The human body has numerous amounts of hormones which are intricate in nature. They are what allow the muscles to eventually grow, or at times do the opposite. Maximizing hormones like the testosterone, insulin, IGF-1, and HGH can ultimately result in a substantial increase and development of strength for the lean muscle growth, as well as a result to a decrease in adipose tissue.
Testosterone is the king of all types of hormones in the field of natural bodybuilding as it interacts directly with skeletal muscle. When taken advantage of, the relevant testosterone can greatly provide an increase in the individual’s strength and motivate muscular development. It eventually increases the nitrogen retention within the cells resulting in a subsequent increase in the amino acid uptake and a quite high anabolic environment.
There are a great number of several methods that can help in increasing your body’s testosterone levels like incorporating several compound exercises such as, dead lifts, squats, bench presses, and other form like pull-ups at very high intensity and with high resistance.
Nutrition also plays a major role in testosterone levels production. Chicken or other types of red meats can augment the testosterone production because of the zinc present in them. Eating fruits like blueberries, citrus fruits, apples and other related fruits containing vitamin can also serve in increasing the testosterone levels. Salmon is another option which can indirectly result in a subsequent testosterone levels development as the fish oil helping to lower levels of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) which finally binds to the testosterone in the individual’s blood. Testosterone can also be augmented through the use of dietary supplements like tribulus terrestris referred to as ZMA.
HGH (human growth hormone) and the IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) remain as the powerful hormones, which helps in muscle growth and breaking down the adipose tissue for energy production. HGH also decreases the glucose use for energy production thus it breaks down fats, increases the protein synthesis and enhances the body’s immune system. IGF-1 increases protein synthesis directly by providing trigger satellite cells to enable the creation of new muscle tissue and induce muscle hyperplasia referred to as splitting of the muscle cells. IGF-1 is secreted directly by the liver as a result of the respective HGH in the bloodstream; therefore the levels of HGH and IGF-1 go hand in hand. HGH levels can eventually be increased naturally by the consumption of proteins and carbohydrates and having a pre and post exercise, doing some high intensity interval workouts, resting for a minute between reps and doing 4 sets of between 8-10 reps for each type of exercise.
Insulin is another anabolic hormone which is strategically set for muscle development. This is when it is taken advantage of in the correct manner. Insulin acts like a key to getting inside the cells. It increases the permeability of cells, allowing more of the glucose and subsequent amino acids to enter the muscles and eventually decreases muscle degradation. Therefore working to the advantage of the bodybuilder.