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IGF1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1)
A General Introduction
Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF1) is released by many different tissues throughout the
body and affects almost every cell to some degree. Major organs that synthesize IGF1 are
the human placenta, heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, spleen, small intestines,
testes, ovaries, large intestines, brain, bone and pituitary. Humans produce approximately
10 milligrams of IGF1 per day until about 30 years old whereby production decreases with
aging. IGF1 has similarities to insulin and possesses potent anabolic and cell growth
effects. IGF1 is also important for its affect on development, diabetes and other chronic
diseases.
IGF1 is primarily secreted by the liver in response to a signal from human growth hormone
(hGH). The major target tissues affected by the IGF1 in combination with the hGH signal
are muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerves, skin and lungs.
IGF1 is known as a 'progression' factor. IGF1 assists competent cells toward cell division
and often that is all cells need for successful activation. IGF1 cooperates with PDGF to
increase the cell's ability to complete DNA synthesis. IGF1 not only helps cell growth by
division, but also by enhancing cell specialization. Hormonal functions such as the
anabolic (constructive) activity of hGH depends on the production and presence of IGF1 to
achieve positive results.
Studies show that after a one week period of strenuous exercise, blood levels of IGF1
are significantly increased due to either regenerative processes from muscle injury or
higher requirements in muscles to handle the weight load.
In aging cells, there is a greater need for more IGF1 in order to move cells out of the
'resting phase' and into a growth phase of the cell cycle. A slower growth of cells during
the aging process correlates with a higher requirement of IGF1 than the body supplies. The
increase in cellular communication from an addition of IGF1 may bring the aging, slower
cells back into the balanced state optimizing cell activity and tissue/organ performance.
Homeopathic IGF1
Homeopathic IGF1 works in many different areas of the body to facilitate and improve
cellular performance. A recent independent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical
testing of homeopathic IGF1 demonstrated effectiveness in the nervous, reproductive,
musculo/skeletal, and gastrointestinal systems. Specifically, homeopathic IGF1 improved
energy levels and physical performance, respiratory conditions, and relieved symptoms of
PMS and menopause. It also relieved muscle and bone aches and pains, joint stiffness,
inflammation in the body, improved mental concentration and clarity and positively
affected appetite. Increases in lean body mass also have been anecdotally reported.
Homeopathic IGF1 balances weight by helping the body to achieve its ideal weight, whether
that means losing weight for people too heavy, or gaining weight for people too lean.
IGF1 is believed to bring aging, resting cells back into a balanced state optimizing cell
activity and tissue performance