Does HGH Work?

Human growth hormone (HGH) is being used as a therapy against physical aging but the question is: does HGH work? To attempt to answer this question is to try to navigate a maze of different circumstances and varied types of growth hormone treatment. To begin, it's important to understand that human growth hormone is a hormone normally produced by the human pituitary gland. In children and adolescents, the hormone regulates growth; in adults it plays a role in regulation of bone density, blood sugar, fat metabolism and storage, strength and endurance, and emotional stability.

Does HGH work when treatment is used to treat a properly diagnosed case of growth hormone deficiency? Yes, in some ways. This is the one situation where hormone replacement can and possibly should be used - the condition can be serious. Most other therapeutic HGH uses are illegal, at least in the US. The hormone is synthetically produced and is administered by regular injections. Like most hormone replacement therapies, it aims at returning the patient to an essentially normal state of health, though there may be lasting consequences of the deficiency.

Does HGH work as an anti-aging therapy? There is actually not good scientific evidence that the injected hormone prolongs life, improves physical health, or supports emotional or cognitive health. In fact, the reverse may be true when large amounts of the hormone are used. Studies of therapeutic HGH in seniors have shown increased leanness, increased strength, higher bone density and younger looking skin. However, with the exception of the skin changes, other therapeutic approaches have been equally successful at building strength and bone, and growth hormone injections are significantly associated with side effects.

Does HGH work when the hormone is ingested or sprayed under the tongue instead of being injected? No. the hormone cannot be absorbed and utilized by the body in this way. Over the counter therapeutic HGH products that claim to contain the actual hormone are not only illegal (HGH can only be legally obtained with a prescription), they are making false health claims.

The alternative health industry has created some novel approaches to the problem of providing therapeutic HGH to consumers who are seeking its purported anti aging effects. These are either products intended to boost the pituitary's production of the hormone naturally, or combinations of amino acids designed to mimic the hormone in the body. Does HGH work when it’s delivered like this? Again, scientific evidence is lacking - it's really too soon to say, but the products are, at least, unlikely to do any real harm.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. You can learn more about Does HGH Work? on the AntiAging Information site.

The Anti-Aging Wonders of Hyaluronic Acid

ABC News has recently focused on the possible anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid, also known as Hyaluron or HA. In a story entitled, "The Village of Long Life: Could Hyaluronic Acid Be an Anti-Aging Remedy?", the focus was on a villiage in Japan named Yuzuri Hara where people usually live a long time and often have perfect skin into their 80's or even into their 90's. More than 10 percent of the population of his village is 85 or older, which is about ten times the average in America.

Some studies suggest that the reason that residents Yuzuri Hara, known as "The Village of Long Life," live such long and healthy lives is mainly due to the fact that the local diet that is unique to the village features a starchy vegetable which is particularly rich in HA. In fact a large pharmaceutical company in Japan began Research & Development on a pill supplement containing HA. When they tested the pills on one thousand individuals, around half of them reported smoother skin and even improved eyesight. Hyaluronic acid has also proven effective in lubricating arthritic joints as well, as certain studies have shown positive results from injections into the joints of Hyaluronic Acid, a component of the bodies own lubricant fluid, that may delay the need for a joint replacement.

Hyaluronic Acid, also simply called HA, is plentiful in our bodies when we are born, but it's levels gradually recede over time. This reduction in HA levels may be a big part of the aging process which we see.

Hyaluronic Acid occurs in the deeper layers of our skin known as the dermis and it appears to help keep the skin smooth because of it's water retention qualities. Hyaluronic Acid also apparently helps to repair skin wounds and certain other problems.

In addition, it appears to help maintain collagen levels. Under normal circumstances, collagen depletion is widely considered to be a prime factor in subpar skin tone as well as elasticity of the skin, something that is often associated with the visual aging process.

Hyaluronic Acid makes up about eighty percent of the human eye, a fact that is surprising to some people. It is a sort of shock absorber to the retina which helps to prevent trauma to the eye. It has only been recently that hyaluronic acid has been considered effective in oral form although it has long been used in injections into the joints.

