Human growth hormone (HGH) plays a vital role in supporting and sustaining many bodily functions. In children, it is especially important, as it is a major factor in development. However, it is also essential for adults as it helps keep them healthy and functioning optimally.
When HGH levels begin to decline, there can be a number of negative effects such as increased body fat, thinning skin, and mental distress. It can also lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and heightened pain.
A decrease in HGH can also cause difficulty in sleeping. People with a GH deficiency may find it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, as their “slow wave†and “REM†cycles are affected. This can lead to higher levels of stress and cortisol.
It is essential to keep HGH levels balanced in order to maintain optimal health. Adults can do so by exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.
Symptoms of High Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone that is released when a person is in a state of stress. When too much cortisol is present, it can cause a number of physical symptoms, such as a fatty hump between the shoulders, a rounded face, and stretch marks on the skin. In addition, Cushing syndrome can lead to high blood pressure, bone loss, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. When the body perceives danger, cortisol is released and causes physical reactions, such as an elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and muscle tension. It can also cause digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The HGH-Cortisol connection
The research has shown that neurotransmitters like dopamine and hormones like ghrelin and somatostatin play a key role in the production of human growth hormone (HGH). Ghrelin is a digestive hormone that is responsible for controlling hunger, promoting the release of GHRH, and increasing HGH levels while suppressing the effects of somatostatin. A combination of the dopaminergic, insulin, cholinergic, and IGF-1 pathways creates a strong environment in the body that encourages the production of HGH.
High levels of cortisol, however, can disrupt this process as it takes priority over dopamine. This means that more cortisol means less HGH and vice versa. Reducing cortisol levels signals the body to start using more dopamine and subsequently produces more HGH. A study found that administering HGH resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of cortisol secretion.
When a person is chronically stressed, their body begins to rely on cortisol as a source of energy. This can lead to a feeling of being in control and even a sense of satisfaction. However, over time, this can cause the body to gain fat around the abdomen. Additionally, prolonged high cortisol levels can cause dopamine to be burned off in large amounts, making it difficult to relax and enjoy deep restful sleep. To combat this, it is important to focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance, and to practice techniques such as ‘warming and cooling NTs’ to reduce cortisol levels.
Cortisol & Belly Fat
If you are overweight yet have plenty of energy, it is likely that your body is releasing cortisol in order to compensate for low dopamine levels. In order to reduce cortisol and increase HGH, it is important to understand the “warming and cooling NTs†pathway and the importance of deep sleep. Additionally, consuming foods that are high in protein, such as wheat germ, and taking supplements containing tyrosine and L-glutamine can be beneficial. It is also important to avoid foods that reduce dopamine, such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and high glycemic carbohydrates, and to address any depression or chronic stress. Meditation and mindful relaxation strategies can help to manage depression, which can have a negative effect on HGH levels, as well as contribute to other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and loss of brain tissue.