if you know how to trip the mechanism that kicks it into gear, and to date, no law has been passed that prohibits you from doing so.
How to Make Your Own HGH
If you want to increase your natural HGH levels, several lifestyle and dietary approaches can help stimulate its production in your body. Here are some methods:
1. Exercise
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Intense exercise, particularly HIIT, has significantly boosted HGH levels.
- Strength Training
Lifting heavy weights and engaging in resistance training can also enhance HGH production.
- Cardio
Moderate-intensity cardio can help, though the effects may be less pronounced than HIIT and strength training.
2. Sleep
- Adequate Sleep
HGH is primarily secreted during deep sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Sleep Routine
Maintain a regular sleep schedule to optimize hormone cycles.
3. Diet and Nutrition
- Balanced Diet
Consume a diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
- Low Sugar Intake
High sugar levels can spike insulin, which may inhibit HGH production. Reducing sugar intake, especially before bedtime, can be beneficial.
- Intermittent Fasting
Some studies suggest intermittent fasting can increase HGH levels by reducing body fat and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Amino Acids
Certain amino acids, like arginine and glutamine, have been linked to increased HGH levels. These can be obtained through diet or supplements.
4. Healthy Body Composition
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, is linked to lower HGH levels. Maintaining a healthy body composition through diet and exercise can support natural HGH production.
5. Minimize Stress
- Stress Reduction Techniques
Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can inhibit HGH production. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels.
6. Supplements
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Some studies suggest that GABA supplements can increase HGH levels by promoting deep sleep.
- Melatonin
This hormone regulates sleep and may boost HGH levels before bedtime.
7. Avoid Eating Right Before Bed
- Timing of Meals
Eating a large meal right before bed can spike insulin levels and potentially inhibit the release of HGH. It’s best to avoid eating a few hours before sleep.
8. Natural Supplements and Herbs
- Herbs and Natural Compounds
Some herbs, such as mucuna pruriens, hawthorn berry, and tribulus terrestris, are believed to support HGH production, though more research is needed.
By incorporating these lifestyle changes and strategies, you can naturally enhance your body’s production of HGH. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or drastic change to your exercise or diet routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.