Vitamins for Pituitary Gland How Does it Work?What Are the Benefits Of Vitamins For Pituitary Gland?Mineral Supplementations For Pituitary Gland Vitamins can be extremely useful to help your body make use of hormones that are naturally occurring in the body. Hormone synthesis occurs in your pituitary gland, and can be disrupted by deficiencies in minerals and vitamins.
You can help your pituitary gland by controlling excess levels of various chemicals in the body. This is done by taking certain herbs, minerals and vitamins so that one can curb the production of these specific chemicals.
Have you been looking for the best pituitary gland herbs? Do you want to know what supplements are best for thyroid and pituitary glands? Here is a list of natural remedies and vitamins which may help to improve or restore your health.
vitamins for pituitary gland
The pituitary gland is a pea-shaped mass of tissue that is located at the base of the brain. It is part of the endocrine system, which controls other glands in the body such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and sex hormones. The function of the pituitary gland is to release hormones into the bloodstream.
Vitamins are a necessity for our bodies to function as it should. It is very important to take a proper dosage of vitamins so that your body gets enough nutrients to perform all its functions and maintain itself. While many people take their daily dose of vitamins, particularly during winter season when cold winds may come knocking at your doorstep, some people do not know what they are missing out on. So let’s have a look at what vitamins can do for you:
If you are looking for supplements to help with your body’s natural functions and to boost your overall health, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article I’ll be starting off with 5 ways in which you can improve your body’s ability to be clean and healthy. Supplements are a great way to help achieve that.
minerals for pituitary gland
Human growth hormone (HGH) is an important hormone produced by your pituitary gland.
Also known as growth hormone (GH), it plays a key role in growth, body composition, cell repair, and metabolism (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
HGH also boosts muscle growth, strength, and exercise performance, while helping you recover from injury and disease (4Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).
Low HGH levels may decrease your quality of life, increase your risk of disease, and make you gain fat (9Trusted Source).
Optimal levels are especially important during weight loss, injury recovery, and athletic training (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
Interestingly, your diet and lifestyle choices can significantly affect your HGH levels (6Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
Here are 11 evidence-based ways to increase human growth hormone (HGH) levels naturally.
- Lose body fat
The amount of belly fat you carry is directly related to your HGH production (3Trusted Source).
Those with higher levels of belly fat will likely have impaired HGH production and an increased risk of disease.
One study observed that those with three times the amount of belly fat as the control group had less than half their amount of HGH (15Trusted Source).
Another study monitored the 24-hour release of HGH and found a large decline in those with more abdominal fat.
Interestingly, research suggests that excess body fat affects HGH levels more in men. However, lowering body fat is still key for both genders (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).
What’s more, a study found that people with obesity had lower levels of HGH and IGF-1 — a growth-related protein. After losing a significant amount of weight, their levels returned to normal (17Trusted Source).
Belly fat is the most dangerous type of stored fat and linked to many diseases. Losing belly fat will help optimize your HGH levels and other aspects of your health.
SUMMARY
Get rid of excess body fat — especially around your belly — to optimize your HGH levels and improve your health.
- Fast intermittently
Studies show that fasting leads to a major increase in HGH levels.
One study found that 3 days into a fast, HGH levels increased by over 300%. After 1 week of fasting, they had increased by a massive 1,250% (18Trusted Source).
Other studies have found similar effects, with double or triple HGH levels after just 2–3 days of fasting (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
However, continuous fasting is not sustainable in the long term. Intermittent fasting is a more popular dietary approach that limits eating to brief time periods.
Multiple methods of intermittent fasting are available. One common approach is a daily 8-hour eating window with a 16-hour fast. Another involves eating only 500–600 calories 2 days per week (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).
Intermittent fasting can help optimize HGH levels in two main ways. First, it can help you drop body fat, which directly affects HGH production (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).
Second, it’ll keep your insulin levels low for most of the day, as insulin is released when you eat. Research suggests that insulin spikes can disrupt your natural growth hormone production (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).
One study observed large differences in HGH levels on the fasting day compared with the eating day (30Trusted Source).
Shorter 12–16-hour fasts likely help as well, though more research is needed to compare their effects with full-day fasts.
