Human Growth Hormone: Turning Back the Hands of Time

By Al Sears, MD

Your body produces an abundance of a natural rejuvenator when you're young. But woe to us all; it then gradually tapers off with each passing year: It's called human growth hormone or HGH for short.

Kick HGH production back into high gear and it will literally rejuvenate every cell in your body - and reverse many of the consequences of aging such as...

• Loss of energy
• Thinning skin/wrinkles
• Muscle and bone loss
• Decreased sexual performance
• Impaired vision
• Weakened immune system

You may have heard about HGH recently. It has gotten a lot of coverage in the press because of all the steroid scandals plaguing Major League Baseball (even though it's not a steroid). Because it can give players an unfair competitive edge, it's illegal in professional baseball. This has stirred up a lot of confusion and unnecessary controversy.

The fact is, HGH is perfectly safe and there's plenty of clinical proof of its anti-aging power.

The watershed study that put HGH on the map came out in 1991 in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.¹ In just 6 months, researchers transformed 12 weak, overweight, and lethargic men aged 61 to 81 into lean, strong, energized male specimens.

The doctor who led the study, Daniel Rudman, wrote, "The effects of six months of human growth hormone on lean body mass and adipose-tissue [fat] mass were equivalent in magnitude to the changes incurred during 10 to 20 years of aging." In other words, HGH turned back the clock decades for the men in the study after only 6 months of hormone therapy. Here are a few of the results Rudman's team observed:

• Increase in Lean Body Mass (Muscle): 8.8%
• Total Fat Loss: 14.4%
• Thickening of Skin: 7.1%
• Increase of Bone Density (Lumbar Spine): 1.6%
• New Liver Growth: 19%
• New Spleen Growth: 17%

Since Rudman's groundbreaking work, the evidence of HGH's effectiveness has steadily mounted. Its ability to heal and restore your body is no myth. It has a powerful impact in many areas of health:

Immune System: One study found that HGH regenerated the shriveled thymus gland in old rats until it was as large and robust as in young rats. The immune system boost created new antibodies, T-cells and red blood cells.²

Heart Health: HGH improves your cholesterol levels, raising your "good" cholesterol (HDL) and lowering your "bad" cholesterol (LDL). It also reduces diastolic blood pressure by about 10 percent, without affecting systolic pressure.

Lung Capacity: HGH improves your heart-lung function by increasing your ability to exercise, raising your maximum oxygen uptake and boosting your heart's stroke volume (the amount of blood your heart can pump with one beat).

Sexual Performance: In a study of HGH therapy in 202 aging adults, 75 percent of the men reported better sex and the ability to do it more often. Sixty-two percent had longer-lasting erections.³

While HGH injection therapy is an FDA-approved medical treatment, there are ways you can ramp up your levels naturally with a few simple steps. Here are two approaches I routinely use in my medical practice - with great success:

• Eat More Protein: HGH levels rise with a high protein diet, especially when combined with exercise that increases muscle mass. The increase is moderate -- but even a moderate increase can have a dramatic overall impact.

• Perform Strenuous Exercises: Strenuous exercise also increases levels of HGH in your body. Now I'm NOT talking about a brisk walk around the block. I mean gut-wrenching exercises like heavy squats and dead lifts. This is not a tip for the faint of heart. If you're athletic and in good shape, give it a try.
  

There are also a number of widely available supplements that will ignite your body's HGH engine:

• Arginine: This is an essential amino acid your body can't make on its own. (Turkey and chicken are great sources.) Not only does it flip the "on switch" for HGH production; it neutralizes substances called "somatostatins" that block HGH's anti-aging action. Arginine also helps you burn fat and build muscle, boosting physical strength and endurance.
  
  You can find arginine in health food stores and on line, usually as a powder. Take 2 to 5 grams on an empty stomach one hour before exercise or before bedtime.

• Glutamine: This is another amino acid found in high protein foods. Your body relies on it heavily during times of stress. It also promotes healthy immune and digestive function. Without enough glutamine, your body starts to lose muscle and your immune system weakens.
  
