Amino Acids Support Growth Hormone Secretion
People not only produce less human growth hormone (HGH) as they age, but they also fail to adequately release what is available in the pituitary gland, hence available HGH decreases in our tissues. HGH stimulators are considered to mimic the way a young body secreted HGH in the past, thus providing a much less expensive and more natural way to counter aging than artificial replacements.*
Twenty amino acids form the building blocks of all proteins and, as such, are needed for the body to make the proteins of enzymes, many hormones, muscle, bone, skin, organs, etc.
A number of the amino acids have been shown to induce growth hormone secretion and are widely considered safe, generally free of side effects, and affordable! Research widely supports the combination of, at a minimum, arginine, lysine, ornithine, and glutamine.
Arginine -- An Essential Amino Acid Stimulating HGH Release
Arginine is an essential amino acid, meaning that the body cannot create arginine on its own, but must get it from dietary sources.
Arginine is found in high concentrations in skin and connective tissue and contributes to the repair of skin, bones, tendons, etc. It is vital to muscle metabolism and helps boost muscle mass while burning fat.
Arginine appears to stimulate growth hormone release through secretion of the growth hormone inhibitor somatostatin.
Any type of stress, including exercise or trauma, increases our need for arginine.
GABA -- Stimulating HGH Release by the Pituitary
GABA is an amino acid which serves as a neurotransmitter and plays a vital role in brain function, as well as calming the nervous system (it is considered a natural tranquilizer).
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is considered a significant stimulator of HGH release from the pituitary gland, because it breaks down into a metabolite called GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate).
Clinical studies have proven GHB's ability to increase plasma levels of growth hormone and another substance called prolactin. GHB also is associated with the release of prolactin and cortisol during sleep, which contributes to enhanced protein metabolism in the liver and promotes the release of fatty acids from fat cells. GHB's activity is connected to rapid eye movement (REM sleep) and has also been linked to further increasing the release of growth hormone.
GHB stimulates slow wave sleep and clinical studies on young men indicates that growth hormone secretion actually doubled following GHB administration.
Lysine -- Arginine Booster
Lysine is another essential amino acid, which affects bone formation, height, and genital function. In the liver, lysine, along with other amino acids, supports protein biosynthesis and can help produce energy. It is also considered an arginine booster. Lysine may also facilitate the absorption of calcium from the small intestine. Very preliminary research indicates a possible role for lysine in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Ornithine -- Yet Another Arginine Booster
Ornithine is a nonessential amino acid, which means the body can synthesize it from food sources. Ornithine supports liver function and helps boost protein production that replenishes skin and connective tissue cells. It is a powerful contributor to cell replacement. .
Ornithine is similar in structure to arginine and is considered by some to double the effectiveness of arginine.
Glutamine -- Supporting Neural Activities & Muscles
Glutamine is the most plentiful free amino acid found in muscle tissue and is particularly required during times of stress on the body. Glutamine is converted to glutamic acid in the brain, and helps fuel brain function by increasing the amount of GABA, which supports neural activities.
Found concentrated in muscle tissue, glutamine plays a vital role in creating muscle protein on demand. For older people, glutamine helps prevent muscle wasting associated with aging. Because it is considered a primary source of energy for rapidly dividing cells, it supports the actions of the body's own growth hormone by helping restore muscle mass.
Additionally, the immune system and the gut practically live on glutamine!
Glycine -- Involved in Stimulating the Pituitary Gland
Glycine is a nonessential amino acid that is considered one of the stimulatory agents inducing the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone. Glycine has been found to be useful in increasing output during exercise workouts as well.
* Genuine HGH can only be provided through a physician's prescription injections, so no over-the-counter product is genuine HGH. Physician prescriptions are very costly, often thousands of dollars per year. Oral drug forms, incidentally, are not particularly effective given HGH is broken down during the process of digestion and thus loses its effectiveness. Using HGH therapeutically, finally, is still considered somewhat risky. Many prefer to stick with nutritional supplements to avoid reported side effects and long-term risks.
Notes
- Arginine and ornithine should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women, or people suffering from schizophrenia.
- Ornithine should not be used by pregnant or lactating women or anyone with schizophrenia.
- Glutamine should not be taken by anyone with kidney disease, liver disease, or Reye's syndrome.
- GABA is considered non-toxic, but may cause a totally harmless face flushing or tingling effect.
