Understanding peptide therapy's potential risks and benefits is crucial for making informed decisions about it's use. In the following article we will delve deeper into the peptide therapy's specific benefits, uses, and potential risks. Read below to find out about my favorite peptide resources and why i'm choosing to use peptides.
PEPTIDES - WHAT ARE THEY?
Peptides are short-chained amino acids, "the building blocks" of proteins. Our bodies make peptides to serve some of their most essential functions. Researchers have been studying and developing peptides to treat medical conditions since the 1920s. Insulin was the first synthetic peptide created in a lab in 1923 to treat people with type 1 diabetes. Other peptides have been added to skin care products for decades, such as collagen peptides, copper peptides and Matrixyl 3000. These remarkable tiny molecules are responsible for signaling the cells in your body to perform certain functions.
ADMINISTRATION ROUTES OF PEPTIDES
Therapeutic peptides can be taken orally, topically, intra-nasally, and by injection (intramuscularly, intravenously, and subcutaneously). Most peptides are not stable and break down quickly when ingested or applied topically, thereby not being used to their full potential. These small molecules can get into the cell fairly quickly, and some even cross the blood-brain barrier, but their function is very short-acting. For this exact reason , most peptide experts feel they work best when given in the injectable form.
THE BENEFITS OF PEPTIDE THERAPY
There are thousands of peptides in the human body, most likely some that have not been discovered yet, many of which are now replicated synthetically by research laboratories. Each peptide has several functions as they work on cells, tissues, organs, muscles, bones... name it! Some peptides like BPC 157, TB 500, and GHK-Cu are used for wound healing and tissue repair. Other peptides, like PT-141, may improve libido, sexual health, and other various disorders. Recently, the most popular peptides that help promote weight loss and improve metabolic dysregulation include Semaglutide, the active peptide in the prescription drug Ozempic, and Tirzepatide, the active peptide in Mounjaro. Many others can help with fat loss, including Ipamorelin, Tesofensine, AOD9604, and MOTS-C.
Peptide therapy can improve muscle strength, immune system, brain health, and cognitive issues. It can also promote sleep, increase energy, repair mitochondria, and possibly increase longevity. Even one, Melanotan, can darken your skin color to make you look like you have a tan!
PEPTIDE THERAPY RISKS
Since they naturally occur in the body, peptides are generally safe for most healthy people and are not likely to cause serious side effects. Be aware the FDA does not test peptides before they're sold, so do your own research and only purchase from a reputable source. Also, talk to your local GP before taking them, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are taking other medications. It is not recommended for woman who are pregnant or lactating/nursing to use peptide therapy due to a lack of scientific research on the safety of this category.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF PEPTIDE THERAPY
The potential side effects of peptide therapy vary depending on the peptide you are taking and the form in which it's being administered. Potential side effects of peptide use may include an allergic or non-allergic site reaction when injected or applied topically, such as redness, itching, hives, or swelling. Some peptides may cause temporary gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, and some may cause mild headaches or dizziness. As with any supplement and in rare instances, a possible side effect could be a severe allergic reaction.
ARE PEPTIDES STEROIDS?
Although some peptides are useful for muscle building, fat loss, and tissue repair, they are not steroids. Many body builders and athletes love using therapeutic peptides because of their amazing benefits; however, some competitive sports organizations have bemoaned the use of certain peptides.
WHY DO I USE PEPTIDES?
One may wonder, if peptides naturally occur in the body, why would you need to take them exogenously? Well the theory is simple, our bodies stop producing as many peptides as we age. It's unclear whether this is due to the natural process of aging or potentially reduced by our unhealthy environment and lifestyle choices (EMFs, pesticides, high sugar diets, etc). Whatever the reason, wouldn't it be great if science had unlocked the door to the fountain of youth through peptide therapy. Better skin elasticity, increased muscle tone and bone density, more energy, deeper sleep, improved libido, and maybe even longer lifespan - this sounds good to me! Of course everything has potential risks, but I for one, chose to try peptide therapy because peptides are naturally occurring molecules in the human body. I'm excited about the possible results that I might see by replenishing them with few risks or side effects if any at all. If you are anything like me and would like to educate yourself by reading up on some literature about peptide therapy down below I will add some of the books that I have read on the subject.
- PEPTIDE PROTOCOLS VOLUME 1 - written by William A. Seeds MD
- PEPTIDE HANDBOOK - written by James B. LaValle, CCN, MT; Gordon Crozier, DO; Joseph P. Cleaver, MD; Andrew Heyman, MD, MHSA
- OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH WITH THERAPEUTIC PEPTIDES: Extend Your Life by Becoming More Leaner, Smarter, Injury-Free and Younger - written by Jay Campbell ( no.1 Best Seller)
AUTHORED BY GVM