One of the benefits of fasting is the production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). HGH is a peptide hormone made by the pituitary gland that plays a central role in growth, tissue repair, metabolism, brain function, and healthy ageing. It’s sometimes called the body’s repair and regeneration hormone.
What Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Does
HGH affects almost every system in the body:
1. Cell Repair & Regeneration
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Stimulates tissue repair (muscle, skin, organs)
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Increases collagen production → healthier skin and joints
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Speeds wound healing
2. Muscle & Fat Metabolism
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Promotes fat burning (lipolysis)
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Preserves lean muscle mass
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Shifts the body toward using fat and ketones for fuel
3. Brain & Nervous System
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Supports neuroplasticity and memory
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Improves sleep quality (especially deep sleep)
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Supports mood regulation
4. Immune & Longevity Effects
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Enhances immune cell regeneration
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Supports mitochondrial health
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Declines naturally with age (significantly after ~30)
What Happens to HGH When We Fast
Fasting is one of the strongest natural stimulators of HGH.
During Fasting:
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Insulin drops
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Blood glucose stabilises
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HGH rises dramatically
Studies show:
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24-hour fast → HGH increases up to 5×
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48-hour fast → HGH may increase 10–20×
This rise happens because:
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Low insulin removes suppression of HGH release
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The body shifts into repair mode rather than growth mode
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HGH protects muscle while fat is burned
Why HGH Rises During Fasting (Evolutionary Logic)
From a survival standpoint:
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When food is scarce, the body does not want to break down muscle
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HGH preserves muscle and organs
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Energy is drawn from stored fat
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Repair processes are prioritised
This is why fasting often leads to:
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Fat loss without muscle loss
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Mental clarity
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Reduced inflammation
HGH, Autophagy & Healing
HGH works alongside autophagy (cellular recycling):
| Process | Role |
|---|---|
| HGH | Repairs and rebuilds tissue |
| Autophagy | Clears damaged cells and proteins |
Fasting activates both — creating a powerful clean-up and repair cycle.
Health Benefits Linked to Fasting-Induced HGH
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Improved insulin sensitivity
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Reduced inflammation
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Enhanced fat loss
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Skin rejuvenation
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Better recovery from injury
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Possible longevity benefits
This is why fasting is used therapeutically in:
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Metabolic syndrome
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Inflammatory conditions
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Neurodegenerative disease research
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Anti-ageing medicine
What Blocks HGH Release
To maximise natural HGH:
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❌ Frequent snacking
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❌ High sugar intake
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❌ Late-night eating
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❌ Alcohol before sleep
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❌ Chronic stress and poor sleep
Natural Ways to Increase HGH (Without Fasting)
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Deep sleep (especially before midnight)
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Resistance training
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High-intensity exercise
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Protein cycling (not constant grazing)
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Cold exposure
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Short fasts (14–18 hours)
Important Safety Notes
Fasting is not appropriate for everyone. Avoid or seek supervision if you have:
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Eating disorders
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Pregnancy or breastfeeding
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Advanced adrenal fatigue
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Type 1 diabetes
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Certain medications
A Nervous-System Perspective
From a trauma-informed and somatic lens:
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Fasting shifts the body from sympathetic “survival” mode into parasympathetic repair
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Lower insulin and inflammation reduce nervous-system hypervigilance
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HGH supports restoration rather than defence
This is one reason many people report emotional clarity or spiritual insight during fasting — the nervous system is no longer dominated by constant metabolic demand.