  Glutamine also raises HGH levels. Researchers from the Louisiana State University College of Medicine found that just 2 grams of glutamine raised HGH levels more than four times higher than those who took a placebo.⁴
  
  I usually recommend 2 grams at bedtime for my patients.

Finally, you can opt for HGH injection therapy, which of course requires medical supervision and a prescription. Looking at this graph, you can see it's highly effective:

Your doctor can only authorize it if you're HGH levels test low. If you're able to proceed with therapy, ask your doctor to get you a handy HGH cartridge for home use. You won't have to deal with syringes and needles.

I've used HGH in patients up to 95 years old at my Wellness Center in Florida. And it works.

References

1. Rudman et al. New England Journal of Medicine. 1990. 323:1-6
2. Kelley et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 1986. 83:5663-7
3. L. Cass Terry and Edmund Chein, Medical College of Wisconsin and Palm Springs Life Extension Institute results, quoted in Grow Young with hGH by Dr. Ronald Klatz, M.D. HarperCollins, 1997.
4. Welbourne TC American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1995. 61:1058-1061.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Sears, Chairman of the Board of Total Health Breakthroughs, is a practicing physician and the author of The Doctor's Heart Cure, leading authority on longevity, physical fitness and heart health. For more information, click here.]

Natural Healing: The Remarkable Benefits of Pre-Op Hypnosis By Joseph McCaffrey, MD, FACS

No one loves the idea of lying on an operating table under bright lights waiting for surgery to begin. The usual medical answer is to give drugs -- sedatives and narcotics that come with side effects such as post-operative sleepiness and nausea.

Now there's proof that a perfectly safe, simple intervention alleviates a woman's pain and anxiety during breast surgery. It even shortens the time the operation takes.

This remarkable intervention is hypnosis. Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York recently reported the results of a study on hypnosis prior to breast surgery in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.¹

The study involved 200 women who were having removal of a portion of their breast either to make a diagnosis or to treat a breast problem. Half the women had a 15-minute pre-surgical hypnosis session and the other half 15 minutes of "empathic listening" by a psychologist. The differences in outcome were striking and statistically significant.

The women in the hypnosis group required less sedation and less local anesthesia during the procedure. At the same time, they also experienced less pain, less nausea and less emotional upset.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the time in the operating room was shorter for the women who had pre-op hypnosis. One possible explanation for this is that the procedures went more smoothly because the women were calmer and more comfortable.

Studies have proven for years that interventions such as hypnosis, relaxation techniques and guided imagery help people stay comfortable during medical procedures. Unfortunately, most physicians have been slow to offer these to their patients routinely. You'll probably have to be your own advocate here.

If you're scheduled for a procedure, ask your physician if he or she uses any relaxation techniques. If not, look for a hypnotherapist or psychologist to guide you. As the study mentioned here showed, even one brief session is helpful.

Other studies have also shown that self hypnosis is effective.² Many instructional books and recordings are available to help you learn these methods.

If you're facing a medical procedure, you want to do everything you can to feel well and have it go smoothly. There's no downside to using hypnosis and other relaxation techniques, so by all means learn them and use them.

References

1. Montogomery, GH et al. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007 Sept 5;99(17):1280-1.
2. Lang, EV et al. Lancet 2000 Apr 29; 355(9214): 1486-90.

[Ed. Note: Joseph F. McCaffrey, MD, FACS is a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in alternative medicine, including certification as a HeartMath Trainer. His areas of expertise include mind-body interaction and cognitive restructuring. Dr. McCaffrey strives to help people attain their optimum level of vitality through attention to all aspects of wellness. For more information, click here.]

Cutting Edge Fitness: Why You Need a Physical Assessment Before Starting an Exercise Program By Carlo X. Alvarez

I have been a trainer for elite and professional athletes for over 10 years. The most important lesson you learn when working with elite athletes is the importance of having a balanced body to achieve efficient movement. It is no different when working with our personal training clients. People want to improve their fitness levels, have more energy and feel stronger in their daily lives.

