Hormones are chemical messages, responsible for many functions in our body . They travel through the blood and are secreted by cells called glands. The most important hormones are responsible for the proper development and growth of the individual.
In the following article we will talk specifically about growth hormone , what its functions are in our body, when it is produced and how it is stimulated.
What is growth hormone?
Growth hormone (GH) is protein in nature and is controlled by the hypothalamus. It is responsible during childhood for the proper development and growth of the individual, in addition to stimulating the production of other types of important hormones in the liver.
To highlight: It is also known as somatropin and plays important roles throughout the body, allowing proper functioning and maintenance of tissues throughout our lives. (1)
What are the functions of growth hormone?
As we mentioned previously, growth hormone allows the proper functioning of other tasks in the body. We mention below what they are:
1. Regulates metabolism
Among the functions of growth hormone, is its ability to help control metabolism , allowing activities to take place in the cells of the body such as reproduction.
Note: Its main effects on metabolism are fat breakdown, carbohydrate metabolization, and muscle building.
2. Increase height
Growth hormone is responsible for giving individuals the size or height, allowing this growth to be stimulated correctly, making sure that there are the correct amounts and proportions of fat, water and muscle mass. (two)
3. Strengthens the bones
The integrity and density of the bones is partly the responsibility of this particular hormone, in addition to the thyroid, sex hormones and insulin, since they are the ones that allow adequate consolidation of the bones under normal concentrations, being a very important factor. The stage of life that the individual is going through is important. (3)
4. Promotes the development of muscle mass
Growth hormone has an influence on the development of muscle mass, since its growth and correct adaptation is its responsibility, favoring absorption and synthesis, which allows the construction and transition of muscle by modifying or hypertrophying it.
You should know: Growth hormone is responsible for creating favorable and adequate conditions for proper tissue repair. (4)
5. Decreases body fat
The increase in basal metabolism, lean muscle mass and the stimulation of carbohydrate metabolism, that is, all the previously mentioned functions, lead to a decrease in body fat as a consequence. However, growth hormone not only reduces superficial fat, it also reduces visceral fat.
6. Control glucose and cholesterol levels
Growth hormone has the ability to regulate the body’s cellular sensitivity to glucose, which allows the performance of a receptor for insulin.
It also manages to promote the maintenance of adequate values as an energy intake, even in the face of excessive consumption compared to physical efforts or activities. (5)
Note: The reduction of fat and the increase in metabolism have a positive influence, allowing the reduction and control of cholesterol levels .
7. Protects against aging
This hormone has the ability to slow down the aging process , but not as obviously as it sounds. It happens that as the years go by, the amount of GH secreted in our body is reduced, so when consuming it in the form of supplements, the loss of muscle mass is reduced .
Important: The consumption of growth hormone through supplements must be under supervision and with a prescription , since it could lead to the development of diabetes. (6)
When is growth hormone produced?
This hormone is produced since we are born, but during the course of the stages of our lives the amount secreted is gradually reduced. The most important period of life where growth hormone intervenes is recognized as the transition period, which goes from the beginning to the end of puberty.
You should know: During this process and thanks to the presence of GH, the physical and psychological characteristics, acquisition of height and body composition are defined , which will exert important functions and structural definitions throughout the life of the subject. (7)
How is growth hormone stimulated?
To increase or stimulate growth hormone, there are certain methods or factors that we must take into account. They will be mentioned below, to allow their knowledge and use:
1. Sleep and rest adequately
During the period of deep sleep, the pituitary gland synthesizes growth hormone, so sleeping properly will allow an increase in secretion thanks to the stimulation of its production.
2. Drink enough water
An experiment carried out on a group of cyclists determined that the correct hydration of the subjects would allow a 40% increase in the production of growth hormone.
Note: The study carried out in a magazine called the European Journal of Endocrinology, determined that keeping the body hydrated during cardiovascular training allows the increase in muscle hormones and an anabolic effect that benefits their growth. (8)
3. Consume low glycemic index foods
It happens that foods rich in glucose cause a reduction in the production of growth hormone , so to obtain completely opposite results it is recommended to consume foods with a low glycemic index , among these we can mention rice, fruits and honey .
4. Consume quality protein
Growth hormone is of a protein nature, so consuming foods rich in quality protein with a great diversity of amino acids triggers the production of GH, thus helping our body to obtain a greater proportion of it, be necessary.
5. Avoid alcohol consumption
There are elements that interfere with the production of growth hormone, these are tobacco, alcohol and drugs .
You should know: A study carried out at the University of Granada determined that there are alterations in the production of sex and growth hormones in the presence of high concentrations of alcohol. (9)
Therefore, these types of products have an age range, thus reducing the damage caused to the health of the individual .
6. Perform high intensity exercises
High intensity interval training (HIIT) causes a significant response in growth hormone. In fact, studies carried out by Med Sci Sports Exerc suggested a stimulus-response pattern, with GH secretion doses depending on the duration of the exercise and its intensity. (10)
Key Findings
- Growth hormone is a hormone of a protein nature that is produced and synthesized by our body.
- The key moment of its mechanism is in the stage of puberty, where it is in charge of determining physical and psychological factors that will determine the development of the subject throughout his life.
- It allows the determination of the height of individuals, strengthens the bones and is capable of intervening in the control of glucose and cholesterol levels.
- Although it works independently, there are certain factors that can stimulate its production and segregation, such as drinking water, exercising and avoiding alcohol consumption.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.