Understanding hormonal harmony
The Invisible Work Sleep Does
While you sleep, your body isn't shutting down—it's switching gears. Deep rest triggers a powerful hormonal cascade that silently governs everything from recovery to reproduction.
Take HGH (Human Growth Hormone)—released primarily during deep sleep, it fuels tissue repair, fat metabolism, and physical growth. Cortisol, our stress hormone, naturally drops at night to help the body reset. But without enough rest, it stays elevated, leading to belly fat, anxiety, and burnout.
Sleep also regulates leptin and ghrelin, which control hunger and satiety. When sleep is cut short, cravings spike and appetite cues get distorted.
Reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, LH, and FSH all depend on sleep to support fertility, libido, and emotional balance. Even insulin sensitivity hinges on rest—poor sleep heightens diabetes risk. And of course, melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep, also acts as a powerful antioxidant and immune modulator. Research by Oncotarget shows it has also shown anticancer properties on human leiomyosarcoma. This is the invisible work your body does—when you let it rest.

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Hans India
5 days ago
- Hans India
Maximizing Bodybuilding Gains with the Right HGH Dosage: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you go to the gym, you may have heard about Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Bodybuilders talk about it all the time. Some use HGH regularly, while others are planning to take it. If you wonder why bodybuilders are interested in this supplement, you will be surprised to hear what HGH brings to the table. You can benefit from HGH in various ways. Do you want to lose weight and gain muscle? Are you looking for a safe way to recover faster after a heavy workout? Do you want to maintain peak performance during the whole workout session? HGH can help you achieve your goals only if you use the correct dosage. If you use too little HGH, you can't see optimum results. On the other hand, taking too much dosage has a risk of potential side effects. In this guide, we will break down HGH dosage for bodybuilders. You will also learn secrets to get the best results and pro tips for safe use. Let's get started! How Does HGH Help Bodybuilders to Get a Good Physique? Want to know how HGH works in bodybuilding? Let us give you a brief about the basics of growth hormones. It is a natural hormone in your body. Your pituitary gland releases it. HGH exclusively helps with cell regeneration, tissue repair, and muscle growth. That's why bodybuilders who are taking HGH regularly gain larger muscles and more energy. However, growth hormones and age are negatively correlated. GH levels peak at puberty and then gradually slow down. Many athletes and bodybuilders struggle with their performance. So, they take HGH to maintain their energy levels and enhance their workout capacity. When you combine HGH therapy and an intense workout, you will achieve maximum gain, from lean muscle to improved recovery. HGH therapy can help you: Recover faster Build muscle Burn fat Boost stamina Enhance overall performance Why does HGH Dosage Matter in Bodybuilding? Now you know how HGH helps you and what you can gain from it. But the problem is you can't take this supplement as much as you want. It is a powerful substance, and the right dosage is the key. Do you know why HGH gets a bad rep? It's because many bodybuilders are tempted by the short-term gains. So, they use higher dosage that may lead to severe issues. The common side effects are joint pain, headache, or swelling. On the other hand, many HGH users don't take the prescribed dosage. They irregularly use too little GH. As a result, they don't see better performance. That's why you must use the correct HGH dosage to maximize your gains. Are you a beginner in this HGH world and confused about how much to take? Don't worry. We have got you covered. Here, we will walk you through the complete HGH dosage for bodybuilding, including the timing. Step-by-Step Guide to HGH Dosage for Bodybuilding What's the correct HGH dosage for bodybuilders? Though there are some standards but it's not the same for all because everyone has unique health conditions and goals. You open the vial and inject as much HGH as you want into your body! It's not that simple. Your healthcare physician pulls your blood and runs some lab tests. They determine the correct dosage based on your lab results and your goal. Step 1: Determine Your HGH Goals Why do you want to use HGH? Is it for muscle growth or fat loss? Or do you want to enhance your workout capacity? Are you a professional bodybuilder or just a regular athlete? Think about your unique needs and identify your HGH goals. This will help you achieve your bodybuilding gains efficiently. Most importantly, your doctor prescribes your HGH dosage based on your bodybuilding plans. For muscle growth or fat loss, you need a higher dosage. On the other hand, a lower dosage is enough if you want to just improve your energy during a workout. Step 2: Consult with Your Physician Are you considering taking HGH for bodybuilding? You should contact your healthcare provider because they can provide expert guidance. HGH is not for everyone. Many people can't use it due to their health status. So, before starting your HGH journey, consult your physician. They know your medical history. So, your doctor can easily determine your HGH cycle and personal dosage. If you have any health issues, they can warn you and monitor your progress over time. Step 3: Start Your Beginner Cycle with Lower Dosage Don't get excited about HGH and overload your system. If you are a beginner in bodybuilding and haven't used HGH before, the doctors recommend playing