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A peptide is a short chain of amino acids that are linked together and can be thought of as a small protein.

Peptides represent a unique class of pharmaceutical compounds, molecularly poised between small molecules and proteins, yet biochemically and therapeutically distinct from both.

As intrinsic signaling molecules for many physiological functions, peptides present an opportunity for therapeutic intervention that closely mimics natural pathways. Indeed, several peptide drugs are essential “replacement therapies” that add back or supplement peptide hormones in cases where endogenous levels are inadequate or absent.

This is exemplified by the isolation and first therapeutic use of insulin in the 1920s in diabetics who did not produce sufficient quantities of the hormone. The practice of isolating peptides from whole animal tissue continued with the purification of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) from livestock pituitary glands to treat a variety of endocrine disorders in patients.

What are peptides?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids that are linked together and can be thought of as a small protein. In our bodies, these small proteins typically act as signaling molecules.

They bind to receptors on the cell surface and tell other cells and molecules what to do. By attaching to receptor proteins on the surface of certain cells, peptides will stimulate how that cell responds to certain stimuli.

There are over 7000 known peptides in our bodies that direct an enormous number of different bodily functions ranging from hormone production, tissue and muscle repair, immune modulation, brain, and central nervous system health, libido and sexual arousal, weight loss, inflammation reduction, DNA repair, and aging and direct antimicrobial and antiviral effects.

What is the importance of the growth hormone in the aging process?

Growth hormone (GH) is a protein that is made by the pituitary gland and secreted into the bloodstream. In general, natural GH production rises during childhood, peaks during puberty, and declines from middle age onward. In children and adolescents, GH stimulates the growth of bone and cartilage.

In people of all ages, GH boosts protein production, promotes the utilization of fat, interferes with the action of insulin, and raises blood sugar levels. GH also raises levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Through the aging process, it’s common for people to experience progressive health declines in areas of strength, aerobic capacity, and energy among others. Growth hormone secretion also declines progressively with age, and many age-related changes are similar in many ways to those signs and symptoms found in younger adults with GH deficiency (AGHD).

When natural GH production declines, GH replacement can be used to restore optimal concentrations to achieve and sustain more youthful anatomy and physiology.

But taking synthetic GH long term has potential side effects and health risks including:

  • diminished natural capacity for hormone production;
  • swelling due to fluid in the body’s tissues;
  • tachyphylaxis (reduced response and subsequent rejection);
  • nerve, muscle, and joint pain.

Therefore, optimizing the production and secretion of GH through the use of GH releasing hormones (GHRH) or other GH secretagogues (GHS) can be a great addition to any fitness regimen or wellness program. GHRH and GHS are not only safe and less expensive than synthetic GH, there are virtually no side effects or health risks.

Replacement of GH by stimulation of GH secretion with GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) or other GH secretagogues (GHS) provides an alternative to improve body composition, strength, aerobic capacity, and mood. These natural GH releasers use a variety of amino acids, such as glutamine, tyrosine, GABA, arginine, and lysine, to communicate with the body to produce or release its own GH.

Signs of growth hormone decline include:

  • decrease in lean muscle mass;
  • decrease in bone density;
  • increased fat mass, particularly around waistline and abdomen;
  • loss of skin elasticity;
  • slow recovery from injuries;
  • increased hair loss;
  • increased total cholesterol and LDL, decreased HDL;
  • impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance;
  • increased anxiety and depression;
  • cognitive impairment;
  • fatigue.

Growth hormone benefits include:

  • decreased body fat;
  • increased muscle mass and strength;
  • improved stamina and exercise capacity;
  • improved fat burning;
  • enhanced energy;
  • improved sex drive and desire;
  • improved skin elasticity;
  • better wound healing;
  • better quality of sleep;
  • increased bone density;
  • enhanced immune system function;
  • improved cholesterol profiles;
  • improved sleep;
  • improved cognition and mental function;
  • decreased anxiety and depression.

What conditions is peptide therapy used to treat?

Since peptides can treat very specific conditions in the body, there is a very wide range of benefits. Peptides can be used to improve overall wellness in the body as well as limit the effects of aging in the body.

