There may be people who are not familiar with peptide therapy, but given the marketing blitz over the past few years there is probably no one who hasn’t heard of Ozempic and Wegovy. Both are featured in ubiquitous TV ads and are synthetic peptides generically known as semaglutide. These peptide, which dramatically reduce appetite and food cravings for millions of users, are not without their risks.
Peptides are nothing new and in fact we naturally produce signaling peptides continuously in our bodies. Growth hormone, insulin, oxytocin, endorphins, and many dozens of others are all peptides, relatively short chains of amino acids that regulate various aspects of cell physiology.
It is unfortunate, though entirely predictable, that the current focus of peptide therapy is exclusively on their potential (and demonstrated ability) to facilitate weight loss. In fact peptide therapy encompasses a wide range of naturally occurring peptides that can offer significant benefits in both disease treatment and health maintenance.
Here are a few I find the most valuable:
Thymogen alpha-1 (TA-1) – This is a naturally occurring peptide produced by the thymus gland, which is a gland critical for the maturation and activation of immune cells. It has been studied in the treatment of cancer and other infectious diseases. You can read one review of it here.
BPC-157 – BPC is short for “Body Protection Compound.” This is a short peptide naturally produced in the stomach. Studies have shown that it enhances tissue repair and recovery such as after surgery, it works as an anti-inflammatory by modulating the activity of the immune system, it is both protective of and reparative of the gastrointestinal tract, and much more.
KPV – This is a fragment of a hormone called α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is extremely valuable for both hormone regulation and immune modulation. I very recently attended a seminar describing how to use this to stabilize mast cells, a valuable therapeutic tools for those struggling with MCAS and histamine-related symptoms.
TB-4 FRAG – This is a fragment of a longer protein called thymosin beta-4. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, speeds wound healing, and has been found in a mouse study to facilitate recovery following heart attacks by helping the heart repair the damaged cells. It has also been shown to prevent and potentially even reverse fibrosis that can build up in the lungs, liver, or other organs due to underlying diseases.
Gut Feeling – This is not a single peptide, but a powdered combination product manufactured by the company I dispense peptides through, Integrative Peptides. It contains three gut-healing and immune regulating peptides, plus the keystone probiotic Akkermansia as well as a few different prebiotics to help the probiotics grow. It’s very helpful for many people with excessive inflammation in their guts and especially those with histamine-related food sensitivities.
These are just four out of many therapeutic peptides now available. Others are for cognition and memory enhancement, weight loss, support for pineal and thyroid glands, and more. Peptides are commonly used in combination in order to encompass support for multiple systems within the treatment plan.
Peptides are rarely a stand-alone therapy when dealing with severe or long-standing chronic disease. However, they play a role within the larger context of a comprehensive treatment program that no other type of therapy can play because they are unique in how they do what they do. In order to make this therapy more accessible I commonly apply a 20% discount. With that discount a product that would cost $150/month retail plus $12 shipping is reduced to $132 with shipping included. Through the end of April I’m tacking on an addition 10% discount, bringing the cost of that $150/month bottle down to $117, shipping included, making this a great time to try peptide therapy for yourself.
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