the safe side. That means you should start with a lower dosage and increase gradually. The HGH beginner cycle starts with 2 IU (International Units) per day. Continue this recommended amount for about 2 weeks and check how your body responds to it. For many bodybuilders, the lower dosage should perfectly adjust with their systems without causing any trouble. However, during the beginner cycle with the recommended amount of HGH, if you are not feeling okay or experience side effects, reach out to your physician. Your doctor will adjust the dosage, mostly lowering it to 1.5 or 1 IU. Step 4: Find the Right Dosage Your first HGH cycle is crucial because your body may react negatively or show some side effects. You should regularly visit your physician during your cycle. They will examine your health status and do some bloodwork if necessary. Once they find everything is okay, and your body perfectly adapts to the HGH therapy, they may increase it to a higher dosage. For maximum gains, the doctors prescribe the optimal dosage, ranging between 3 IU to 5 IU per day. After using HGH for a while without any issue, it can be easy for you to find the right dosage. For instance, 3 IU is a suitable middle ground for most bodybuilders. However, the scenario is different for experienced ones. If you are a professional athlete, you may use 4 IU to 5 IU daily for maximum gains. Of course, consult your doctor before increasing the dosage. Don't rush to the higher dosage. Start with low and let your body adapt. Step 5: Use HGH at the Right Time for Optimum Results When it comes to HGH therapy, timing is key for getting the best progress. You can take HGH in the morning (on an empty stomach) or at night (30 minutes before bed). Many bodybuilders use it at night to mimic our natural GH production. Also, many found remarkable results when taking it before or after a workout. Want faster recovery? Take it after an intense workout. Conclusion HGH can provide comprehensive benefits only if bodybuilders use it with the right dosage and at the perfect time. Do you want to use HGH for optimum results? You should take a low dose first and change it over time. Also, inform your physician if you face any complication. Also, ensure you use authentic and genuine products from reliable sources like HGH Vallarta. We hope this guide will help you find the proper HGH dosage for maximum gains.


Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Fertility specialists explain how trending diets like keto and intermittent fasting impact men and women differently
Did you know intermittent fasting and diets like keto diet can have distinct effects on men and women, particularly when it comes to fertility? If you're considering intermittent fasting or keto diet, especially if you're trying to conceive, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and benefits and determine the best approach for your individual needs. Here's what fertility specialists have to say. Also read | About to start keto diet? 5 important things you need to know for best results Before starting any new diet, especially if you're trying to conceive, consult a doctor. (Freepik) How does keto diet impact women and men's fertility? Dr Navina Singh, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, Mumbai said, 'When we talk about trending diets like keto and intermittent fasting, it's important to remember that most people turn to them for weight loss or to improve their overall health. But when it comes to fertility, the effects aren't always straightforward. They can help in some cases, but not all, and the impact can look quite different for men and women." Dr Singh said about the keto diet: 'It's a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with moderate protein. The aim is to push the body into a state called ketosis, where it starts burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. In women, especially those dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), this can be helpful. Keto can lower insulin resistance, which is a core issue in PCOS, and that, in turn, can help regulate hormones. In obese women or those with insulin-related reproductive problems, this can sometimes lead to more regular ovulation and better chances of conception. In men, too, weight loss through keto may help improve testosterone levels, which could benefit sperm quality.' Dr Alimileti Jhansi Rani, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, Hyderabad added about the keto diet: 'It's been studied more in the context of PCOS. There are small studies showing improvements in things like blood sugar control, weight loss, and even hormone levels related to ovulation. Some women also report better skin, less hair loss, and even feeling more balanced overall. In men, keto has been linked to better sperm quality, in terms of motility and morphology.' But there are drawbacks to keep in mind. 'Cutting out carbs too drastically can affect reproductive hormones like FSH and LH. And if the diet isn't nutritionally balanced, it can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients such as folate and iron, which are essential during pregnancy. We've also seen women report irregular or missed periods after starting keto, often linked to sudden weight loss and hormonal shifts,' Dr Singh said. Intermittent fasting can be an effective way to improve health, but it's essential to approach it safely and responsibly.