Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone that promotes growth, muscle mass, and fat metabolism. It can be especially important during weight loss, injury recovery, and athletic training. People can try to increase their HGH naturally by changing their diet and lifestyle choices.
HGH, which is also known as
Natural HGH is important in growing children and teenagers. A lack of HGH production can lead to a condition known as growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This can lead to a slow growth rate, and reduced facial bone development.
Similarly, excess HGH production can lead to a condition known as acromegaly. This condition can result in a number of signs and
This article will explore the benefits of HGH, as well as the risks. It will also look at some of the ways to naturally boost HGH within the body.

HGH has been associated with potential benefits such as:
Weight loss
HGH stimulates lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fatty acids in fat tissue. This can lead to weight loss.
An older study suggests that GH treatment may help decrease body fat in obesity and growth hormone deficiency. A
Increased muscle mass
Research notes that GH can enhance muscle performance in sports and
However, it is worth noting that the World Anti-Doping Agency view HGH as a doping agent. They prohibit its use due to the positive effect it can have on athletic performance.
Learning and memory
Evidence suggests that HGH may play a role in improving cognitive function. A
Improved wound healing
An
Improved bone health
A 10-year study that involved 80 women between the ages of 50–70 found that GH treatment was beneficial for bone health and fracture healing in postmenopausal women.
Currently, the
Some athletes have used HGH on a non-prescription basis to improve performance, but this carries the danger of excessive use, or incorrect dosing.
Long-term use of HGH can result in acromegaly. This can lead to a number of complications
- glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes
- swelling, joint pain, and arthritis
- hypertension
- sleep apnea
- heart failure
- higher risk of cancer
- higher mortality risk
In addition to the above, some complications of GH replacement therapy due to excessive HGH may include:
- myalgia (muscle pain)
- paresthesia
- fluid retention
- carpal tunnel syndrome
As a person must administer HGH by injection, it runs the risk of blood clots, dose error, and allergic reaction at the site of injection. People should only use HGH under the supervision of a doctor.
The pituitary gland produces HGH in the body and releases it in bursts. The levels of HGH rise and fall regularly, and people can increase them naturally by:
Reducing body fat
A 2020 article notes that excessive body fat, including visceral and central fat, is associated with reduced HGH. This is consistent with a
This suggests that by reducing body fat, a person may be able to increase the natural secretion of HGH.
Frequent exercise
Exercise is a powerful stimulator of GH release. A 2015 study found that regular resistance exercise, such as the use of free weights and bodybuilding machines, led to increased secretion of HGH and another hormone known as insulin-like growth factor-1.
Athletes may try to abuse both of these hormones due to their
Intermittent fasting
A
Reducing sugar intake
A reduction in a person’s sugar intake may also lead to an increase in HGH levels.
The pancreas releases insulin in response to consuming sugar or other carbohydrates. Research suggests that insulin may dictate the secretion of GH. A consistent increase in insulin may inhibit the release of HGH, reducing the level of HGH in the body.
A
This suggests that a reduction in sugar intake, which will lower the need for insulin, may help to increase levels of HGH.
Supplements
People can also use supplements to increase the level of HGH in the body.
The amino acids arginine and glutamine have been associated with the release of HGH. A 2020 study suggests that oral supplementation with amino acids significantly increased HGH levels in healthy adults. Therefore, arginine and glutamine supplements may help to boost HGH.
Older research indicates that melatonin may stimulate the release of GH. Melatonin is a hormone that the pineal gland releases in the body. It releases higher quantities of melatonin during the night and signals the need for sleep.
However, it is advisable for a person to speak with their doctor before taking supplements or significantly changing their diet.
Sleep
Research notes that HGH levels
Evidence also indicates that sleep disturbances, particularly deprivation, are associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and insulin insensitivity, which may lower levels of HGH.
Among other tips, the
HGH is a naturally occurring hormone released in the body by the pituitary gland. It has important functions in growth, metabolism, and muscle mass. Additional benefits may include improved learning, memory, bone health, and wound healing.
People may be able to naturally increase HGH levels through adequate sleep, exercise, and diet. However, a person should consult their doctor before making significant changes to their physical or dietary habits.
Additionally, illicit use of HGH is associated with risks. It is advisable that people only use prescription HGH to treat certain conditions, and not for other means.