Turning back the body's BIOLOGICAL clock

Human growth hormone (HGH)

Hormones are tiny chemical messengers continuously secreted in the bloodstream to enable the body to regulate the activities of the vital organs. The word ‘hormone‘ is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘to stimulate’.

Growth hormone is one of many endocrine hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, melatonin and DHEA that are responsible for our normal growth and deter some aging effects.

HGH is produced in the master or pituitary gland located in our brain, and it secretes hormones influencing growth of cells, bones, muscles and organs throughout our lifetime. It promotes growth in children, peaks in their adolescence and plays a pivotal role in adult metabolism.


Every 3 years or so around 90% of our 100 trillion cells undergo dying and regeneration. Although only the brain retains its original cells, new proteins are continuously being produced to store memories of every new experience. Overall intelligence, memory and learning ability are dependent on adequacy of growth hormone to function properly.

With aging, the pituitary gland releases less growth hormone. This declining level has a strong correlation with increasing aging process. Related symptoms such as wrinkling of the skin, increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, increased cholesterol, decline in stamina and energy level, reduced mental function and loss of libido are natural phenomenon but the extent of which varies with individuals.

Research history


In 1958, HGH was put on experiments to help children suffering from dwarfism to grow normally having discovered that their pituitary glands were either defective or not functioning at all. For treatment purpose then, HGH was extracted from pituitary glands collected from post mortem of corpses in Africa. Thousands of brains of the dead had to be harvested to yield just a few drops of HGH. Results were so amazing that 10 years later FDA approved the usage of HGH in treating any person suffering from growth hormone deficiency.

In 1985, a new breakthrough successfully produced large quantities of HGH through micro-biological replication by inserting human DHA into microorganisms. This technique of genetic engineering marked a new milestone in anti-aging treatment with many clinical studies backing.

A pioneer scientist, Dr Daniel Rudman indicated in his 1985 publish in the New England Journal of Medicine that “human aging is a result of HGH deficiency, and is not the commonly accepted view of inevitable natural phenomenon” and “that by stimulating the pituitary gland with HGH, the gland could be made to recover its function to secrete HGH again” won him many patients – including celebrities, corporate executives, renowned doctors, specialists and scholars at that time.






Biological activities


Growth Hormone stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) which in turn stimulates growth in cells throughout the body, leading to growth and development (as in the womb and through adolescence), strengthening of tissues (improving bone density, building muscle), and healing (skin, bones, gut lining etc.), depending on where is needed. An average individual should have 350 IU per litre. For those below average especially on unhealthy diet over prolonged periods, tend to look older than their actual age. The natural substances extracted from foods provide nutritional support for the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Hence, a balanced diet comprising about 40% complex carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat is crucial for normal development.

Synergistic nutrition like precursors, stimulants (eg. vitamin B3) and synergists (eg. DHEA) help to support growth hormone levels. Some precursors include amino acids glycine, tryptophan, arginine, omithine, glutamine and lysine provide the substances to stimulate the production of the growth hormone.

Like the other endocrine hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA that decline with age, raising the output of HGH can retard biological aging. At the same time, it can reverse a wide range of the signs and symptoms associated with aging. So even though it is impossible to revert to the growth hormone level at age 25, stimulating the pituitary gland sufficiently can yield good results in nourishing all organs and rebuilding them.


In 1991 a Dr Robert PhD in Biomedical Engineering developed an oral delivery system for Growth Hormone. His studies showed an average increase of 30% in IGF-1 levels every 30 days and by 90 days, most of the test subjects had doubled their IG-1 levels.

Health benefits

Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and other journals showed that HGH may reverse human biological aging and tested effects over 6 months-

* Restoring muscle mass – has substantial effects on muscle building (by 81%), strength (by 88%) and endurance

* Decreasing body fat – revs up the metabolism to reduce fat and increase muscle mass (by 72%)

* Thickening the skin – becomes more elastic and hydrated (by 71%), and can heal burn skin and close ulcerated wounds too

* Reducing wrinkles – antioxidant activity can remove free radicals (by 61%)

* Restoring hair color and growth – usually appears fast and thicker (by 38%)

* Increasing energy and vitality – reinvigorates the mind, concentration and thinking power

* Increasing sexual function – restores sexual potency and sexuality

* Improving cholesterol profile – helps especially menopausal women as their bad cholesterols rise whilst the good cholesterols diminish.

