Growth hormone

Growth Hormone (somatotropin) is a protein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, especially during deep sleep.

Growth hormone plays a key role in the following processes:

• Facilitates growth and tissue, bone, and muscle repair.
• Participates in regulating metabolism.
• Aids in fat burning and muscle building.
• Influences blood glucose levels.

Growth Hormone and the Keto Diet

The keto diet influences the level of growth hormone in the body.

Transitioning to a ketogenic diet involves limiting carbohydrate intake, leading to reduced insulin levels and increased growth hormone levels. This is because insulin and growth hormone are antagonists, meaning high levels of one lead to lower levels of the other.

Metabolism Impact

During the keto diet, lipolysis, the breakdown of fats, is intensified, resulting in increased levels of free fatty acids in the blood and their utilization as an energy source.

Growth hormone enhances this process, promoting effective fat burning.

Muscle Building

A ketogenic diet is often used by athletes to increase muscle mass as it boosts growth hormone secretion necessary for muscle growth.

It is important to maintain sufficient protein levels in the diet to provide building blocks for muscles.

Benefits and Risks

The benefits of increased growth hormone levels on the keto diet include improved fat burning, muscle growth, and accelerated recovery.

However, there are risks associated with potential carbohydrate metabolism disturbances and increased strain on the pancreas.