Effect of hydration on exercise induced growth hormone response.

In my last blog, I discussed a study that resulted in lowered noradrenaline, heart rate, lactate, growth hormone (GH), and cortisol levels to a short-term endurance training program. The scientists believed these adaptations were due to “familiarization to exercise protocol.” These adaptations would definitely slow down your fat loss efforts.My suggestion to this problem was to change your exercises and program variables no less then every 3 weeks. Today I’m going to discuss another factor that can decrease your exercise induced GH output, your hydration status. Whenever I begin to consult a new client, I’m almost always asked the same question, and that is “what should I do first?” And my answer is always ‘hydration!”.Without being properly hydrated, you can be sure that your health, diet, exercise program will all be suboptimal, and this will make your fat loss efforts extremely difficult. GH is extremely important for fat loss. A properly designed exercise program is well known to increase GH levels. In 2001, French researchers investigated the effect of water replacement on GH response during exercise. Seven healthy males performed two submaximal endurance sessions, separated by 3 days, consisting of cycling for 40 minutes. During the first session, no water was consumed, and water loss was calculated. The total water loss was determined by the difference in body weight before and immediately after exercise. For session two, the subjects were asked to drink 4 equal parts of spring mineral water that amounted to the water lost in session one (approximately 17 ounces) at 15 and 5 minutes before the session, and at the beginning and 20 minutes after the start of the session. The results: total GH was significant lower in the no water group (approximately 30% lower). Unfortunately the French study did not look at fat oxidation in relation to the exercise and GH response, but we have known for decades now that GH is a powerful fat burner, and I plan on reviewing many more studies on this topic. In the last two blogs I have taught you that once your body familiarizes itself with an exercise program, and when you exercise in a dehydrated state, your GH output is significantly lowered. This will lower the amount of progress you make towards your fat loss efforts. Don’t make these mistakes. Change your exercises frequently and make sure your hydrated.