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OPTIMIZING hGH THERAPY WITH DIET AND EXERCISE
"Never mistake motion for action."
- Ernest Hemmingway
CHAPTER 6
The importance of diet and exercise in optimizing growth hormone levels
applies to those who elect growth hormone therapies as well as those who
don't. Irregular insulin levels and lack of exercise are known to
contribute to accelerated symptoms of aging like heart disease, obesity,
and diabetes. The diet and exercise recommendations for boosting hGH help
to control the endogenous factors of disease and aging as well as
enhancing the effectiveness of hGH therapies.
It is no coincidence that studies on the effects of exercise produce many
of the same results as studies on growth hormone therapy, including
increased bone density and muscle mass, reduction of cholesterol, blood
pressure, and triglycerides, decreased body fat, and increased life
expectancy. Exercise and dietary control of insulin both work to increase
growth hormone secretion. Imagine the accelerated influence of combining
proper diet, exercise and GH therapy. Many elderly people have limited
strength and stamina that affects their ability to exert themselves to the
point
of making significant gains against heart disease and osteoporosis.
Restoring growth hormone levels often increases
their energy, strength and stamina so they are able to do exercises that
previously seemed impossible.
The proper dietary measures can help to enhance growth hormone release and
the effects of IGF-1 so that
better results are obtained more quickly.
We have repeatedly observed the remarkable influence that GH therapy
has on increasing exercise potential.
An 83 year old patient with extremely limited mobility, arthritis, and
stiffness had not been able to exercise, after one week on Symbiotropin he
had the flexibility and reduced pain that allowed him to walk everyday and
increase his tolerance for weight bearing exercise. The profound
improvements in cardiovascular health described in the previous chapter
are the most consistent contributors to improved exercise tolerance.
Many athletes who train heavily are known to maintain youthful levels
of growth hormone right it their 50's, 60's, and 70's. We have had several
reports of increased strength, stamina, and muscle mass with young
athletes, but there is not enough data to draw any definitive conclusions
or make recommendations for this application. However, test results with
athletes whose initial lGF-1 were near optimal contributed to our
conclusions that GH will not become over-stimulated in people who have
close to optimal GH levels. Even the 8% increases in IGF-1 that have been
observed with athletes on Symbiotropin can make a tremendous difference in
the competitive edge of a body builder or athlete.
Growth hormone levels increase significantly when insulin levels are
low, about four hours after a meal. It is at this point that the fat
burning potential of GH tends to be at its daytime peak. But remember, the
largest burst of GH is released during the early hours of sleep-hence, our
evening eating habits are crucial to maximizing this nighttime secretion.
By avoiding food during the last four hours before bedtime we may enhance
circadian growth hormone release, and fat burning potential.
Symbiotropin and GH injections are often taken just before bedtime to
enhance or mimic the circadian pulse of GH.
In the case of secretagogues, the avoidance of food is important not only
in suppressing insulin, but also in eliminating the competition of dietary
proteins with amino acid peptides. The amino acid sequences in
Symbiotropin are very targeted and delicate in their design-the
introduction of other proteins and amino acids can interfere with
receptors for these therapeutic peptides.
Clinically, we have found that most patients have difficulty in
avoiding food four hours before bedtime. Many of us are so busy that we
just don't get home in time to eat dinner before six, and other people are
accustom to munching or drinking carbohydrates right up until bedtime. If
snacking before bedtime is unavoidable, the morning is the next best time
to use Symbiotropin therapy. Sleeping all night results in desirably low
insulin levels because of the inherent fasting that takes place. In
theory, using GH therapy at night after four hours of fasting is great,
but as a I matter of practicality we have found that morning doses of
Symbiotropin are potentiated by nighttime fasting and produce excellent
results.
To maximize the morning dose, food and dietary supplements should be
avoided for at least I - 2 hours after using Symbiotropin, and if
possible, cardiovascular or weight resistance exercise should take place
during this period of food avoidance. Many patients have reported such a
profound increase in energy and endurance with Symbiotropin that they are
able to do strenuous exercise without carbohydrate loading ahead of time,
thus accelerating the fat burning process.
There have been several reports of carbohydrate cravings an hour or
more after the ingestion of Symbiotropin this is an exciting indicator
that the product is working. The effect of raising growth hormone can be
likened to the effects of exercise in several ways. As GH levels rise,
insulin responds by mobilizing glucose and bringing it to cells, including
muscle, as an energy source. Glucose demand from the cells stimulates the
breakdown of glycogen and triglycerides (body fat) as secondary and
tertiary sources of energy. This is the process that results in fat
burning and muscle building during exercise. As every athlete knows, the
body craves carbohydrates after a work out and replacing those exhausted
carbohydrates and protein is essential to rebuilding muscle tissue that
has been damaged by exertion. Just as it is in the case of exercise, it is
important to coordinate carbohydrate and protein restoration with growth
hormone therapy.
When we say that GH therapy mimics the effects of exercise, we are not
suggesting that it negates the necessity of exercise. In fact, exercise is
a potent growth hormone stimulator. Many athletes choose to use natural
secretagogues before a work out, no matter what time of day, in order to
enhance the bump in GH that comes from exercises like
high-intensity running and weight lifting. For those of us who are not
athletic, increasing growth hormone levels with injections or
secretagogues often leads to the improved strength and energy that it
takes to increase the intensity, and subsequent GH release, of the
exercises that we're already doing. It's a two way street, growth hormone
enhances exercise and exercise enhances growth hormone.