(Shutterstock) How intermittent fasting affects women and men Dr Singh explained how intermittent fasting is a bit different: 'It usually involves eating only during a set window and fasting for the rest of the day. The main benefit again is weight loss. For women with PCOS, it may help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and bring some hormonal balance back, all of which can support fertility. But fasting for too long or being too restrictive can cause oestrogen levels to drop, which might disrupt ovulation or even stop periods altogether. In men, intermittent fasting may initially boost testosterone and sperm health, especially when it helps manage weight or blood sugar. But over time, if it's too extreme, it could have the opposite effect.' Dr Rani further shared, 'When we talk about intermittent fasting, we usually think of it as a way to manage weight or blood sugar, but it's starting to show some promise for reproductive health too. While there is a need for larger and better research on the subject, there seems to be ways these diets help with overall fertility." She added, 'In men, too, intermittent fasting might improve fertility. Some studies indicate better sperm count and motility, especially when fasting leads to weight loss or better metabolic health. But again, more research is needed before we recommend it specifically for that purpose.' Dr Rani added, 'There's also growing interest in how fasting might affect the gut microbiome, which we now know plays a big role in hormonal regulation. Some studies suggest intermittent fasting can improve the diversity and composition of gut microbes, which could in turn support better hormonal balance. And then there's the circadian rhythm. Eating in sync with the body's internal clock, like consuming food earlier in the day, might boost some of these positive effects.' Should you follow a diet at all? According to Dr Singh, while both keto and intermittent fasting can offer fertility benefits in specific contexts, they should be approached with caution, not too rigidly, and ideally with medical guidance. Dr Rani added: 'That said, both of these diets come with caveats. They're restrictive, they affect people differently, and they're definitely not one-size-fits-all. But for the right patient, particularly someone dealing with PCOS or metabolic issues, they might be worth considering, with proper medical guidance, of course.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
What happens if an individual fasts for 24 hours? Know its benefits, potential risks, and more
When an individual fasts for 24 hours, their body undergoes changes to adapt to the lack of food intake. Fasting can have various effects, including weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. The body initially uses stored glucose for energy, then breaks down glycogen and fat for fuel. Fasting can stimulate autophagy, a process that recycles damaged cells and proteins. However, it can also lead to dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and other health issues. Certain individuals, such as pregnant women, children, and those with medical conditions, should consult their healthcare provider before fasting to ensure safety and minimize potential risks. Understanding the body's response to 24-hour fasting When an individual fasts for 24 hours, their body undergoes several changes to adapt to the lack of food intake. According to MedicalNewsToday, here's a breakdown of what happens: Initial response (0-12hours): The body uses stored glucose (sugar) for energy. As glucose levels deplete, the body begins to break down stored glycogen in the liver and muscles. Ketosis (12-24 hours): As glycogen stores are depleted, the body starts to break down fat for energy, producing ketones in the process. Autophagy: Fasting for 24 hours can stimulate autophagy, a natural process where the body recycles and removes damaged or dysfunctional cells and proteins. Benefits of 24-hour fasting Harvard Health Publishing suggests that 24-hour fasting can have several benefits, including: Weight loss: Fasting can lead to weight loss due to reduced calorie intake and increased fat burning. Improved insulin sensitivity: Fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Increased Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Fasting has been linked to increased production of HGH, which can help with weight loss and muscle gain. Enhanced cellular cleaning: Autophagy can help remove damaged or dysfunctional cells and proteins, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Potential risks and considerations of 24-hour fasting While 24-hour fasting can be beneficial for some, according to reports it's essential to consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions: Dehydration: Fasting can lead to dehydration if not enough fluids are consumed. It's crucial to drink plenty of water during fasting periods. Social and emotional challenges: Fasting can be challenging socially and emotionally, especially for those with a history of disordered eating. Nutrient deficiencies: Fasting for extended periods can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not planned properly. Hormonal changes: Fasting can affect hormone levels, including insulin, cortisol, and leptin. Individuals with hormonal imbalances or certain medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before fasting. Who should avoid 24-hour fasting? According to the National Institute of Aging, certain individuals should avoid 24-hour fasting or consult their healthcare provider before attempting it: Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Fasting can deprive the fetus or baby of essential nutrients. Children and teenagers: Fasting can affect growth and development in young individuals. Individuals with certain medical conditions: Those with diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions that require careful management should consult their healthcare provider before fasting. Senior citizens: Fasting can lead to malnutrition and dehydration in older adults, especially if not planned carefully. Also read | Understanding hypocalcemia: Causes and symptoms of low calcium levels