Peptides, The Next Step in Human Optimization

Peptides are short chains of amino acids found throughout our bodies in virtually every cell. They are responsible for signaling and communication in the body, aiding in nearly every core biological system from brain function to fat storage. They can also help with insulin control, manage sleep disorders, and promote overall longevity. However, much like our hormone levels decline with age, our naturally occurring peptides and amino acids decrease as we age. This decrease can lead to increased fat and muscle loss starting as early as your mid 20s or early 30s. Peptide therapy, similar to hormone therapy, can provide our bodies with those essential amino acids once again and kickstart the regeneration process.

There is such a wide range of peptides and functions, from wound healing to glucose management. Some of the more popular and well known peptides include BPC-157, thymic peptides, and GLP-1 agonists.  

BPC-157 can aid in healing and regeneration throughout the body, including wounds and tissue rejuvenation. It can be taken orally or through an injection. When taken orally, BPC-157 can aid in gut tissue and ulcer treatment, along with ulcerative colitis. When taken as an injection, BPC-157 is best for musculoskeletal injuries. This is achieved through the production of nitrous oxide and other crucial growth factors, which assist in making new blood vessels. It promotes the physiological processes that take place in the event of wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Similarly, thymic peptides encourage normal immune function and healing. Such peptides originate from our thymus gland, a small organ found near our upper chest. In our thymus gland, immune T cells are generated and trained to fight off infections and cancerous cells. However, the size of our thymus shrinks as we age, and as a result our naturally occurring thymic peptides decrease, leading to a decrease in overall immune function. Subsequently, supplying our bodies with thymic peptides aids in immune system health and healing. Common thymic peptides include Thymosin Alpha-1, Thymulin and Thymosin Beta-4. Thymosin Beta4 is often paired with BPC for collagen growth and healing as well.

GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide are similar to those that our body makes. Although compounded and chemically synthesized, GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide act like the peptide that our bodies naturally make. While GLP-1 agonists were originally taken for glucose management, they are now administered for additional lifestyle maintenance and management purposes. For example, they can help with appetite control, body weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose, and plasma lipids. While these agonists are generally well tolerated, there may be some nausea early on as the body adjusts to the chemically synthesized peptides.

While all of these peptides are beneficial in theory, not all peptides are equal. Buying from a reputable source is important to your health and longevity. “Research-only” peptides you can buy off the internet are often compounded with fillers and lack sterility and purity testing. Getting your peptides prescribed by a a physician that sources their peptides from a FDA-approved compounding pharmacy ensures safety and efficacy.  Peptides need to be taken in the right order, amounts, and proportions, so working with certified professionals and physicians is recommended. Navigating peptides alone is like touring a museum without a tour guide, you are unlikely to get much out of it…and you might even stumble into an area marked off limits



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