SUMMARY
Fasting can significantly increase HGH levels, though more research is needed on shorter fasts.
- Try an arginine supplement
When taken alone, arginine may boost HGH.
Though most people tend to use amino acids like arginine alongside exercise, several studies show little or no increase in HGH levels (31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
However, studies have observed that taking arginine on its own — without any exercise —significantly increases levels of this hormone (32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
Other non-exercise studies also support the use of arginine to boost HGH.
One study examined the effects of taking either 45 or 114 mg of arginine per pound (100 or 250 mg per kg) of body weight, or around 6–10 or 15–20 grams per day, respectively.
It found no effect for the lower dose, but participants taking the higher dose experienced around a 60% increase in HGH levels during sleep (34Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Higher doses of arginine may improve growth hormone production, but not when taken around exercise.
- Reduce your sugar intake
An increase in insulin is associated with lower HGH levels.
Refined carbs and sugar raise insulin levels the most, so reducing your intake may help optimize growth hormone levels (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
One study found that healthy people had 3–4 times higher HGH levels than those with diabetes, as well as impaired carb tolerance and insulin function (35Trusted Source).
Along with directly affecting insulin levels, excess sugar intake is a key factor in weight gain and obesity, which also affect HGH levels.
That said, the occasional sweet treat will not impact your HGH levels in the long term.
Aim to achieve a balanced diet, as what you eat has a profound effect on your health, hormones, and body composition.
SUMMARY
Elevated insulin levels may reduce HGH production. Therefore, limit your intake of large amounts of sugar and refined carbs.
- Don’t eat a lot before bedtime
Your body naturally releases significant amounts of HGH, especially at night (36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source).
Given that most meals cause a rise in insulin levels, some experts suggest avoiding food before bedtime (25Trusted Source).
In particular, a high-carb or high-protein meal may spike your insulin and potentially block some of the HGH released at night (38Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that insufficient research exists on this theory.
Nevertheless, insulin levels normally decrease 2–3 hours after eating, so you may wish to avoid carb- or protein-based meals 2–3 hours before bedtime.
SUMMARY
More research is needed on the effects of nighttime eating on HGH. Still, it may be best to avoid food 2–3 hours before bed.
- Take a GABA supplement
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter, sending signals around your brain.
As a well-known calming agent for your brain and central nervous system, it’s often used to aid sleep. Interestingly, it may also help increase your HGH levels (39Trusted Source).
One study found that taking a GABA supplement led to a 400% increase in HGH at rest and a 200% increase following exercise (40Trusted Source).
GABA may also increase HGH levels by improving your sleep, since your nighttime growth hormone release is linked to sleep quality and depth (41Trusted Source, 42Trusted Source).
However, most of these increases were short-lived and GABA’s long-term benefits for growth hormone levels remain unclear (39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
GABA supplements may help increase HGH production, though this increase seems to be short-lived.
- Exercise at a high intensity
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to significantly raise your HGH levels.
The increase depends on the type of exercise, intensity, food intake around the workout, and your body’s own traits (43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source, 45Trusted Source, 46Trusted Source, 47Trusted Source, 48Trusted Source, 49Trusted Source).
High-intensity exercise increases HGH the most, but all forms of exercise are beneficial (43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source).
You can perform repeated sprints, interval training, weight training, or circuit training to spike your HGH levels and maximize fat loss (46Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source, 51).
As with supplements, exercise mainly causes short-term spikes in HGH levels.
Nevertheless, over the long term, exercise may optimize your hormone function and decrease body fat, both of which will benefit your HGH levels.
SUMMARY
Exercise provides a large spike in HGH. High-intensity training is the best form of exercise to increase growth hormone levels.
- Take beta-alanine and/or a sports drink around your workouts
Some sports supplements can optimize performance and temporarily boost your HGH levels.
In one study, taking 4.8 grams of beta-alanine before a workout increased the number of repetitions performed by 22% (52Trusted Source).
It also doubled peak power and boosted HGH levels compared with the non-supplement group (52Trusted Source).
Another study demonstrated that a sugary sports drink increased HGH levels toward the end of a workout. However, if you’re trying to lose fat, the drink’s extra calories will negate any benefit from the short-term HGH spike (53Trusted Source).
