HGH or Human Growth Hormone has been around for years, with many people finding themselves experiencing numerous benefits from its use.
Lately, though there has been an increase in use, no doubt due to the number of celebrities that supposedly use it.
In the following article, we are going to look at what HGH is, what benefits it offers and look at which celebs may be using it. If this interests you and you are wondering if HGH is for you then I would recommend that you continue reading.[toc]
What is HGH?
HGH [1] occurs naturally and is a hormone that is produced by your pituitary gland.
This hormone aids with your growth, helps with cell regeneration and cell production.
It has been shown to help maintain, build and repair the tissue in your brain and other organs, and has been shown to increase the speed of repair post-workout.
By increasing this healing you are better able to build muscle mass, and will also aid your fat burning efforts by increasing your metabolism.
HGH also has anti-ageing benefits and has been shown to increase the quality and appearance of your skin.
When taken, HGH will stimulate the metabolic processes of your cells. This helps to stimulate your liver that results in an insulin-like protein being produced, as well as an increase in cartilage cells.
It is this process that causes the increase in bone and organ growth, and will also aid muscle protein synthesis too.
Unfortunately, as we age the natural production of HGH will reduce.
In humans, once we reach the age of 30 our HGH levels will drop roughly 14-15% every 10 years.
At 20 years of age it is likely that you were producing 500 mg daily, but by the time you hot 60 years of age, this will be down to just 25 mg a day. IGF-1 will also see a similar decline.
Despite this natural decline being shown, if your pituitary gland is stimulated properly then it is possible to experience similar amounts of HGH production as you would when you were younger throughout your life. There are also other methods you can use to increase levels of HGH within your body.
HGH is naturally occurring, but it is possible to increase the amount found in your body through various synthetic means. There are treatments available, as well as many supplements too.
Benefits of HGH
The main benefits [2] of HGH are:
#1: An Increase in Muscle Strength
It has been shown that HGH can help to stimulate collagen synthesis in your skeletal muscle and tendons. This, in turn, helps to increase muscle strength and overall exercise performance [3].
#2: Faster Healing from Fractures
Human Growth Hormone has been found to significantly speed up the regeneration of bone [4] and has been shown to help with wound healing too thanks to the enhanced collagen deposition encountered [5].
The increased production of IGF-1 also leads to an increase in bone mass [6], leading to much stronger bones.
#3: Greater Fat Loss
HGH has been shown to accelerate lipolysis, which is when fat is broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids.
In a double-blind study over 12 weeks [7], one group were given a placebo, while the other was given HGH.
Those who had supplemented with HGH saw the greater losses in visceral fat, with the most lean muscle gain too.
#4: Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
In a Swedish scientific study, it was shown that those who were deficient in HGH were at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease [8].
It was found that they had higher overall body mass and triglyceride concentrations when compared to those with higher HGH levels.
#5: Improved Erectile Dysfunction
Studies have found that HGH can help treat erectile dysfunction and impotence [9].
#6: Improved Mood and Cognitive Function
After 6 months of therapy, patients in a Lithuanian study experienced improved mood and cognitive function compared to those who were deficient in HGH [10].
#7: Improved Sleep
A lack of sleep can reduce the amount of HGH produced, while increased sleep can increase its production [11].
Research has shown that the increased production can lead to better overall sleep patterns.
#8: Better Sporting Performance
HGH is often used by athletes who use it to enhance their own athletic ability [12].
Sometimes it will also be combined with steroids or other performance enhancing drugs to enhance their abilities even further. There are many reports of athletes who have been caught doping while trying to give themselves an advantage over their competitors [13].
Side Effects of HGH
Although rare it is possible that you will experience side effects [14] even using prescribed versions of HGH.
It has also been shown that adults are more susceptible to side effects than children.
If you take HGH excessively then you are at a higher risk of encountering the following side effects:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pain in your nerves, muscle and joints
- Fluid retention (edema) in legs and arms
- Higher cholesterol levels
- Numb and tingling skin
- Higher risk of heart disease and diabetes
- Development of cancer
- Acromegaly (the growth of facial features, hands and feet)
- Mood changes
- Larger heart
- Lower blood sugar
- Liver damage
- Fatigue
- Gynecomastia (man boobs)
HGH Use in Bodybuilding
Due to the proven muscle building ability of Human Growth Hormone. It has become incredibly popular within the bodybuilding community.
While it was no doubt in use among some bodybuilders in the 1980s, it wasn’t until the 1990s when bodybuilders like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman were in their pomp that HGH became a much more popular and abused substance.
