Medical research brings us ever closer to our basic desire to live long and healthy lives. As we study the lifestyles of the communities where longevity is the norm, such as the people of Hunzaland in the Himalayan mountains, the Georgian people of the Caucasus Mountain region of Russia and the Tarahumara Indians of Central America, we find some clues.

Diet, lifestyle, and degree of environmental pollution play a critical role in longevity. This being said, thank goodness there are supplements and substances available to regenerate and enliven our body/mind/spirit in this age of fast food, stress and pollution.

I have reported in this column about the beneficial effects of Kefir, Rhododendron Caucasicum, and Chinese Wolfberry to support every system of the body. Recently I have been reading research on how the human growth hormone can reverse the signs of aging.

What is human growth hormone?

Known as somatotrophin, or hGH, growth hormone is naturally produced by the pituitary gland. It has recently been shown to peel years off of older people's biological age. The research shows that the older you are, the more you will feel its effects.

What does hGH do for the human body?

• Strengthens the immune system
• Reverses the effects of aging
• Improves lean-to-fat ratios; Lose fat, build muscle!
• Reverses heart disease
• Boosts bone formation
• Activates production of skin proteins, collagen and elastin
• Increases energy
• Lifts depression
• Restores deep sleep
• Improves sexual performance
• Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol

The body produces hGH well into advanced age. The problem is not a lack of hGH secretion, but lack of hGH conversion in the liver. In the body, hGH is useless unless the liver converts it first into IGH-1, which is responsible for carrying out the actions of the chemical message sent by hGH. If the liver is not functioning properly, then IGF-1 conversion in the liver won't occur. This means that hGH will have a limited effect on the body, and signs of aging will be noticeable, both internally and externally.

According to studies published by the State Scientific and Technological Commission of China, the Chinese Wolfberry caused the blood of aged volunteers to noticeably "reverse to a young state" and protect the liver. Wolfberry promotes IGF-1 production by the liver, and IGF-1 uptake by the cells.

Dr. Ronald Klatz, President of the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, refers to some of the most powerful growth hormone releasers in his book, "Grow Young with HGH." They include amino acids such as L-dopa, L-glutamine, L-arginine, and L-ornithine as well as the essential oil of Conyza Canadensis.

Conyza Canadensis is a new essential oil which was investigated in Europe for its ability to stimulate the pancreas and liver and counteract retarded puberty.

Diet and exercise play an extremely important role in enhancing the effects of hGH supplementation in the body. The higher your insulin levels, the lower the hGH levels in the blood. The more frequently and vigorously you exercise, the higher the hGH levels in the blood. Fasting for 4 to 8 hours or more increases hGH levels and cell receptivity to hGH. Also, the liver needs to be cleansed and the thyroid and pancreas need to be functioning normally.

Dr. Gary Young has recently introduced a product, "Ultra Young", that supports healthy pituitary and growth hormone secretions. The ingredients are a synergistic blend of the top growth hormone releasers.

• Vicia Faba Major- contains L-dopa, a potent stimulator of growth hormone. A National Institute of Aging study found that L-dopa given to patients over 60 years of age dramatically increased levels of growth hormone.
• Anterior pituitary peptide isolate (an animal product)-contains growth hormone and other hormones secreted by the pituitary gland
• Chinese Wolfberry Concentrate-from an area in China, where the average life expectancy is 10-20 years above normal. Was reported to have an insulin-like action in the body. Low blood sugar levels are vital to hGH conversion and use at the cellular level.
• L-Glutamine, L-Arginine, L-Lysine, L-Glycine-amino acids that stimulate the pituitary to secrete growth hormone and facilitate its conversion to IGF-1 in the liver.
• Coniza canadensis-a rare essential oil studied by Daniel Penoel, MD for its ability to stimulate the pancreas and liver and counteract retarded puberty
• Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-researchers at the University of Manitoba Department of Medicine state that pituitary hGH release is regulated by blood levels of GABA
• DHEA-a report published by the New York Academy of Science discussed DHEA's effects on muscle strength and lean body mass and immune function. They stated that it enhanced the quality of life in aging men and women with no adverse side effects.
• Zinc-One of the key minerals that support the pituitary, thyroid and hypothalamus. Also a part of the enzymes that convert hGH into IGF-1. Has been used in the treatment of retarded growth in children.

How Can Essential Oils help the body use and convert hGH?

Because essential oils have the same lipid structure as the cell membranes, they have an unmatched ability to penetrate cell walls and transport hormones into the cells. Essential Oils that regulate and support liver function, which is crucial in converting growth hormone to IGF-1, are:

• Carrot seed
• Geranium
• Rosemary
• Roman Chamomile
• Blue Chamomile

Essential Oils high in sesquiterpenes that may help to oxygenate and support the hypothalamus, especially when inhaled, are:

• Peppermint
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Lavender
• Sandalwood

It is gratifying to realize that even though we do not live in Hunzaland, or have the benefit of a perfectly pure diet or environment, we can take advantage of this research and encourage our body to produce the very substances that offer an extended, healthy, and vigorous life.

You may contact Joan at 845-679-0512
or e-mail joanapter@earthlink.net

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