Studies have shown that protein shakes —both with and without carbs — can boost HGH levels around workouts (48Trusted Source).
However, if a casein or whey protein supplement is taken immediately before strength exercise, it may have the opposite effect.
One study found that drinking a beverage containing 25 grams (0.9 ounces) of casein or whey protein 30 minutes before strength exercise reduced levels of human growth hormone and testosterone, compared with a non-caloric placebo (49Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Beta-alanine, carbs, and protein may increase short-term growth hormone spikes during or after a workout.
- Optimize your sleep
The majority of HGH is released in pulses when you sleep. These pulses are based on your body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm.
The largest pulses occur before midnight, with some smaller pulses in the early morning (36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source).
Studies have shown that poor sleep can reduce the amount of HGH your body produces (42Trusted Source).
In fact, getting an adequate amount of deep sleep is one of the best strategies to enhance your long-term HGH production (37Trusted Source, 42Trusted Source).
Here are a few simple strategies to help optimize your sleep:
Avoid blue light exposure before bedtime.
Read a book in the evening.
Make sure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature.
Don’t consume caffeine late in the day.
SUMMARY
Focus on optimizing sleep quality and aim for 7–10 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Take a melatonin supplement
Melatonin is a hormone that plays an important role in sleep and blood pressure regulation (54Trusted Source).
Melatonin supplements have become a popular sleep aid that can increase the quality and duration of your sleep (55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source, 57Trusted Source, 58Trusted Source, 59Trusted Source, 60Trusted Source, 61Trusted Source).
While good sleep alone may benefit HGH levels, further research has shown that a melatonin supplement can directly enhance HGH production (58Trusted Source, 62Trusted Source, 63Trusted Source, 64Trusted Source).
Melatonin is also fairly safe and non-toxic. However, it may alter your brain chemistry in some ways, so you may want to check with your healthcare provider before using it (65Trusted Source).
To maximize its effects, take 1–5 mg about 30 minutes before bed. Start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance, then increase if needed.
SUMMARY
Melatonin supplements can enhance sleep and increase your body’s natural HGH production.
- Try these other natural supplements
Several other supplements may enhance human growth hormone production, including:
Glutamine. A 2-gram dose may temporarily increase levels up to 78% (66Trusted Source).
Creatine. A 20-gram dose of creatine significantly increased HGH levels for 2–6 hours (67Trusted Source).
Ornithine. One study gave participants ornithine 30 minutes after exercise and found a greater peak in HGH levels (68).
L-dopa. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, 500 mg of L-dopa increased HGH levels for up to 2 hours (69Trusted Source).
Glycine. Studies have found glycine can improve gym performance and provide short-term spikes in HGH (70Trusted Source).
While these supplements may increase your HGH levels, studies indicate that their effects are only temporary.
SUMMARY
Several natural supplements can temporarily increase the production of HGH.
The bottom line
As with other key hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, having healthy levels of growth hormone is important.
HGH helps your body with metabolism, cell repair, and other vital functions.
By following the tips above, you can increase your HGH levels fairly easily.
Written by Rudy Mawer, MSc, CISSN on September 23, 2019
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NUTRITION
7 Foods That May Help Boost Testosterone
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Frequently asked questions
Bottom line
Testosterone is a sex hormone that affects:
sex drive
bones and muscle health
sperm production
blood cell production
Testosterone declines as you age, but other factors can also cause low testosterone, including certain medications, high body-fat levels, and some health conditions (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source) .
Low testosterone, also called hypogonadism or low T, occurs when testosterone levels fall below 300 nanograms/deciliter (ng/dL). Low testosterone can be medically treated through testosterone replacement therapy (3Trusted Source).
Hypogonadism is very common. In fact, around 40% of men over 45 years old and 50% of men in their 80s are considered hypogonadal (3Trusted Source).
A health-promoting lifestyle, including diet, is important for maintaining optimal testosterone levels. Some studies have found that diets high in ultra-processed foods and low in nutrient-dense foods may reduce testosterone levels (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
If you have low testosterone levels, follow a medical professional’s recommendations. Additionally, you may consider adopting a dietary pattern rich in foods that contain nutrients important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
Many nutrients, including vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc, are important for maintaining optimal testosterone levels (7Trusted Source).