While it would be wrong of us to speculate about who uses what. It is clear that many top-level bodybuilders have not achieved their physiques using natural methods.
HGH Use in Hollywood
In an industry that relies heavily on good looks, there is pressure for celebrities to always look their best. Especially when it comes to film roles.
This leads to many resorting to HGH and HRT to defy the laws of ageing.
But which celebrities are on HGH? We can only speculate, but the following celebrities have been linked to HGH use. Whether they do use it or not remains to be seen.
They are not going to admit to its use, even if the facts outweigh their words.
Sylvester Stallone
Even back in the 1970s when the original Rocky was released there were rumours that Sylvester Stallone was using something to enhance his body.
While he has always denied using steroids and HGH, he was caught in 2007 at an airport in Australia with vials of HGH.
He pled guilty to this and was convicted of importing a banned growth hormone into Australia. He was ordered to pay more than £5,000 in fines and costs.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnie has openly admitted to using steroids during his bodybuilding career. Revealing that he used it under a doctors supervision.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
It has long been speculated that The Rock is not exactly 100% natural.
And while he would not admit to using steroids and HGH currently, he has admitted to having experimented with them while he was younger.
50 Cent
Back in 2008, 50 Cent was investigated for buying HGH from a doctor.
While this is not illegal, it did arise suspicion that he was experimenting with the performance-enhancing drug.
Jake Gyllenhaal
The actor has undergone a few dramatic weight changes during his career, but it was his role in Southpaw that saw the accusations of steroid and HGH use arise.
While there is no proof of these accusations, the Hollywood personal trainer, Happy Hill, who has trained various celebs has stated that many resort to HGH use as a shortcut [15].
Mark Wahlberg
Mark is another famous actor that has been accused of experimenting with steroids, HGH and other performance-enhancing drugs.
While appearing in the movie Pain & Gain, Mark was even bigger than usual. But despite the rumours, he reiterated that he was completely natural and that his physique was achieved through diet and intense training.
Nick Nolte
In an interview with Nick Nolte in 2012, he revealed himself to be an advocate of HGH. Praising the anti-ageing benefits of the drug [16].
While the veteran actor stated that there were risks to its use, the benefits far outweighed them.
In Conclusion
Even though HGH offers numerous benefits, and although not proven it is clear that many celebrities are using HGH. Would we recommend that you risk your health using it? Perhaps not.
If you are going to use it then make sure that it is prescribed for you by a doctor and that you do not try and buy it illegally.
Buying it illegally will leave you open to many issues, especially if the HGH has not been manufactured correctly.
Also, make sure to listen to how your body reacts to the HGH. If you encounter any adverse reactions then it is best that you discontinue use immediately.
While not as quick, a health protein-rich diet, with regular intense exercise is still the best way to build muscle and strength safely. HGH and steroids may offer a shortcut, but at what price?
How to Increase HGH Naturally
It is possible to increase HGH naturally using the following methods:
#1: HIT (High Intensity Exercise)
Various studies [17] have shown that HIT can help promote the production of growth hormones.
This can have a positive effect on your overall health and well-being and will promote positive training outcomes.
#2: Supplement with L-Glutamine
In an Iranian study [18] 30 healthy but non-athlete males were divided into 2 groups.
Both groups were put through an 8-week weight training program. One group were given an L-Glutamine supplement, with the other given a placebo.
Those given the supplement saw an increase in performance, strength and power, while also seeing a greater increase in both testosterone and HGH production.
#3: L-Arginine Supplementation
A study [19] found that when administered orally, L-Arginine could increase resting growth hormone levels by 100%.
#4: Laugh
Researchers at Loma Linda University, California found that laughter could increase HGH production by 27% [20].
#5: Consume More Vitamin C
There is various research [21] that have found a direct link with lower vitamin C consumption and low HGH levels.
Make sure to consume foods rich in vitamin C. For example broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
#6: Supplementation
I would also recommend HGH-X2 as a safe and natural alternative to synthetic HGH.
HGH-X2 is sold online by Crazy Bulk and is made from ingredients such as Maca, Mucuna Pruriens, Hawthorn Berry and 2-Amino-5-Diaminomethylidene Pentanoic Acid.
The benefits on offer include:
- Lean muscle gains
- Increased fat burning
- Better blood flow to your heart and muscles
- Improved cardiovascular system health
- An increase in nitrogen retention
- Energy boost
- Better stamina and performance
- Faster recovery from workouts
HGH-X2 comes highly recommended, and I would suggest that you take a few moments to read through our full review to get a better idea of the potential benefits on offer.