A.M. Wilmont is a writer and researcher. For more information go to http://www.hyaluronic-acid-information.org/ or http://www.the-health-portal.com/

The Best Anti Aging Rejuvination

What is the best anti aging rejuvination process. Rejuvenation is the return of youth - it is anti aging. When we talk about rejuvenation, we could be referring to many things: younger looking skin, an increase in energy and interest, the return of lost hair, better health. In recent times, the similar word, "rejuvination," has appeared, which seems to be used mostly in reference to commercial products and treatments for making the skin look younger. Even this is a broad topic that can't be covered in a few words.

Even experts don't agree on the best anti aging rejuvination methods. Consumers can choose between relatively inexpensive lotions, creams, and do-it-yourself facial masks in department stores and pharmacies, or they can see a professional and pay a high price for a range of treatments. Treatments range from the typically medical approaches, to homeopathy and alternative therapies. The individual's choice will depend on personal preferences and beliefs, and budget. If you don't mind spending a bit of money, by all means consult a professional and get an assessment of your skin's condition and advice tailored for your particular situation. If you favor natural remedies, choose your professional accordingly. Otherwise, start out with the purchase of a well known brand of anti aging skin care product, perhaps something recommended by a friend, and then see if you like the results.

For the individual, the best anti aging rejuvination product will be one that is aimed at a particular problem, so choose your first purchase carefully, reading the directions and noting what the product is formulated to do. If you want to fade age spots, choose a product that promises to do this. If your skin is sun damaged, be sure to choose a lotion or cream with an SPF factor to reduce the chances of further damage. If it's your eyes, be sure to purchase an eye cream - there are differences, even among eye creams, so again, check what the cream is supposed to do. The range of available products is so vast that you will not find the best anti aging rejuvination product without doing a little research.

There are some things you should avoid. Very inexpensive products making rejuvenation claims probably won't be very effective due to cheap (or even lacking) ingredients. Products that make doubtful claims about instant or unbelievable results probably are, indeed, unbelievable. Manufacturers that don't offer a money-back guarantee shouldn't be your first choice either. And look for an expiry date to be sure you're buying a fresh product. Commercial products that fail any of these tests are not the best anti aging rejuvination choices.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. You can learn more about the best anti aging rejuvination on the AntiAging Information site.

Medical Anti Aging

Not so long ago, the term medical anti aging knowledge was a bit of a misnomer. The medical community regarded aging as an evitable part of human life, and didn’t devote much time to figuring out how to slow it down or alter its effects. Those with money could have plastic surgery, but that was about all. Today however, scientific research is revealing many of the processes that cause physical aging as the years pass, and with that understanding comes the opportunity to tinker and try to ameliorate the aging process.

The timing is perfect: the baby boomers, a huge cohort of affluent educated North Americans and Europeans are moving into their senior years and they want medical anti aging resources. The baby boomers have grown up in good health, with readily available medical care and the belief that every disease can be cured. They believe that medical treatment can keep them feeling young and vigorous as well, while they enjoy retirement. They may be right.

Many professionals with medical training are now involved in researching possible approaches for medical anti aging. We’re learning that many common diseases of old age can be avoided by eating, or not eating, certain foods, keeping our bodies fit, and protecting ourselves from environmental threats. We’re identifying genes that predispose people to certain diseases, which allows us to identify and possibly treat those at risk. We’re discovering many new drugs in chemistry and nature that help to fight diseases already in progress. And we’re discovering that some foods have potent healthful properties that we never imagined were there. Surgical interventions are still available as well, and they are better than ever.

When it comes to medical anti aging products and services however, we still have to be careful. While scientific knowledge has expanded exponentially, there are still lots of vendors making claims that are not backed up by the evidence. These entrepreneurs are poised to make a profit from a vulnerable public – while some simply relieve you of your money without providing any benefit, others may actually be harmful. Before you pay for any new or unconventional medical anti aging treatment, discuss your plans with a medical professional whom you trust, or contact one of the consumer advocate/anti-fraud organizations that can help you verify that you are getting what you pay for.

Whatever you choose, keep your eye on the latest in medical breakthroughs - there are lots of products and services already available that really do help you look and feel younger, and maintain better health. It’s a safe bet there will be many more to choose from in the near future.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. You can learn more about medical anti aging on the AntiAging Information site.