Growth Hormone Significantly Improves Body Composition:
Remember, depending on a person's initial body composition and exercise
habits, losing fat and gaining muscle with GH therapy may not result in
weight loss, but it will result in better measurements. When we increase
muscle mass, we increase our overall metabolism thereby contributing to
our ability to bum more body fat and calories. Supporting the growth of
muscle tissue with diet and exercise is an integral part of optimizing GH
therapy. We have found the best results clinically when patients eat fruit
or other healthy carbohydrates about an hour after taking Symbiotropin.
In this way we are optimizing the interaction of growth hormone and
insulin in order to maximize the increase in muscle mass. Insulin escorts
carbohydrates (as glucose) and proteins into the cell to be used in
fueling muscle and other tissues. The dietary guidelines of GH therapy are
appropriate for all patients on GH therapy, even in the unavoidable
absence of exercise.
The best carbohydrates to use as a replacement are those that will
break down to glucose more slowly. You may refer to a glycemic index for
specific values of certain foods, but as a rule consume complex
carbohydrates combined with fiber and good fats. For instance, a breakfast
that includes steel cut oats will offer more a more sustained glucose
supply because they are higher in fiber than rolled oats. Adding raw
ground flaxseeds supplies even more fiber along with beneficial omega-3
fatty acids which work to slow down the uptake of glucose into the
bloodstream. Whole grains contain more fiber and are always a better
choice than refined grains. These guidelines apply to snacks and meals
throughout the day. Avoiding refined flours and simple carbohydrates helps
to control insulin thereby optimizing GH secretion as well as response to
many other hormones. In fact, studies of insulin controlling substances
and calorie restrictive diets indicate that employing these guidelines
will contribute to longevity.
Optimum GH Enhancing Routine
Certain supplements, like chromium picolinate, have been shown to have
a regulatory effect on insulin thereby enhancing GH release. The following
products may be used to enhance any GH protocol, but they may be
especially important for diabetics or hypoglycemics, who may have a
resistance to GH therapy.
Chromium Picolinate: A trace mineral that, according to
researcher Dr. Gary Evans, helps insulin to fit into the cell better
thereby overcoming insulin resistance and lowering circulating insulin and
blood sugar. These processes are important in reducing fat storage,
burning existing fat and promoting muscle growth. Research on chromium
picolinate shows that it is consistently effective at doing all of the
above, even in sedentary individuals. Suggested dose: 200 to 600 mcg/day.
(
Buy your
Chromium Picolinate at: http://www.nutrivea.com )
Vanadium: A trace mineral that has an insulinmimicking effect.
Assists in utilization of blood glucose and subsequent management of
insulin. Clinical experience shows that the a vanadyl complex is better
absorbed and can be used in lower doses than other, more poorly absorbed
forms like vanadyl sulfate. Recommended dose: 200 500 mcg/day.
Gymnema Sylvestre: This herb is used widely in India to treat
blood sugar abnormalities. It contains a molecule that is so similar to
glucose that it sits on sugar receptors, which helps to inhibit the
release of glucose into the bloodstream and control insulin response. It
is used as an aid in weight control and an inhibitor of sugar cravings,
when applied directly to the tongue it will block the ability to taste
anything sweet. Suggested use: standardized extract, 500 to 1000 mg.
before meals.
Proteusterone: This herbal complex has a large part of its
action in the support of liver, pancreatic, and adrenal function in ways
that help to manage insulin and blood sugar. Clinical experience has shown
an improved response in Symbiotropin therapy for diabetics who use
Proteusterone at night. As an endocrine supplement, this product is
designed to enhance any individual hormone therapy, and is used by many
athletes to improve muscle growth and stamina. Suggested use: 1 to 3
tablets/day.
Studies show that there are specific exercises that are particularly
effective at stimulating GH release. As we share them with you, it is
important to point out that any exercise will help to enhance the effects
of growth hormone. The following exercises are used specifically help to
increase GH release and have a rate of effectiveness that, for the most
part, is proportionate to the intensity of the exercise.
|
EXERCISE |
INTENSITY |
HGH SECRETION |
Running (Women)
|
High
|
266% increase in trough levels
75% increase in daily secretion |
|
Running (Men) |
Moderate |
0% - Moderate |
|
Stationary Bike (both sexes) |
High |
166% increase |
|
Stationary Bike (both
sexes) |
Moderate |
166% increase |
|
Weight Training
(both sexes) |
85% MLC * |
400% increase |
|
Weight
Training (both sexes) |
70% MLC * |
300% increase |
|
Weight
Training (both sexes) |
Moderate - High |
Immediate & Sustained increase |
|
Treadmill (both sexes) |
High |
Increased GH Pulse |
* MLC = Maximal Lift Capacity,
the maximum amount of weight able to be lifted once.
All weight-training exercises are effective promoters of GH release,
but those that involve the use of high-resistance and major muscle groups
tend to be the most effective. Applying maximum effort to fewer
repetitions of squats, leg presses, deadlifts, overhead presses, bench
presses, standing curls, and leg curls will optimize your results. In
addition, go to MLC for one rep of each of these exercises no more than
once a week to create an additional boost of GH. If you are not
experienced with weight training, please work with your physician to
determine your physical condition and work with a qualified personal
trainer who can teach you proper technique.
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Defects in my skin are disappearing and my skin is much smoother. I am
much happier, more alert, and thinking more calmly. I am sleeping much
longer (more restful). My blood pressure has come way down; I am taking
1/4 of my medication now. My insulin units have been reduced from 65 units
to 10-15 units per day. I have more stamina and my legs no longer hurt
when I walk.
-D.B. (Female, Age 75)
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