* Restoring size of liver, pancreas, heart and other organs that shrink with age

* Improving vision - strengthens the eye muscles

* Improving memory – stimulates the rejuvenation and repair of brain cells

* Elevating mood and improving sleep – acts as an anti-depressant, raising endorphin levels and lowering dopamine

* Normalising blood pressure

* Increasing cardiac output and stamina

* Improving immune function - increases the production of new antibodies, T-cells and interlukin 2, induces the proliferation of disease fighting white blood cells, stimulates bacteria fighting macrophages and improves production of red blood cells

Dr Rudman concluded: “The effects of 6 mths of HGH on lean body mass and adipose-tissue were equivalent in magnitude to the changes incurred during 10-20 years of aging.”

HGH and Women

The average age of menopause is 50. A resultant drop in hormone disrupts the normal function of the ovaries, causing irregular cycle or lesser volume during the menstruation and can even grind it to a halt. Other accompanying effects include hot flash, night sweat, emotional disturbances, dry skin, wrinkles, weak bladder control, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Other comments

+ Aging is now considered a disease and not just a normal occurrence which goes unchecked. Scientists, geneticists and pharmaceutical companies are racing against time to find more effective biological technologies to slow the aging process. To-date, there is no other substance known to man to possess such far-reaching ability and the medical field has to be contented with HGH. Of course, discipline in diet and exercise are two biggest physical weapons against aging and disease.

+ Hormone of all hormones, consistent use of HGH stimulates a very natural process in the human system whereby one’s pituitary gland resumes secretion of growth hormone at levels which occurred during youth, thereby regulating the entire endocrine system, including modulation of hormones, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

+ Growth hormone is circulated throughout the body by the blood every nite between 11-1 am. If one stayed up late or misses the sleep period, benefits from the naturally secreted growth hormone are lost. Night time is also when the body carries out muscle repair and growth, so providing an adequate supply of 'light' protein is crucial for this purpose. For instance, those who lift weights tear myofibrils, the tiny sinews of tissue that make up the muscles and takes up to 48 hours to repair themselves.

+ Since time immemorial, no one can achieve immortality. However, scientists now believe that in the near future the average life expectancy of humans will be 100-120 years. The improvements in medicine, nutrition and vitamin supplements can make it possible.  However, to truly enjoy quality of life, HGH should be added to experience positive changes in body composition to remain healthy and youthful into our golden era.

It is never too young or too old to combat the signs of aging. Start today!


CAUTION!!!

Avoid turning to HGH therapy to reverse or retard age-related symptoms of physical and mental decline.  Artificial hormone through injection may work counterproductive if not properly administered and can have side effects too.


VIVA corner

VIVA Life Science came up with an unique formulation to help jumpstart your internal journey back to a move youthful state.

The free form (unchained for easy absorption) amino acids in VIVA Ageguard from soy and rice protein with unique ingredients make up the proprietary formulation which can be used to promote the natural secretion of HGH safely. Note that only those labelled 'L" or left spin are extracted as they fit into the cell receptors nicely.

Some of the amino acids are:

+ Arginine found in it blocks the action of somatostatin which inhibits the production of HGH. 200 mg is enough to elicit a GH (growth hormone) response (800 mg in 6 caps). Even at age 70, it can boost GH levels by 3 folds. Other benefits are:

- 10 gms of Arginine combined with 3 mins of weight-lifting daily resulted in loss of 25 lbs of fat and 5 lbs of muscle gain in 6 weeks

- Reduces the growth of tumor cells significantly and metastasis cancer, especially in breast cancer

- Normalises and prevents high blood pressure and reduces the damage associated with congestive heart failure and stroke as well as in cerebral and carotid arteries

- Reduces effects of glaucoma, chronic hepatitis, kidney and liver disease

- Helps in improving sperm motility and enhanced fertility

- Improves immune functions and wound healing

+ Ornithine improves quality and longevity of life, reduces impacts of major illnesses like lung carcinoma, prostate cancer, colon and breast cancer

+ Glycine promotes muscle growth into old age, stimulates the secretion of human growth hormone, and prevents loss of cartilage in joints

+ Isoleucine protects the central nervous system and brain from toxins

+ Histidine exhibits protective effects on cardiac and brain function circulation

+ Lysine reduces herpes occurrence (core sores, fever blisters, genital herpes), rheumatic disorders, migraine headaches, post operative pain and improves wound healing

+ Tryptophan improves Parkinson disease, schizophrenia and depression

+ Glutamine has a wide range of applications such as:

- improves adrenal function, asthma, immune function and reduces tumor growth

- prevents radiation injury in patients undergoing radiation therapy by protecting normal tissue

- exhibits strong anti-tumor activity against leukemia and melanoma

- prevents onset of diabetes and improves glucose tolerance

- reduces occurrence of infections and improves liver function

+ Methionine reduces lead poisoning and toxicity and thus prevents liver damage

5 other major herbal ingredients in the Ageguard formulation:

- Tribulus terrestris - saponins in this plant have a dilating action that helps to improve circulation and enhance physical performance

- Dandelion root - helps to reduce cellular water retention and congestion in the liver and gallbladder

- Milk thistle - contains constituents like silymarin, which protects the liver from chemical damage and helps the body cope with environmental toxins

- Saw palmetto - strengthens and tones the body's reproductive organs in both sexes and improves bladder muscle function

- Licorice - provides various health benefits to the body which include counteracting stress, detoxifying the liver, soothing the stomach, purifying the blood and reducing capillary permeability.

Supplement facts: Serving Size 6 Capsules

Amount Per 6 Capsules L-Isoleucine** 273 mg* L-Leucine** 546 mg* L-Lysine** 780 mg* L-Valine** 273 mg* L-Arginine 806 mg* L-Glutamine 90 mg* L-Ornithine 684 mg* OKG (L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate) 120 mg* Proprietary Blend:soy protein (bean), tribulus terrestris (fruit), dandelion (root), licorice (root), milk thistle (seed), saw palmetto (fruit) 470 mg*

NOTE: AGEGUARD CONTAINS NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS OR BY-PRODUCTS (like glandulars and organ parts), OR SYNTHETIC HORMONES.

How to take:

+ For best result, take 6 capsules before bedtime or during the daytime as an energy booster

+ After a workout by athletes for better recovery

+ You can choose to take 5 days in a row and break for 2 days on continuous basis or daily for 6 months and break for a month.

In conclusion.....

We should always ensure that sufficient amount of growth hormone is available throughout our lifetime in order to maintain the body's metabolism in optimum level and thus achieve the desirable health status.

Scared of AGING?

Why do some people never seem to grow old? Some have grey hair or balding by the time they hit 30 whilst others have dark hair well into their 60-70. Science explains this is our genetic makeup affecting bone mass, muscle strength, memory, skin texture and metabolism.

Having said that if you are not well-endowed, do not despair. You cannot stop the biological clock from ticking but can prevent or reverse premature aging and turn back the hands of time by as much as 10-20 years. Science has discovered the damaging effects of aging and can be counteracted if positive actions are taken to manage the controllable factors.

(Do you still remember the faces of those gorgeous movie stars we used to adore on the big screen?)

How to slow aging process?

+ If aging is a state of mind, by staying positive and optimistic, we can achieve a healthy body too. So letting go negative emotions like anger, fear and regret, can relieve our adrenal glands unnecessary burden and stress. With it, our immune function is improved and leaving us less susceptible to infectious diseases.

+ Another controllable factor that most people do not put in efforts to manage is dieting. Recent studies found out that this premature aging problem is compounded with 92% of the human population not eating right (unbalanced diet) and thus are partially malnourished. By not consuming a necessary nutrient on a daily basis, we become deficient in that nutrient. After a prolonged period, this can develop into a deficiency disease. For instance, being short of calcium for too long can cause osteoporosis.

An adult human body requires 11 different vitamins, 14 different minerals and 8 different amino acids on a daily basis to feed our trillion cells. Note all these essential nutrients cannot be manufactured in the body, and have to be extracted from food. Being deprived of them over a prolonged period, our bodies are unable to operate optimally. As a result, people complain much about tiredness, depressed, severe lethargy, moody, temperamental these days. As we force our body to cope with mounting stress but fail to provide a strong immune system, our cells break down faster and die prematurely. As a whole, serious deficiency diseases can cause permanent disability or death. Now, we appreciate better why a nutritional supplement can be a life-saver or quality life saver to be taken religiously.

+ The key culprit to aging is free radicals, produced as a normal cell function in young, healthy bodies. However, sunrays, smokes, food additives and other pollutants trigger unhealthy free radical production. At excessive levels, their unstable molecular structures enter our body and damage DNA, proteins, and components at cellular level. This is manifested as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dry skin texture. On more intensive basis, other chronic and degenerative diseases take place. The extent of damage is dependent on the body's immune and detoxification functionality. Antioxidants can prevent cellular damage by contributing its own electron to stabilise the free radicals' molecules or scavenge them.