During our initial assessment meeting, we review previous training history, measure body composition, discuss time commitment and set short and long term goals. The purpose of the initial assessment is to educate the client about his or her fitness status relative to fitness standards. The initial assessment creates baseline data to measure future progress and to motivate clients as they meet their fitness goals.

Based on the initial assessment we can design a program that is specific to the client's needs. Taking into account the client's age, we supplement aerobic endurance with strength-developing exercises. This allows for enhanced muscular strength and fitness. In turn, it can help to improve mobility, balance, coordination and activities of daily life.

Here's proof that it's never too late to improve your fitness. One of my most remarkable success stories involves an adorable 85-year-young woman. I had been working with her to lose the "spare tire" that had caused her years of constant back pain. After a 12-week fitness program that included the Metabolic Code Diet, our adorable 85-year-young woman who was focused and committed to her fitness goals, achieved what most people half her age would love to accomplish. She lost 11.75 total inches, 23 pounds of body weight, and 21.64 pounds of body fat!

If you are looking to improve your fitness level, have more energy and be more efficient in you're daily life, start your exercise program with a physical assessment. Learn your present fitness level, collect valuable information and establish reasonable goals. Our 85-year-young woman didn't just stop with her fitness goals. She is focused and committed to achieving greater goals -- she just applied to law school. You too can reach for the stars!

[Ed. note: Carlo X. Alvarez is a noted authority in the customized fitness and sports performance field. He is recognized for his integrated and systematic approach to training, based on a foundation of safe and proven methodology that has direct and measurable benefits to performance.]

Healthy Nutrition: Smart Choices for Healthy Protein By Laura LaValle

A diet high in protein may be your best choice to control both weight gain and insulin resistance. But that doesn't mean just any protein. While plant proteins like beans and legumes are very healthy, they are much higher in carbohydrates. So, if they are your primary source of protein, they can eventually raise glucose levels and contribute to insulin resistance. That's why animal proteins are often a necessary component of a healthy diet.

It's important to remember though, that not all animal proteins are created equal. Take for instance nitrite-treated processed meats. Researchers have found a significant association between the consumption of nitrite-treated meats like bacon, sausage, and lunch meats to cancer, especially pancreatic cancer. ^1-4

If you enjoy processed meats make sure they are nitrite free. Most health food stores carry nitrite-free versions of all these meats. In addition, some manufacturers like Boar's Head are now offering at least two or three nitrite-free options in their product lines. You can ask your local meat counter to carry them if they aren't already.

Meats containing growth hormone may also pose a health risk. The Center for Food Safety in fact estimates that up to 80% of cattle in the US are raised with the help of growth hormones. In the U.S. Canada, and Brazil growth hormones are injected into dairy cows and beef cattle. This raises milk production in dairy cows, and makes beef cattle grow faster enabling farmers to get them to market faster.

But it can also be dangerous for the consumer. Experts believe that eating growth hormone treated beef and milk may be largely responsible for the earlier sexual maturation seen in many U.S. children.^6-10 A European Union scientific committee has also concluded that hormone-treated beef and dairy cattle increase the risk of breast and prostate cancers due to its high estrogen content.⁵Not surprisingly, the EU will not purchase hormone-treated beef from the US.

So what should you do to ensure your diet includes the right kind of healthy protein?

Start by eating a variety of animal proteins including chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, bison and ostrich (a lean red meat). For all proteins, try to find certified organic. This is especially important when purchasing dairy products or red meat. Look for the USDA certified organic symbol. Certified organic meat and dairy products are raised with no growth hormones or antibiotics and the animals are fed only organically grown (non-pesticide-treated) feed.

While you're at it, look for grass-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is superior because the omega-3 fat content is much higher. This healthy fat is virtually nonexistent in conventionally raised meat. Grass-fed meats are a little more expensive, but well worth it in terms of reducing health risks and the costs of poor health.

