By definition, stress is a physical, mental, or even an emotional factor that gives rise to bodily or mental tension. That said, many people in America lead stressful lives that will sooner or later take a toll on their physical or emotional health. To illustrate just how pervasive stress is in America, we don't have to look much further than an article published in the New York Times, an American-based newspaper with global influence and readership. In a survey, which consisted of 1,000 adults, an astonishing 55 percent of respondents admitted that they felt stressed most of the day, according to the article.
All in all, stress is not just constant worrying or feelings of impending doom; it can also affect one's physical and mental health. Studies show that individuals who are highly stressed are more likely to develop a myriad of physical health problems, some of which include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes. As far as emotional and mental health is concerned, chronic stress can give way to the development of depression and anxiety or may even intensify those feelings among those already struggling with them.
How Stress Hormones Are Related to HGH
Most will agree that many things can trigger stress in one's life, from financial worries to family problems and everything in-between. However, it is also worth noting that the extent to which stress impacts our physical and mental health has a lot to do with HGH levels in the body. For those who are not quite up to speed when it comes to HGH, also known as human growth hormones, they are a collection of naturally-occurring hormones that are secreted by the pituitary gland, which is one of eight hormone-producing glands in the endocrine system.
To further understand HGH, which is secreted by the pituitary gland, and its relationship with stress, it helps to know a little more about the endocrine system as a whole. In short, the body's endocrine system is a chemical messenger system that consists of the pancreas, the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, along with the ovaries in women and testicles in men.
Collectively, the hormones that are secreted by glands in the endocrine system, including human growth hormones, are all essential when it comes to regulating mood, growth and development, organ function, metabolism, and even reproduction. That said, a hormone imbalance of any kind in the endocrine system will play a role in how stress not only impacts the body but also whether that stress will be acute or chronic.
To that point, one of the most common signs of a growth hormone deficiency in adults, alongside low libido, weight gain, anxiety, and depression, is increased stress. Studies show that this is because low HGH production can trigger an increase in cortisol, which is also known as a stress hormone. On a side note, the same studies found that cortisol can also intensify or lead to the development of anxiety and depression.
How Growth Hormones Affect the Immune System
It is a well-established fact that a weak immune system can make individuals more susceptible to illness and disease; however, many are not aware that low GH levels can weaken the immune system. One study, in particular, found that a growth hormone deficiency can trigger chronic stress, which, in turn, weakens the immune system by lowering lymphocytes, the white blood cells in the immune system that fight off infection and disease. These findings further demonstrate just how much the endocrine and immune system are interrelated.
Unfortunately, many individuals in their 30s, 40s, and beyond are struggling with low HGH levels, which not only increases the stress hormone cortisol but also weakens their immune system. And this has a lot to do with the fact that human growth hormone production naturally starts to decline after peaking during puberty, according to most endocrinologists.
To further illustrate this point, a study published by worldhealth.net revealed that HGH production declines by as much as 15 percent every 10 years after age 30. Not surprisingly, this decline often triggers an uptick in cortisol production that, when coupled with negative thoughts or events, leads to or intensifies acute or chronic stress.
Ways to Boost Human Growth Hormone
To combat the many ill-effect of low GH production, including the increase in the stress hormone cortisol, many people take FDA-approved GH medications as part of a comprehensive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimen. Their effectiveness is proven and shown in many proved reports showing hgh results in patients. Some of the ones commonly prescribed by endocrinologists today include the following:
- Genotropin
- Nortidropin
- Saizen
- Humatrope
Along with prescription-based GH medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to boost low GH levels, many people also find taking dietary supplements helpful as well. Some of the ones proven to help in this regard include the following:
- Beta-alanine
- Arginine
- Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Exercise
In addition to helping to reduce visceral fat, which is among the many ill-effects associated with low GH production, regular exercise can also help boost low GH levels. And in most cases, just going for a brisk walk or even a light swim a few times per week will more than suffice.
Food
Along with regular exercise, consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet is yet another way to boost GH production naturally. Of course, this doesn't have to mean a complete diet overhaul. For most people, getting the recommended daily intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, for example, can do wonders.
Sleep
Another way to boost GH production naturally is to make it a point to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. According to an article published by sleephelp.org, an unbiased and trusted sleep-health education website, sleep deprivation can significantly impact the pituitary gland's ability to both produce and release growth hormones into the bloodstream.
Bottom Line
In summary, stress and low growth hormone levels are connected in more ways than most people realize. That said, finding ways to cope with stress and taking steps to increase GH production, either naturally or via HGH-based medications, can go a long way toward making life that much more enjoyable.
