HGH, or Human Growth Hormone, is becoming a household name thanks to the press it has received over the last few years, much of it negative.
To begin with, HGH is a natural hormone found in the human body, responsible for growth in children and cellular repair and development throughout our life. As we age, the levels of HGH in our systems drop. Many believe that these lowered levels of HGH are one of the key factors in the aging process.
HGH encourages the body to covert food to muscle instead of fat, which helps maintain lean muscle mass and control weight. The absence of HGH is a major factor in loss of bone density as we age, causing a condition known as osteoporosis.
The solution; Restore the HGH levels in middle aged adults to where it was when they were teenagers. Obvious, but many medical experts disagree.
A well publicized study in India examined two groups of people. The first had normal HGH levels and the other, due to a gene mutation, had lower levels. There was no difference in length of life of either group that could be associated with HGH presence or absence of HGH in their systems.
While it is true that HGH can produce some improvement in the appearance of an individual, doctors maintain it is not a fountain of youth and cannot stop the aging process.
Nevertheless, more and more adults are resorting to HGH therapy in an attempt to do just that. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in Hollywood, where youth is idolized and appearance is key. Many actors, both male and female, use HGH injections and supplements to try and maintain a youthful appearance longer into their career. They feel that these approaches are preferable to cosmetic solutions like plastic surgery and Botox. By allowing the body to create new, healthier cells, the feel that there appearance can be maintained at box office breaking levels longer than with any other method.
Recently, news stories began circulating based on the statements of several respected oncologists, experts in the dreaded disease called cancer. They are concerned that the current trend towards HGH therapy and similar medical treatments are actually an invitation to increasing your risk for getting cancer. Since cancer is caused by uncontrolled cellular growth, and HGH encourages cellular growth in a big way, they argue that HGH use is literally ‘throwing gasoline on the fire’ where cancer is concerned.
While there are no studies available to support these concerns, none the less, the warning is getting a lot of press.
Publishers of news relating to health and nutrition are usually more sympathetic towards HGH therapies. Their take is often that supplements and even replacement therapy has its place in a well regulated health care regimen.
Their view is that the human body is living longer than ever before, and it needs supplemental aids to maintain proper functions later in life.
