Peptide Guide
Imagine a product with almost no side effects, a product that your body produces already so they aren't recognized as foreign, and a product which can have truly life-changing effects on your health. That in a nutshell, is a peptide. Big pharma doesn't want you to know about peptides, because they want you on a revolving door to the hospital coming back for more drugs. At VIGEO Health, we want you to be free of as many drugs as possible, living your best life, the way you were meant to.
WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?
Like proteins, peptides are made of chains of amino acids, but peptides are simply shorter. In general, peptides are composed of between two and 50 amino acids, whereas proteins have more than 100 amino acids. Peptides can perform a wide range of very precise cellular functions.
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The human body naturally produces more than 7,000 known peptides, and there’s extensive research underway to identify how these peptides work and how we can utilize them. Peptides are present in every cell of the human body. Your body naturally produces peptides, but as you age, production slows down and levels decline.
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The first peptide produced in a lab was insulin. Insulin has effects on the human body, but not side effects. If you inject too much insulin, your blood sugar drops. This is the intended effect of injecting it! Other peptides are similar, and have an amazing safety profile.
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Peptides can be taken orally, dissolved under the tongue, used as a nasal spray, or injected with a tiny insulin needle. Depending on your situation, one or more of these may be right for you.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PEPTIDES?
Peptide therapy can be personalized to provide numerous precise health benefits. Some specific benefits include:
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Weight loss
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Increased energy
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Improved cognitive function
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Musculoskeletal repair
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Reduced inflammation
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Improved muscle mass
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Improved exercise recovery
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Improved libido
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Better sexual function
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Strengthened immune system
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Better sleep
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Increased testosterone levels
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Hair growth
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Better skin quality
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Improved digestive function
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Increased Telomere Length (A sign of age reversal!)
IS PEPTIDE THERAPY FOR YOU?
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Peptides can benefit practically anyone, especially people who...
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Struggle with belly fat and extra weight
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Train hard but aren’t seeing the results they want.
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Struggle with workout recovery.
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Suffer with low energy or fatigue.
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Experience a decline in their libido or sexual performance.
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Struggle with poor sleep.
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Struggle with brain fog.
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Suffer from anxiety or depression.
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Suffer from chronic fatigue, joint pain, and chronic inflammation.
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Struggle with poor gut health.
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Want to reverse aging!
Because peptides can have hundreds of different functions in the body, they are hard to categorize. They were originally developed in the 1970's by Russian Military, in an effort to help their personnel on nuclear submarines have better health outcomes. The experiments have continued, and now there are many options for us worldwide. Peptides are going mainstream, and they can help you.
To get a better explanation, we suggest you educate yourself! Below are some websites, podcasts and groups which can help you decide if peptides are right for you.
Jay Campbell
Jay Campbell has been using peptides longer than most Americans and shares his knowledge of their benefits freely with the world. His website has great links to podcasts, articles, and other topics like hormones and nutrition.
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https://jaycampbell.com/peptides/
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Optimizing Superhuman Performance fb Group
Nat Niddam runs a great group on fb where you can ask questions and search previous posts for peptide success stories, protocols, and she often chimes in herself.
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance
Nat Niddam
There are multiple podcast episodes on Nat's website. I suggest you start with Episode 42. You will learn a little bit of background of peptide research and potential anti-aging benefits.
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Ben Greenfield
Ben Greenfield might be the original biohacker, at least as we know the term. If he talks about something, it's because he's researched it extensively, tried it himself, and talked to the experts about it. A good place to start learning.
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Thttps://bengreenfieldlife.com/article/peptides-part-1/
https://bengreenfieldlife.com/article/peptides-part-2/
https://bengreenfieldlife.com/article/peptides-part-3-safe-legal/
Want more information on peptides?
BPC-157
BPC stands for “Body Protecting Compound”, isolated from human gastric juice. It has been demonstrated to accelerate the healing of many different wounds, including tendon-to-bone healing and superior healing of damaged ligaments. Those who suffer from discomfort due to muscle sprains, tears and damage may benefit from treatment with this peptide. It can also help to aid skin burns at a faster rate by increasing blood flow to damaged tissues. BPC-157 works by enhancing your own natural healing processes.
Benefits: Healing soft tissue sprains, strains, tendons, muscles, cornea, ligament tears and broken bones. Oral BPC-157 acts systemically in the digestive tract to combat leaky gut, IBS, IBD, GERD, SIBO, ulcers, gastrointestinal cramps, and Crohn’s disease.
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TB-500 (Thymosin Beta 4)
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Thymosin Beta 4 (TB4) is produced by the thymus gland plays a crucial role in protecting, regenerating, and remodeling of injured or damaged tissues. It promotes joint, tissue, muscle and ligament regeneration, immune modulator and wound repair. It also promotes migration of cells, formation of blood vessels, maturation of stem cells, survival of various cell types and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Benefits: Improved musculoskeletal, joint, and wound repair, increased endurance and strength, improved chronic fatigue, decreased inflammation, improved muscle tone, suppressed muscle spasms, improved auto-immune function, protection against oxidative damage, protects against heart attacks, and helps with traumatic brain injury.
TB-500, the four amino acid fragment (1-4) of the 43 amino acid full-length TB4, is the workhorse, possessing the immune modulatory, angiogenic, healing, anti-inflammatory, cellular protective, and repair actions of full-length TB4, as well as having 10 times the potency of full length TB4 by weight. The significantly reduced molecular weight allows TB-500 to cross the blood-brain barrier.
