- Peptides are produced by the body naturally and are vital to one’s health. When the body’s levels of peptides decline, the cells are unable to efficiently perform their functions, which increases the risk of potentially serious health conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and even hormonal imbalances. By supplementing these natural processes, peptide therapy gives a targeted nudge towards regeneration, balance, hormone profile and even healthy skin.
- Peptide therapy use:
It should be noted that utilizing peptides is not meant to override unhealthy lifestyle habits. Supplementing with peptides is designed to assist with healing and to amplify a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve maximum health benefits.
Peptides should not necessarily be considered “super serums”, though the benefits can indeed be quite vast. Users should have realistic expectations on effects and outcome timelines, as well as intentionally make full-spectrum healthy lifestyle choices including diet, activity levels and general well-being.
Forms of Peptides:
-There are different types of peptides available which can be used for a variety of health benefits. There are some that aid in overall weight loss, hunger suppression, visceral fat loss, degenerative tissue repair, libido increase, cognitive function, skin improvement, as well as energy output to name a few. They also come in a variety of forms for administration such as oral capsules, injectable serums and sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue.
Intended Effects vs Side Effects:
- All effects, intended or secondary, should be considered. Side effects are to be thought of and considered as additional effects to the underlying therapy of the peptide. Typically, side effects are considered to have a negative component. However, in the context of medicine, the positive and secondary effects of peptide therapy are ultimately still effects, with the benefits outweighing possible negative issues.
Administration & Practical use:
There are multiple factors which amplify, hinder, or even prevent the effectiveness of peptides, so they should not be considered a “one-size fits all” product. These factors include, but are not limited to:
- Responsiveness:
Your body may respond closer to the intended-effect profile of the peptide, or it may respond closer to an unintended-effect profile (eg. side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, etc). This is usually driven by your SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), a biological marker associated with how one’s body responds to drugs, vitamins and supplements and the genealogical makeup of your DNA sequence. (An example of SNP might be how certain individuals could remove sugary sodas from their diet and drop 10lbs of body fat rapidly, while another individual might continue drinking the sugary beverage but remove saturated fats from their diet to achieve the same effect on the scale.)
- Timing:
Timing the doses of peptide supplementation is noted to be important, particularly with GHRH peptides (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones such as Tesamorelin and Sermorelin). Fasted states, nearest the body's natural window to release GH (growth hormone) will help ensure insulin sensitivity is maintained while drawing out the greatest effectiveness towards the positive outcome. You should strive for your body's receptors to be open and available to receive signaling from the peptide molecules. The opposite is also true, in that if receptors are encumbered by other processes; the user risks a larger "side effect" profile or amplifies the unhealthier aspects of what the body achieves in these states. (example: unfasted, high carb meal, with a GHRH induced insulin spike increases risk for insulin resistance over time, but mitigates the growth factor absorbed by the body.)
- Cycling:
Oftentimes the body gets used to what it is taking. It wants to achieve homeostasis, balance and regulation. When dealing with hormones, all are recycled through natural processes so it is important to note that increasing dosages can not replace sensitivity. For this reason it is necessary for peptide users to often cycle on and off periods of administering the peptides in order to maintain this sensitivity and respond beneficially to the product. Cycling itself is dependent on which peptide is being used, the administration method and ultimately the user’s responsiveness.
- Rotation of Injection Site:
Many times, peptides are administered by subcutaneous injection (injected into a “fatty” area). If this is the method being used, rotating between belly, flanks, thighs and glutes are helpful to ensure absorption is maximized, while minimizing scar tissue under the skin.
- Administration:
Many peptides are taken in various ways. As stated, most commonly via subcutaneous injections. However peptides can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), orally (swallowed whole), topically (applied to the skin for anti-aging and/or healing such as in skincare products) and also in nasal sprays. A peptide is administered in the manner that will allow it to be most advantageous hence, a peptide meant for topical use in skincare would not be effective, if administered through some other means.
Systemic vs. Local
- Peptides can be differently effective at different scopes. For example, BPC157, TB4 and TB500 are effective as both oral peptides in pills or tablets for total recovery or local injection for recovery of a specific injury site.
Alternatively, GHRHs are effective across the total body meaning you would not expect to grow large biceps simply by injecting growth hormone releasing peptides directly into your bicep.
- Sublingual and nasal spray peptides are good for systemic effects, since they are expected to enter the blood stream.
- Topical peptides are effective to achieve localized effects, in the form of skincare products that enhance the resilience of the skin, and are effective at combatting visible signs of aging and free radical damage.
Seek Professional Advice:
- Before taking on any peptide therapies, ensure you have the proper health foundation, knowledge base, and a licensed Medical Provider to monitor and guide your progress and journey.
At Optimal Health and Wellness Center/Optimal Men’s Center, our professional licensed Practitioners can guide you on your journey to feeling and looking healthier, youthful and more energized.
Begin your path to healing today by calling 602-OPTIMAL for more information and to schedule an appointment.
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