+ The responsibility of regenerative and immunological task is carried out by HGH (human growth hormone), the hormone that regulates the building, rebuilding and healing processes.

According to the National Institute of Health Research the pitutiary gland secretes less and less HGH as we age. At our peak of 21, HGH level declines and by 40 our body is producing a mere 5% of the needed HGH, making it difficult to maintain proper cellular and tissue regeneration which results in poor healing and insufficient tissue construction. Avoid the consumption of excessively sweet foods, as it results in a rise of sugar level that is counterproductive to the release and utilisation of HGH. This is especially so before going to bed, as the primary supply of HGH is released during such time.

Can we replenish the level of natural growth hormone given its ever declining trend? The answer lies in the three elements below.

Protein, Amino acids, HGH

Protein is essential for healthy growth, strong muscles, immune function, absorption of nutrients, enzyme function and is needed for the manufacture of hormones, antibodies, enzymes and tissues.

The body needs sufficient input to perform a specific task. For instance, our skin regenerates itself every 5-7 weeks. Collagen and elastin are essential to having a strong healthy and elastic skin. Without which, the skin becomes dry, cracked and wrinkled.

Once protein is consumed, the stomach acid and enzymes begin to dissolve or break down the long fibrous protein into tiny absorbable amino acids, that find its way into the bloodstream to be circulated throughout the body and are used in all body systems as 'building blocks".

Amino acids are designated as non-essential and essential (28 in kind). Non-essential amino acids are produced by the liver (about 80% of all bodily needs) or manufactured from other amino acids whilst essential amino acids are food-derived. Aminos are about 16% nitrogen, vital for production of energy to fuel all the cells for normal functioning.

Signs of falling hair, fatigue, weakened muscles, wrinkled skin, failure to think clearly can be attributed to amino acid deficient. With passage of time, mild symptoms can be developed into serious illnesses. When more aminos are introduced into the body, the symptoms can be reversed.

The right mix of amino acids can act as a natural human growth hormone releaser to defy aging process. This hormone is released by the master gland during the first hour of the deepest levels of R.E.M sleep. That is why a one hour power nap can be so rejuvenating. More releases occur around 3-4 pm and 11 pm-1 am each day (no tea break and supper please). After the secretion, HGH travels through the liver where it metabolises into IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) necessary for promoting glucose metabolism, stimulating growth of immune factors and becomes a source of fuel for cells.

An important amino acid like Arginine can help to fix up the many health problems including:

- Improves immune function and wound healing, which has regenerative effects and can be one of many reasons tissue deterioration during the aging process can be reversed. Hence, it can prevent the symptoms of premature aging. (Journal of Nutrition)

- Reduces the growth of tumour cells significantly and metastasis of cancer. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition)

There are countless scientific studies documented on the effects of HGH that demonstrate anti-aging effects are dubious whilst many peer reviews and journals are trying to prove that HGH the new 'Fountain of Youth', endorsed by educated experts in the field do benefit most people, prevent and reverse symptoms of premature aging.

Here are some credible quotes:

* Stanford Medical Researchers:

"It is possible that physiologic growth hormone replacement might reverse or prevent some of the inevitable effects of aging.

* The New England Journal of Medicine (most credible medical journal in the world):

"The overall deterioration of the body that comes with growing old is not inevitable. We now realise that some aspects of it (aging) can be prevented or reverse."

"The effects of 6 months of HGH on lean body mass and adipose tissue mass were equivalent in magnitude to the changes incurred during 10-20 years of aging. This means that your lean body mass (muscles) can become as if they were 10-20 years younger. This is important because a person loses 2% of their muscle mass and strength each year after 35. What this means is, a 60 yo person who has aged normally has lost 50% of their muscle mass but over 6 months of increased HGH they could turn back the hands of time 10-20 years and this is a 20-40% increase in muscle mass. The 60 yo would feel as if they were 40 yo. This is true of their energy levels, mood and overall health as well. In fact one of the most common reasons the elderly wind up in a rest home is because their leg muscles become so weak they cannot stand on their own anymore. They become dependent on someone else for all their care and were confined to a wheelchair simply because they allowed their legs to become weak. It should be noted that the average elderly person only lives 9 months after they are confined to a wheelchair."