However, there’s limited research investigating the impact of specific foods on testosterone levels.
This article covers 7 foods that are rich in nutrients that may help promote healthy testosterone levels.
Jeremy Pawlowski/Stocksy United
- Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are rich in nutrients that are important for hormonal health, such as vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Even though certain high fat foods, such as fried foods, have been linked to decreased testosterone levels in some people, research has also shown that low fat diets may be detrimental for testosterone levels (5Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).
A systematic review of six studies found that low fat dietary patterns were associated with decreased testosterone levels, compared to higher fat dietary patterns (8Trusted Source).
However, the researchers noted that more high quality studies are needed to fully understand this relationship (8Trusted Source).
Regardless, adding healthy sources of fat like fatty fish to your diet likely benefits overall health, including hormonal health.
What’s more, fatty fish are good sources of zinc, vitamin D, and protein — nutrients that are important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
For example, studies show that men with lower levels of vitamin D tend to have lower testosterone than men with higher levels. This is because vitamin D is essential for male reproductive health (9Trusted Source).
- Dark, leafy greens
Dark, leafy greens are an excellent source of micronutrients, including magnesium, a mineral that’s critical for maintaining optimal testosterone levels, especially in older men.
It’s thought that magnesium increases testosterone bioactivity in the body because magnesium reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between antioxidant defenses and free radicals in the body.
Oxidative stress and inflammation can reduce testosterone, so introducing nutrients that combat oxidative stress may help maintain healthy testosterone levels (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).
An older study in 399 men ages 65 or older found that those who had higher levels of magnesium in their blood had higher testosterone levels compared with those who had lower magnesium levels (10Trusted Source).
Additionally, a study in Taiwanese men found that low intake of leafy green vegetables was linked to lower testosterone levels (5Trusted Source).
Therefore, eating more magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, may help promote healthy testosterone levels.
- Cocoa products
Cocoa products like cocoa powder and cacao nibs are high in magnesium and flavonoid antioxidants, both of which are important for testosterone.
Flavonoids are plant compounds that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Studies suggest that certain flavonoids, including cocoa flavonoids like quercetin and apigenin, may help increase the production of testosterone from cells in the testicles called Leydig cells (13Trusted Source).
When you shop for cocoa products, you may want to choose ones that contain no added sugar or only small amounts of added sugar. Consider cocoa powder, cacao nibs, or low-sugar dark chocolate for their impressive health benefits.
- Avocados
Avocados provide healthy fat, which is important for hormonal health. Plus, avocados contain magnesium and a mineral called boron, which studies indicate may benefit testosterone levels (14Trusted Source).
Boron is a trace mineral that seems to influence testosterone metabolism in the body and may protect against testosterone degradation (15).
Though some studies show that supplementing with high levels of boron may help boost testosterone in certain people, study results are mixed. More research is needed to fully understand how boron supplements impact testosterone (16Trusted Source).
While it’s not currently recommended to take boron supplements to increase testosterone, adding dietary sources of this mineral, like avocados, may help maintain healthy testosterone levels.
- Eggs
Egg yolks are rich in healthy fat, protein, and selenium, a mineral that acts as an antioxidant in the body.
According to some studies in test tubes and animals, selenium may help enhance the production of testosterone by activating certain pathways and the expression of certain genes (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
Additionally, some studies in humans and animals have found that testosterone levels are higher in those with optimal selenium levels in their blood (18Trusted Source).
However, we need more research, especially in humans, before we can draw conclusions about selenium’s effect on testosterone.
Eggs are highly nutritious, so adding them to your diet if they’re not already a part of it is a good idea, unless you have an egg allergy. Remember that whole eggs are much more nutritious than plain egg whites, since the yolks contain most of the micronutrients.
- Berries, cherries, and pomegranates
Berries, cherries, and pomegranates are high in flavonoid antioxidants, which may help protect testosterone-producing cells from damage and increase testosterone production (13Trusted Source).