Some of the conditions it can improve are inflammation, weight management, improving your libido, stimulating growth hormones, helping with anxiety and depression, joint and muscle repair, improving mental clarity and focus, insomnia, and even preventing skin cancer by increasing the melanin in your skin.

Are there any side effects?

Every medication has the potential for side effects. With peptides, they are rare and quite minimal. They may include: itching at the injection area, dry mouth, increased hunger, darkening of moles, an increase of freckles, weight loss, increased hunger, and some drowsiness.

Of course, you should always consult with your primary care physician or ask one of our doctors to see if peptide therapy is right for you based on your medical history.

Why should I get peptide therapy?

You should get peptide therapy if you are looking to improve one of the conditions mentioned above. Peptide therapy is not a magic cure to all your ailments, but it does help significantly with a great many of them. It can also be used in conjunction with some other treatments you may be receiving currently.

Peptide therapy may have some small side effects but nothing major or life-altering. It’s a good way to improve your overall wellness without trying a bunch of different treatments and having to go through extensive procedures. It’s basically a simple way to get healthier

How long will I use peptide therapy?

Peptide therapies usually have a “loading” period of 3-6 months before full effects and maximum benefit are noticed. In fact, unlike synthetic growth hormone that has negative side effects of long-term use, peptides are natural and can be used indefinitely for maximum health benefit and little to no side effects.

What peptides are commonly offered?

Ipamorelin CJC-1295

Ipamorelin CJC-1295is a growth hormone secretagogue – that is it triggers the secretion of human growth hormone in your body via your pituitary gland.

It is considered quite safe since it merely triggers your body’s production of your own natural growth hormone.

CJC-1295 is delivered via a subcutaneous (below the skin) injection, allowing it to be absorbed into the body slowly, and provide a consistent triggering effect on the pituitary gland. Essentially, Ipamorelin is the short-term trigger for the pituitary to release growth hormone, whereas the CJC-1295 is a much longer-term trigger (with raised hormone levels for as much as 6 to 10 days after administration).

Another growth hormone-releasing hormone is Sermorelin, so you can read more about it in detail here.

AOD-9604: Fat-Burning Peptide

AOD-9604 is a modified form growth hormone which is a 191 amino acid peptide. The last 15 amino acids (176-191) of the Growth Hormone polypeptide have been reproduced as a specific peptide and is called GH Frag 176-191 or AOD-9604.

AOD-9604 is one of the best peptides for weight loss. It also has additional benefits that can help with fat reduction, better metabolism, and more.

In addition to its fat loss properties, AOD-9604 processes many other regenerative properties associated with growth hormone. Currently, trials are underway to show the application of AOD-9604 in osteoarthritis, hypercholesterolemia, bone and cartilage repair.

MK-677

MK677, also known as Ibutamoren, is a highly potent and orally active growth hormone secretagogue. It works by mimicking the ghrelin receptor, which is not something many compounds are capable of.

This compound has become extremely popular because it can boost both growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF1). Both of these play a role in functions such as muscle growth, recovery, and cell regeneration.

Because of these unique benefits, it’s widely used amongst bodybuilders and other athletes to maximize performance.

MK 677 is used because it has been scientifically shown to increase growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF1).

BPC157

BPC 157 – the darling child of the optimized self, bodybuilding, and performance-enhancing communities. Used for years overseas, in athletics, nootropic & regenerative spaces it’s now fast becoming a staple in many health protocols.

Need to heal your gut? BPC 157. Need to shut down inflammation around a tendon? BPC 157. Need to heal from an ACL surgery. BPC 157. With little to no side effects, BPC 157 can be introduced into a protocol for healing or optimization.

BPC 157 naturally occurs in our gastric juice, and its role in the gut is to kickstart and accelerate the repair and renewal of the intestinal tract.

Since our intestines are under a lot of pressure and constantly working to repair the damage, BPC 157 does a fantastic job of keeping everything running smoothly by regenerating cells of intestine walls and endothelium, preventing ulcers, stabilizing the microbiome, and controlling blood vessel functioning.

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