Can Human Growth Hormones Make Us Younger?
2Digest
This podcast episode delves into the controversial world of anti-aging supplements, specifically focusing on human growth hormone (somatotropin) and DHEA. While human growth hormone was initially touted as an anti-aging miracle, subsequent research revealed no evidence of its effectiveness and even potential adverse effects, including accelerated aging, increased risk of death, and cancer. DHEA, another popular anti-aging supplement, also failed to live up to its hype in numerous clinical trials. Despite initial promising findings, DHEA was found to have no significant benefits for sexual function, psychological well-being, cognitive performance, or overall quality of life. The podcast highlights the importance of evidence-based research and cautions against relying on unproven supplements for anti-aging purposes. It also explores natural ways to boost DHEA levels, such as following a lacto-vegetarian diet, and emphasizes the importance of quality control in supplement production.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of healthy diets and their benefits, emphasizing the importance of living a longer, happier, and more productive life.
Human Growth Hormone and Aging
This Chapter explores the claims and evidence surrounding human growth hormone (somatotropin) as an anti-aging treatment. It discusses the initial promising trial results, the subsequent lack of evidence for its effectiveness, and the potential adverse effects, including accelerated aging, increased risk of death, and cancer.
DHEA and Aging
This Chapter examines the role of DHEA in aging and its potential as an anti-aging supplement. It discusses the natural decline of DHEA with age, the initial hype surrounding its restorative effects, and the results of clinical trials that failed to demonstrate significant benefits. The chapter also explores natural ways to boost DHEA levels, such as following a lacto-vegetarian diet.
Keywords
Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in growth and development, particularly during childhood and adolescence. However, its use as an anti-aging supplement has been widely debunked due to lack of evidence and potential adverse effects.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor to both male and female sex hormones. While initially touted as an anti-aging panacea, numerous clinical trials have failed to demonstrate significant benefits of DHEA supplementation for overall health, cognitive function, or sexual function.
Anti-aging
Anti-aging refers to the process of slowing down or reversing the effects of aging. It encompasses a wide range of approaches, including lifestyle modifications, dietary interventions, and the use of supplements or medications. However, the effectiveness of many anti-aging interventions remains controversial, and evidence-based research is crucial for evaluating their safety and efficacy.
Lacto-vegetarian Diet
A lacto-vegetarian diet is a type of vegetarian diet that includes dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, in addition to plant-based foods. It excludes meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Studies have shown that a lacto-vegetarian diet may be associated with higher levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally declines with age.
IGF-1
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone that plays a role in growth, development, and metabolism. It is produced primarily by the liver in response to growth hormone. Elevated levels of IGF-1 have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
Q&A
What are the potential risks associated with using human growth hormone as an anti-aging supplement?
Human growth hormone has been linked to several adverse effects, including accelerated aging, increased risk of death, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. It is important to note that these risks outweigh any potential benefits, and the use of human growth hormone for anti-aging purposes is not recommended.
What are the benefits of following a lacto-vegetarian diet?
A lacto-vegetarian diet may be associated with higher levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally declines with age. It may also offer other health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Is DHEA supplementation effective for anti-aging purposes?
Numerous clinical trials have failed to demonstrate significant benefits of DHEA supplementation for overall health, cognitive function, or sexual function. Therefore, DHEA supplementation is not recommended for anti-aging purposes.
What are some natural ways to boost DHEA levels?
Studies have shown that following a lacto-vegetarian diet and increasing fiber intake may help to boost DHEA levels. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.
Show Notes
Don’t try this at home. This episode features audio from:
- The Side Effects of Human Growth Hormone as an Anti-Aging Therapy
- DHEA: What Is It and What Are Its Benefits?
Visit the video pages for all sources and doctor’s notes related to this podcast.
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