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How Can I Trigger HGH?

HGH stands for human growth hormone, which is produced in the pituitary gland. The Mayo Clinic states that HGH helps maintain healthy tissues, organs and bones, but that as we age, production of HGH begins to decline. There are many products that claim to be HGH, or to stimulate HGH production. Rather than spend needless money, and risk consuming a product that is not all it claims to be, there are natural ways you can trigger your body's production of HGH.

  1. Boost Exercise

    • Exercise is one of the most powerful, natural ways to stimulate the release of HGH in the body, according to the 2003 issue of "Sports Medicine." One of the best workouts for HGH production is strength training, or muscle building exercises, at high intensity. Lifting weights, or even doing push-ups, are effective. In the September 2003 issue of the "European Journal of Applied Physiology," researchers report that in just one session of exercise that took place between 8 and 9 a.m., HGH levels rose by 80 percent and then fell back down after exercise.

    Sleep Longer

    • Sleep is listed as the other powerful, natural means to trigger HGH production. In the April 2000 issue of "Growth Hormone and IGF Research," researchers at the University of Chicago explain that there is a correlation between the amount of time spent in deep sleep and the amount of HGH produced in the body. Since HGH production is highest in the later hours of sleep, a short sleep span of five hours as opposed to at least seven will limit your natural production of HGH.

    Eat a Healthy Diet

    • A healthy diet is important in maintaining the natural production of HGH. Having adequate intake of protein, in particular, has been found to be associated with HGH production. A report from the Department of Pediatrics at McGill University in Quebec states that a diet low in protein can suppress the release of HGH, although the exact mechanism by which it does this is unclear. Another dietary consideration when you want to trigger HGH is the amount of sugar you eat. Sugar, whether in the form of table sugar or refined, processed carbohydrates that convert to sugar in the body, promote the production of insulin, which can hinder the production of HGH.

    Reduce Stress

    • Learning to control the stress in your life is critical to natural HGH production. While relaxation won't actually trigger the secretion of HGH, if you are stressed, you will stop its natural production. Stress produces a rise in your body's levels of the stress hormone adrenaline. The European Journal of Endocrinology reports that adrenaline will suppress the rise of HGH levels. Find your own way to deal with life's daily stresses. Meditation, yoga, journaling and exercise have been found to help.

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