Alternatives to HGH

This article provides a basic overview of human growth hormone (HGH), its possible side effects, and alternatives to injecting it. In short, it covers HGH precursors, homeopathic alternatives to synthetic HGH, and finally, lifestyle changes that might also affect natural HGH levels.

Introduction to HGH

• HGH is a a protein-based polypeptide hormone. "It stimulates growth and cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and other animals," according to Wikipedia. HGH has many different medical uses, and it has also been used by athletes since the 1970s as an athletic performance enhancer. There is no consensus by the medical establishment regarding the negative side effects of HGH, but it is generally believed that they can include an increased risk of diabetes and certain forms of cancer, joint swelling, joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

  Aside from its use for improved athletic performance, HGH is believed by some to be an agent that can slow the aging process by enhancing the immune system, increasing metabolism, and because of its other positive metabolic effects. Despite its benefits, given the possible negative side effects, you may want to consider possible alternatives to injecting HGH that will enhance the body's ability to create and sustain its own HGH production.

Possible Alternatives to HGH

• There are supplements on the market purported to help the body in its own production of HGH. These products are generally referred to as HGH "precursors" because they help "prime" the body to stimulate its own HGH production. The difficulty with these products is twofold: First, the body has to be able to continue to produce HGH. Its production levels vary from person to person, and there is no guarantee that the HGH precursors will even stimulate increased hormone production. Secondly, there are so many products on the market that claim to be HGH precursors, it is difficult to know which will actually work and which are a waste of money.

  Similar to HGH precursors are homeopathic remedies said to increase natural hormone levels. There is, however, debate over whether or not the level of production is worth the time and money spent on these remedies. Homeopathic HGH remedies aim to stimulate the master gland to expedite production of natural HGH. This is known as homeostasis, the process of keeping the balance of production intact. Again, the number of products on the market that claim to raise HGH levels through homeopathic processes is numerous, and it can be extremely difficult to sift through the reading material in order to find one that is truly effective.

  One final alternative to injecting HGH is simply a change of lifestyle. Health, fitness and nutrition expert Ken Kashubara notes that the body never loses its ability to produce high levels of HGH. Exercising at least six days a week forces the body to adapt, and naturally increases HGH levels. A balance of weight training, cardiovascular exercise and stretching can help stimulate natural HGH. Kashubara recommends resting 30 to 45 seconds between sets when training with weights as a natural way to keep HGH levels high.

  Proper diet and rest also play important roles. Perhaps the best way to measure whether this more natural method works is to have HGH levels checked before beginning a lifestyle-change regimen and then somewhere down the line, about six months to a year. Depending upon prior fitness levels, an HGH increase could occur quickly and the results be noticeable very quickly.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, because of the possible side effects of injected HGH, you may want to find a more natural means of producing this hormone. The above alternatives can only be successful through trial and error, but are less likely to put the body in danger or cause long-term harm from side effects.