"The adipose tissue (fats) can be reduced as well, and this is important because there is too much obesity and it is one of the fastest growing diseases contributing to arthritis, heart disease, cancer and a lowering quality of life. HGH combines with amino acids builds muscles that burn fat for fuel and the consumer can become stronger, leaner and reduce significant heart risks......"

* Dr Rudman (Author of New England Journal of Medicine) :

"Growth hormone given to elderly men regrew the livers, spleens and muscles that had shrunken with age back to their youthful sizes, which means this could keep someone from being confined to a wheelchair, or being institutionalised, which certainly would increase their quality of life."

* Dr Klatz:

"HGH is the ultimate anti-aging therapy. It affects almost every cell in the body, rejuvenating the skin and bones, heart, liver, lungs and kidney while bringing organ and tissue function back to youthful levels...It is an anti-disease medicine that revitalises the immune system, lowers the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and prevent osteoporosis. It is cosmetic surgery in a bottle because it irons out facial wrinkles, restoring the elasticity, thickness and contours of youthful skin, reversing the loss of extra cellular water that makes old people look like dried up prunes."

In essence, both Dr Rudman and Dr Ronald Klatz stated that growth hormone given to elderly can reinstate the body to its youthful condition with regrew livers, spleens, heart, lungs, kidneys, muscles, skin and bones.

Dr Chein and Terry from the Wisconsin College of Medicine quantified and published many other benefits like improvements in vision, sleep quality, skin elasticity, sexual performance, quicken wound healing and better quality of life.

* Scientific research has proven that increased levels of HGH can safely do the followings:

+ Regenerate damaged tissues (Journal of Clinical Investigation)

+ Prevent Symptoms of aging (New England Journal of Medicine)

+ Reverse Symptoms of aging (National Academy of Sciences)

+ Rejuvenate deteriorated organs (New England Journal of Medicine)

+ Amino acids increase HGH levels and "improve the quality and longevity of life" (Age Aging)

These studies illustrate the fact that thousands of people have been safely studied in controlled clinical studies and the benefits of HGH are published. There are few thousands of such studies published and hundred of thousands of elderly people in the world living a vibrant life filled with vitality, health and energy to go that extra mile.

Synthetic HGH Injections?

Not only are they very expensive (one IU costs S$100 per day) , the side effects can be disastrous if not handled properly. A drug, Metformin (used for diabetic treatment) that has fat-shedding properties and ability to retain lean muscle mass can potentially cause lactic acidosis, where the blood becomes dangerously acidic, causing death, especially applied on patients who are on very low carbohydrate diets (eg. Atkins diet) and also those with liver and kidney problems.

Also, once started on the HGH injection is hard to get off, and HGH level drops quickly within 3 weeks once stopped. Taking supplements can increase HGH level safely though at 1/3 the effectiveness of drug injection. Those needing instant boost like drowning victims, professional players, bodybuilders or long term treatment for dwarfism and nerve damage may benefit since body either cannot produce or require more HGH in the shortest possible time.

Oral HGH releasers?

There are no conclusive evidence to prove that oral HGH releasers are effective to deliver any anti-aging result. This is because HGH, once dissolved in a liquid, becomes very unstable and degrades quickly. Worst if they are displaced on the shelves for a long time.

Our comments

Aging is a disease that can be well-handled if you understood the biological mechanism involved. Anti-aging scientists around the world believe that the human body is capable of healthy living well above 100 years of age. Hence, let us do it right and age graciously into our golden years!

VIVA Corner

Taking sufficient amino acids is of vital importance to allow for various metabolic functions, development ands promote growth. Unfortunately, some amino acids are destroyed during the cooking process and eventually become difficult for us to meet the requirement from our food intake. As such, free amino acids which are available in dietary supplements have been widely used.

Also proteins are large molecules tightly bound together into long chains of amino acids, making the absorption process difficult and taking longer hours to break down to be utilised. The unique characteristic of this VIVA product, Ageguard as compared with other anti-aging products found in the market is its free-form bio-availability nature, meaning the chain of full-range amino acids is nicely broken down for easy absorption and only those with left spin fitting our cell receptors are selected. Hence, its ability to act fast as a natural HGH releaser.

VIVA Ageguard is a proprietary formulation of free form amino acids from soy and rice protein with other unique ingredients. A consistent user over 6 months' period should see enhanced benefits such as youthfulness, increased muscle mass, more burn fat, increased skin thickness and regenerated tissues. Athletes can use it to improve their physique and performance. Down-syndrome kids can try out given their low hormonal levels as there is no side effect administered on a long-term basis.