Fountain syndrome

Ponce de Leon spent the better part of his life looking for the fabled Fountain of Youth. We recognize the folly of his endeavor, but the concept of extending longevity remains intriguing.

HGH: The Real Deal

Marketers realize this, for there is no shortage of products promising to slow or reverse the aging process. But do they work? Although there is a lot of hype out there, one of them is the real deal, and that is human growth hormone (HGH). Levels of HGH peak during adolescence and then begin a steady decline. By age 65, production is negligible.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Daniel Rudman, M.D., who administered HGH to men between the ages of 61 and 81 for six months, concluded that it reversed changes in skin thickness, muscle mass, and body fat incurred during 10 to 20 years of aging! Subsequent studies have shown that HGH strengthens the heart, raises protective HDL cholesterol, boosts immunity, and lowers blood pressure. It has been reported to improve vision, hair growth, sexual function, energy, memory, and mood. And because it has tissue-building effects, it is an excellent therapy for heart failure, osteoporosis, and overall frailty.

The downside of HGH isn't safetydecades of use and long-term studies have proved that it is safe (although excessive doses may cause water retention, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome)-but the fact that it is pricey, requires a prescription, and must be given by injection.

Other Ways to Raise HGH

Fortunately, there are other ways to increase your HGH levels. One of them is exercise. Both endurance and resistance exercise prompt the production of HGH, which is one reason why exercise has such broad health benefits. Another, though not as well-researched as injected growth hormone, is targeted amino acid supplements. In a recent study, glutamine and glycine plus niacin elevated HGH by 70%. Arginine, lysine, and ornithine are also used in formulas designed to increase HGH.

The Fountain of Youth may be a myth, but there are things you can do, such as eating right, exercising regularly, and taking nutritional supplements, to insure that you function at peak capacity and feel great throughout life. Boosting your levels of growth hormone is simply another tool for healthy aging.

BY JULIAN WHITAKER, MD

Dr. Julian Whitaker is author of the monthly newsletter, Health & Healing, and has written eight books. he is also the Director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute, Newport Beach, Calif. For more information, visit www.drwhitaker.com or call 800-219-8590.

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