HGH is a naturally occurring substance produced in the brain's pituitary gland. The HGH that the pituitary gland excretes goes straight to the liver and other tissues in the body where it does its job of stimulating the production of IGF-I or growth factor I, a substance very similar to insulin.

HGH plays an important role in the growth of our cells. This is why HGH is found in abundant amounts in our bodies while we are young, helping in the healthy development of our bones and muscles. In cases where young children have a delayed growth rate, or are smaller than their age, doctors usually prescribe HGH supplements to aid in their growth and development.

By the time a person reaches the age of 31, the pituitary gland's production of HGH goes on an abrupt decline. The immediate effect is felt by our bodies as healthy cell growth slows down. The fall in HGH production results in our body exhibiting the typical signs of aging. Symptoms include sagging skin, hair loss, increasingly fragile bones, reduced mental capacity, increase in body fat, a decline in sexual performance, and considerable loss in lean muscle mass.

The FDA has approved the use of HGH therapy and HGH-related supplements for people with a deficiency in HGH that results in decreased pituitary functions and other abnormalities. Their diminutive physique, constant fatigue, inadequate sleep, increased body fat, brittle bones, weak muscles, and certain psychological problems characterize people suffering from HGH deficiency.

HGH therapy is also recommended for children whose HGH deficiency has lead to Turner syndrome and chronic renal deficiency. In adults, HGH deficiency causes tumor growth in the pituitary gland and a muscle-wasting sickness usually exhibited in HIV/AIDS cases. It is estimated that out of 265 million Americans, approximately 75,000 seriously require HGH therapy.

HGH therapy has become popular since the early 1990's for its potential as a means to delay the process of aging. With the advent of biosynthetic HGH in 1985, an increasing number of people have gone through HGH therapy to slow down the aging process. HGH replacement therapy is a kind of treatment that may involve: 1) taking HGH releasers which contain vitamins and amino acids to stimulate the body to produce more amounts of HGH, or 2) taking HGH injections just underneath the skin's surface. The latter procedure requires a doctor's prescription and is more expensive than the former.

Taking HGH dietary supplements are a safer and less expensive way to enhance the immune system, increase a person's vitality, promote sexual health, improve skin texture, and bring about hair growth. HGH supplements also impede the development of fat and cellulite, diminish stiffness and pain in the joints, and enable people to sleep more deeply and wake up more rested. Weight loss and a younger-looking countenance are among the expected results of HGH supplements.

Doing regular exercise is recommended to aid HGH dietary supplements in functioning within the body. The more exercise a person does, the more HGH the body produces. Higher levels of HGH are usually found in athletes and bodybuilders who perform regimented exercises on a regular basis. While HGH is effective in decreasing body fat and improving lean body mass, a healthy diet and regular exercise enhances the effect of these supplements.

Doctors also recommend adopting a healthier lifestyle to avoid extraneous factors which speed up the aging process and reverse the effects of HGH. Bad habits that should be avoided include smoking, drinking, excessive alcohol, drug abuse, and leading a passive lifestyle. Combining a healthy diet and appropriate exercise with an HGH supplement will be a sure way to help people live a longer and healthier life.