When you cook meat, make sure it is not blackened or charred. Studies have shown that foods that are grilled or fried at high enough temperatures to blacken and char the meat have increased amounts of a cancer-causing substance called heterocyclic amines. The studies are not an indictment of animal protein in general, but of the way they are cooked. The bottom line is, don't overcook your meats. And be especially careful when grilling meats, not to char them.

Finally, make sure your diet is high in fiber. A European study found that a diet high in fiber lowered the disease risk from all forms of animal protein (including nitrite-treated meats). Low glycemic index vegetables like cucumbers, lettuce, and other greens and cabbage family vegetables provide plenty of fiber and are the best selections for anyone who is watching their weight or is insulin resistant.

The following recipe features a perfect combination of healthy organic beef and high-fiber low-glycemic vegetables for a satisfying main course entrée.

References

1. Riboli E., Lambert A. (eds) Opportunities for Cancer Prevention IARC Sci. Publ. No.156, 2002.
2. Genkinger JM,Koushik A (2007) Meat Consumption and Cancer Risk. PLoS Med. 4(12): e345
3. Updike et al. Anticancer Res. 2007 Jan-Feb;27 (1A): 407-10.
4. Nothlings, U, et al. Processed Meats Increase Risk of Pancreatic Cancer. Presented at the 96th Annual Meeting American Association of Cancer Research, Apr. 2005.
5. James, B. Hormones in US Beef Cause Cancer, EU Scientists Conclude. Intl Herald Tribune May 4, 1999. http://www.iht.com/articles/1999/05/04/beef.2.t.php
6. Raloff, J. Hormones: Here's the Beef. Science News Online. January 5, 2002.
7. A Primer on Beef Hormones. USDA-FAS,www.fas.usda.gov/itp/policy/hormone2.
8. rbST Info Sheet, USDA-APHIS.
   http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/cnahs/nahms/dairy/
   Dairy02/Dairy02BST.pdf
9. Veal Producers Told to Halt Hormones. The Associated Press, April 2, 2004.
10. Aksglaede L et al. Human Reproduction Update, May 2006.

[Ed. Note: Laura B. LaValle, RD, LD is presently the director of dietetics nutrition at LaValle Metabolic Institute (formerly part of Living Longer Institute). She offers personal nutritional counseling at LMI for clients who need help with their diet in relation to illness or disease. Laura also provides educational services in the areas of health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention. To learn more, click here.]

Recipes: Hearty Beef and Zucchini Lasagna By Laura LaValle

Combined with a green salad, this provides a complete and satisfying carb-controlled meal. You can use different flavors of soy cheese, like pepper-jack for different twists on this recipe.

Serves 10

Health Benefits
Healthy meat protein
High-fiber, low-glycemic vegetables

Ingredients
Use all organic ingredients, if possible

4 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
1 - 2 pounds organic, grass-fed ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 tbsp. grape seed or olive oil
2 cups prepared spaghetti sauce (or
2 cups tomato sauce with Italian seasonings)
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 green pepper, diced (optional)
1 ½ cups shredded or grated hard cheese (preferably sheep's milk or "soy parmesan")
½ cup feta cheese

Preparation
Steam zucchini until slightly tender. Drain water. Sauté mushrooms and green pepper in cooking oil until tender. Set aside. In separate pan, cook ground beef and onion until browned; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, seasonings, and green pepper and mushroom mixture. Layer half zucchini in bottom of a lightly oiled 13x9 pan. Spoon half of ground beef and sauce mixture over the zucchini. Mix hard cheese and feta cheese. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the beef. Repeat layers of vegetables and ground beef. Top with remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered, at 350°F for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with soy parmesan and bake an additional 5 minutes. Let lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice and enjoy.

Nutrition
224 calories, 13 g total fat, 3 saturated fat, 1 g conjugated linoleic acid, 1.5 monounsaturated fat, 64 g polyunsaturated fat, 43 mg cholesterol, 400 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugars 18 g protein

Adapted from http://www.scdiet.org/2recipes/meat01.html#Zucchini-BeefBake.

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs [Issue 02-08-08] which offers alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com/

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