Peptides and how they affect our health [part 1 of 3]

Peptides are amino acids that are short chain (two to 100) and are the building blocks of proteins and are considered “major messengers” in the body’s cellular control function, metabolism and hormone production.

Some of the key functions of peptides are:

1) They are smaller than proteins so they are more easily absorbed by the body.

2) They occur naturally in our bodies and control blood pressure, immune function and digestion.

3) Types of peptides include insulin, collagen and muscle (C-peptide, GHK-Cu and BPC-157, respectfully).

Who discovered peptides and why are they JUST NOW gaining awareness as a “cure?”

A German scientist, Emil Fisher, is credited with discovering and naming peptides around 1901 or 1902, establishing that they are chains of amino acids linked together. He later developed methods for their synthesis while Bruce Merrifield revolutionized the field in 1963 by inventing solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) which enables efficient production. Vincent du Vigneaud, in 1953 achieved the first chemical synthesis of a polypeptide hormone (oxytocin) winning a Nobel prize.

Their surge in popularity is primarily due to their marketing as a “miracle” wellness, anti-aging and weight-loss tool. The general public has become disillusioned with their marketing as “band-aids” that corporate medicine dispenses and are wanting “real and quicker” answers and cures. This has arisen from a lot of individual and in-depth research in order to avoid the pharmaceutical pill pusher “solutions.”

Are there peptides “answers” for each organ or system?

Key therapeutic areas and representative peptides would encompass:

1) Immune system and autoimmune: Thymosin Alpha-1 restores immune function while Glatiramer Acetate is used to treat Multiple Sclerosis.

2) Tissue repair and orthopedics use the BPC-157 which is recognized for accelerating tendon repair, ligaments AND the gastrointestinal tract.

3) Metabolism and weight loss utilizes the GLP-1 (Ozempic, etc.) which manages diabetes and obesity.

4) Neurology and brain health are addressed with Cerebrolysin which supports post-stroke recovery and Selank/Semax are used for anxiety and cognitive enhancement.

5) Cardiovascular issues would utilize bioactive peptides derived from natural sources which are gaining accolades with lowering blood pressure.

6) Skin and fibrosis issues would require the GHK-Cu dermatology peptides formula for healing while other peptide formula for healing while other peptides target organ fibrosis such as in the liver or kidneys.

Are peptides introduced and assimilated in the body only via injection?

No, peptides are not exclusively introduced via injections, though that is the most effective manner for the highest bioavailability. Though the stomachs enzymes often break down oral peptides, they can be taken in pill form as well as nasal sprays, sublingual liquids and topical creams (transdermal).

Part 2 of this 3-part series will be upcoming.