An older study in rats found that pomegranate juice supplementation helped protect against induced oxidative stress, increased testosterone levels, and helped protect Leydig cells (which produce testosterone) from injury (19Trusted Source).
However, we need more research in humans before we can conclude whether pomegranates or their juice can affect your testosterone levels.
Pomegranates, berries, and cherries may protect against obesity-induced inflammation, which can lower testosterone levels (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
Therefore, consuming antioxidant-rich foods like these fruits may promote overall health, including hormonal health.
- Shellfish
Shellfish like oysters and clams are excellent sources of zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which may support optimal testosterone levels.
Because of its important role in reproductive health, zinc deficiency can cause hypogonadism (22Trusted Source).
What’s more, high dose zinc supplements appear to be effective for treating hypogonadism in some men. Yet, zinc supplements are not currently recommended as a universal treatment for hypogonadism (23Trusted Source).
But eating foods high in nutrients important for maintaining optimal testosterone levels like zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fats may support hormonal health.
Other ways to boost testosterone
Health-promoting diet changes may help with low testosterone, but they’re not cures for hypogonadism. A doctor must confirm that you have low testosterone through a physical exam and blood test.
If you’re diagnosed with low T, you may be prescribed testosterone replacements, such as (3Trusted Source):
tablets or pills
skin patches
topical gel
injections
These medications can come with the risk of serious side effects, so make sure you discuss all of them with your doctor.
Additionally, consider making dietary adjustments to boost your overall health, not just to treat low T.
Factors like body weight and certain lifestyle choices can affect testosterone levels as well.
For example, men with obesity are more likely to develop hypogonadism than moderate-weight men (24Trusted Source).
Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is critical for hormonal health.
Being more physically active, quitting smoking if you smoke, and cutting back on alcohol and drug use may also help men with low testosterone improve their testosterone status (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).
Frequently asked questions
This section covers factors that may affect testosterone levels and the symptoms you may experience with low T.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone levels?
Symptoms of low testosterone include (3Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source):
decreased spontaneous erections
decreased sex drive
reduced testicular size
reduced bone and muscle mass
loss of body hair
fatigue
weakness
profuse sweating
Keep in mind that symptoms related to low testosterone are non-specific and overlap with symptoms of other, potentially serious health conditions.
You should not self-diagnose low testosterone. If you suspect that you may have low testosterone, talk with a healthcare professional for proper testing.
Can drinking and drug use impact testosterone levels?
Yes. Research shows that harmful use of alcohol and drugs can affect sex hormone levels, including reducing testosterone (27Trusted Source).
In fact, alcohol and drug misuse is recognized as a potentially reversible cause of hypogonadism (27Trusted Source).
If you’re currently struggling with substance use, know that there are ways to get help. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for more information on treatment and support.
Are “testosterone-boosting supplements” safe?
It’s not a good idea to use supplements marketed as “testosterone boosters”.
That’s because many of these supplements contain ingredients like herbs that could potentially interact with medications or cause other dangerous side effects.
For example, pulmonary embolism and elevated liver enzymes are just some complications that have been associated with the use of supplements marketed to boost testosterone (30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
Plus, a study that evaluated 50 “T booster” supplements found that over 10% of the supplements contained ingredients that may negatively affect testosterone levels (31Trusted Source).
The study also discovered that many of the supplements contained unnecessarily high amounts of certain nutrients like zinc and B3 (31Trusted Source).
If you suspect that you have low testosterone, avoid supplements marketed as “testosterone boosters.” Instead, talk with a healthcare professional for advice on safe and evidence-based treatments.
The bottom line
Diet and lifestyle impact hormonal health and may impact testosterone levels.
Adding foods rich in nutrients important for maintaining optimal testosterone levels like vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and flavonoid antioxidants may help support hormonal health.
However, if you have low testosterone or suspect that you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for advice on the right testing and treatment.
Just one thing
Try this today: Symptoms of low testosterone, including fatigue, muscle loss, and low sex drive, overlap with symptoms of other, potentially serious medical conditions.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to visit your doctor to undergo appropriate testing to determine whether your symptoms are related to low testosterone or something else. You can also view options by clicking the link below.