jettleyang
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I asked Jewpt for a IGF-1 Signaling guide/chart, here is what it came up with. Thoughts?
Here’s a clean, practical list to naturally signal / optimize IGF-1 (without drugs). I’ll separate it by big levers vs supporting factors, and I’ll flag what actually matters most.
Leucine-rich proteins → strongest IGF-1 signaling.
IGF-1 works synergistically with insulin.
(Dairy is one of the strongest dietary IGF-1 stimulators.)
Here’s a clean, practical list to naturally signal / optimize IGF-1 (without drugs). I’ll separate it by big levers vs supporting factors, and I’ll flag what actually matters most.
BIG LEVERS (these move IGF-1 the most)
1. Calories (non-negotiable)
- You must be in a calorie surplus
- Chronic low calories = suppressed IGF-1
- Aim: +300–500 kcal/day minimum
IGF-1 is nutrient-sensitive. No surplus = no signal.
2. Protein Intake
- 0.8–1.0g protein per lb bodyweight
- Prioritize:
- Whey protein
- Eggs
- Dairy (milk, Greek yogurt)
- Red meat / chicken
Leucine-rich proteins → strongest IGF-1 signaling.
3. Insulin Spikes (Strategic)
IGF-1 works synergistically with insulin.
- Post-workout:
- Fast carbs (fruit, honey, rice, cereal)
- protein
- Don’t fear carbs — low carb = low IGF-1
4. Sleep
- 7–9 hours
- Deep sleep = growth hormone → liver converts to IGF-1
- Poor sleep = crushed GH/IGF-1 axis
TRAINING (signal the pathway)
Resistance Training (Key)
- Heavy compounds:
- Squats
- Deadlifts
- Bench
- Rows
- Moderate volume, progressive overload
- Avoid excessive endurance/cardio
Mechanical tension ↑ IGF-1 locally in muscle
SUPPORTING NUTRIENTS & SUPPLEMENTS
Zinc
- 15–30 mg/day
- Deficiency = low IGF-1
Magnesium
- 300–400 mg/day
- Improves sleep + GH signaling
Vitamin D
- 2,000–4,000 IU/day
- Strong correlation with IGF-1 levels
Creatine
- 5g/day
- Indirectly supports IGF-1 via training output
Glycine (optional)
- 3–5g before bed
- Improves sleep quality → GH pulse
FOODS THAT SUPPORT IGF-1
- Milk (especially whole milk)
- Greek yogurt
- Eggs
- Red meat
- White rice / potatoes
- Fruit (bananas, berries)
- Honey
(Dairy is one of the strongest dietary IGF-1 stimulators.)
WHAT SUPPRESSES IGF-1 (avoid these)
- Chronic calorie deficit
- Excessive fasting
- Very low carb diets
- Overtraining
- Poor sleep
- Excessive endurance cardio
IMPORTANT CONTEXT
- IGF-1 rises slowly (weeks, not days)
- Most people think supplements do it — they don’t without food + sleep
- If you’re underweight, IGF-1 will stay low no matter what you take