Can the human growth hormone reduce the aging process?

For centuries people have been searching for ways to increase longevity, but is the human growth hormone (hGH) really the answer?

We know that with exercise, the right diet, and specific supplements people can increase their internal health, possibly lengthening their lives by preventing disease, but is there an easier way? Some physicians say hGH injections in aging adults will help the aging process; however, a contradicting study says otherwise.

This article was published in 2006, although it may be ancient history to the growing research and development on anti-aging medicine today, we still need to take into account what it has to say about hGH injections and are they a scam? HGH is indeed an anti-aging medicine; however, there are several risks involved in taking this medication. One study showed that hGH did not increase strength, improve exercise capabilities, intellectual skills, memory or prevent depression (signs of aging not cured by anti-aging medicine). This article also mentions a study including adults with real growth hormone deficiency that only experienced results during the 24 months of treatment and then the results diminished. Furthermore, older individuals had significant side effects. This is necessary to take into account because this generation would be the buyers of anti-aging products. Treated participants developed carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling, joint pain, and developed pre-diabetes or diabetes. There is also a concern about the possibility of an increased cancer risk with long-term hGH treatment. The hormone induced by hGH, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), promotes the growth of cells and prevents them from dying. And that’s exactly what cancer cells do — they grow wildly and don’t die!

This article totally contradicts what other industries are trying to promote. And yet the United States is putting their money where they deem valuable, nowadays it is to look like the latest movie star on the cover of People Magazine. Billions of dollars are going into research and development to slow down the aging process. Even if there are hundreds of studies stating that hGH injections are helpful to aging, the side effects to high levels of hGH do not seem worth it and overall are barely helpful. Conversely, it is your choice. What do you value? A few months of incresed muscle tissue or a natural, healthy life.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10766061/