Insulin growth-like factor 1, or IGF-1 as it is more commonly referred to, is one of the most important hormones to help the growth and development of a child. In adults, it is widely recognized that decreased IGF-1 levels are responsible for the aging process, which normally starts to affect adults around the age of 30. To combat this, many adults take IGF-1 to boost their IGF-1 levels. However, before you decide to buy the first IGF-1 booster you see, you need to know the side effects and benefits of IGF-1.
Side Effects of IGF-1
The good news about IGF-1 enhancers is that they are composed of vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances, which means there are no common side effects. However, if you take IGF-1 injections, there’s a completely different story. Common side effects of IGF-1 injections include jaw pain, swelling, headaches, and an irregular heartbeat.
Obviously, with needles, you always pose the risk of developing an allergic reaction to the needle, which is sometimes referred to as injection-site reaction. Likewise, with needles you have to worry about whether or not the needle is sterile, which can be frightening.
Finally, taking too much IGF-1 can be counterproductive. Too much IGF-1 has been identified as the culprit for causing bloating in the abdominal region, which explains why you see some bodybuilders with a potbelly.
IGF-1 Benefits
Despite what you think of IGF-1 right now, you should know there are almost endless benefits you can experience from IGF-1. Some of the most common benefits include:
Increased Muscle Mass/Strength: IGF-1 is closely related to HGH and together the two hormones can dramatically increase your strength and muscle mass in a short period of time. It is not uncommon to see results within weeks of when you just start taking IGF-1.
Decreased recovery time/improved endurance: IGF-1 improves the body’s ability to transport nutrients into your muscle cells. Doing so decreases the amount of time each muscle cell and each muscle fiber needs to recover from your workout.
Improved joint health: IGF-1 has potent anti-inflammatory properties and numerous studies have shown that IGF-1 can dramatically reduce joint pain and inflammation. Sometimes, IGF-1 supplementation is used as an alternative arthritis treatment because it can provide almost immediate relief for joint pain.
Improved mental functions: Studies in New Zealand have found that IGF-1 can drastically improve short and long-term memory, focus, and overall productivity. In the studies conducted, researchers noted that IGF-1 had the ability to “improve the overall health of the brain and all brain functions.”
Improved heart health: IGF-1 has shown promise as one potential way to naturally lower both blood pressure and cholesterol without the use of statins. For people that are hypertensive or have high cholesterol, IGF-1 is the perfect way to help maintain a healthy cholesterol profile. This not only reduces your risk for a heart attack but also improves the overall health of your heart.
These are just five of the dozens of benefits IGF-1 can provide. IGF-1 also has a positive impact on your immune system, your prostate, the nervous system, and can help alleviate sexual dysfunction as well.