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*NOTE*
BPC-157 and TB-500 are synergystic, and are often (but not always) used in combination.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is known as a growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP). It activates the ghrelin receptor at the pituitary gland to block the inhibitory effect of somatostatin and further increase growth hormone secretion. Ipamorelin allows you to experience the benefits of growth hormone (GH) without the side effects normally associated with other GH releasing peptides that increase the release of cortisol and prolactin. This is because it does not disturb endogenous GH production.
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Benefits: Increased metabolism and lipolysis (i.e. fat burning). It also improves deep sleep quality and skin elasticity.
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Mod GRF (1-29) - Also known as CJC-1295 w/o DAC
MOD GRF is a synthetic derivative of growth-hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It acts on the pituitary gland to stimulate secretion of growth hormone. Since Mod GRF only stimulates the body's endogenous GH production, there is no risk of shut down of the body’s natural production.
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Benefits: Fat loss, muscle gain, increased strength, improved skin tone, better sleep, more energy, stronger bones and connective tissues, deeper sleep, enhanced cognition, focus and memory, plus faster wound healing.
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*Note* Mod GRF (1-29) and Ipamorelin pair well. When used in combination, they affect both the growth hormone releasing hormone receptors AND the growth hormone secretagogue receptors. It is said that 1 + 1 = 4 when these two are used together.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that has been shown to increase IGF-1 levels. It binds and stimulates to GHRH receptors just as well as endogenous GHRH (i.e. GHRHs that naturally exist in the body). Tesamorelin is an FDA approved peptide for the treatment of lipodystrophy (abdominal adiposity) in HIV patients. Extremely effective when used in combination with Ipamorelin, due to the growth hormone effects, which can contribute towards healing effects.
Benefits: Fat loss in the abdominal area for men and visceral body fat loss in women. Improves cognition, lowers triglycerides. Works especially well in obese people. Has a nootropic effect in older individuals. Increases muscle mass, improves sleep, enhances cognition, focus and memory.
Epithalon
Epithalon (also called Epitalon, no “h”) is commonly referred to as the “primary anti-aging peptide” because it is one of the very few synthesized compounds that has been shown to directly activate the telomerase enzyme in humans. Active component of bovine pineal gland extract known as epithalamin. Telomerase renews and elongates telomeres, the caps on the ends of chromosomes that protect DNA from damage and cancer-causing errors. By activating telomerase, Epithalon can reduce the shortening of telomeres, theoretically helping you “age backward.”
Benefits: Epithalon might be the ultimate anti-aging peptide. Proven to increase telomere length (via increased telomerase activity) and decrease mortality in animal studies. Stimulates healthy pineal gland synthesis of serotonin and melatonin. Slows down aging of the reproductive system. Increases conversion of T4 to T3 thyroid hormone (normalizes deiodinase function). Improves glucose tolerance and decreases insulin and triglyceride levels. Studies show consistent increase in longevity and decrease in mortality and cancer. Improves hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction seen with disease and aging. Provide immune support by improving natural killer cell and T-helper cell function.
Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1)
Thymosin Alpha-1 is naturally produced in the thymus gland, and is an incredibly strong immunomodulator, meaning it does wonders for enhancing the strength of your immune system. TA1 plays a key role in the control of immunity, tolerance and inflammation. It regulates immune response via a primary action on the cells of the innate immune system and thus acts as an endogenous regulator of both inflammatory and adaptive immune responses. The peptide works at the most fundamental levels of the immune system to activate signaling pathways and stimulate the production of cytokines and other molecules that help to coordinate the activities of various cells in the immune system.
Successfully used in Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and malignant melanoma, chronic fatigue, and certain types of cancer. Reduces mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. Clinical trials suggest it may be useful in cystic fibrosis, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, peritonitis, acute cytomegalovirus infection, tuberculosis, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and lung infections in critically ill patients., and for chronic hepatitis B.
Benefits: Significant repairing, restoring, and healing properties. Boosts mitochondrial function with increased ATP production. Stimulates wound healing by enhanced angiogenesis, cell migration, and promotion of stem cell differentiation. Increases nitric oxide levels. Stimulates phagocytosis and autophagy. Increases antioxidant and glutathione production. Needed to maintain healthy GI mucosa and blood brain barrier permeability, greatly promoting the expression of tight junction proteins that maintain tight junction integrity. Reduces microglial activation from toxins, EMFs, infections, and alcohol. Binds and blocks the effects of neuro/endotoxins/electromagnetic toxins.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It increases secretion of insulin and inhibits glucagon by the pancreas, thereby improving glucose (sugar) metabolism. It regulates regions in the brain responsible for hunger and delays gastric emptying, leading to improved control of eating, reduced cravings and suppressed appetite. Semaglutide is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as well as obesity. When paired with nutritional education and behavior modification, results can be phenomenal.
Benefits: Studies show weight loss as well as significant improvement in Hemoglobin A1C and cardiovascular risk scores. Improved wound healing and injury repair. Boosted metabolism. May help with alcohol cravings.
Tirzepatide
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Tirzepatide is both a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. It increases secretion of insulin and inhibits glucagon by the pancreas, thereby improving glucose (sugar) metabolism. It regulates regions in the brain responsible for hunger, leading to improved control of eating, reduced cravings and suppressed appetite. Reduces the pleasure from eating food, leading to decreased snacking and overall lower calorie intake. When paired with nutritional education and behavior modification, results can be phenomenal.
Benefits: Studies show weight loss as well as significant improvement in Hemoglobin A1C and cardiovascular risk scores. Boosted metabolism. Side effects are much LESS than Semaglutide while controlling hunger more consistently. Half-life of 5 days means that dosing is just once a week.
Retatrutide
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The holy grail of the health system has always been elusive; a weight loss drug which actually works. Peptides have finally proven able to accomplish significant weight loss with a minimum of side effects. Retatrutide has the potential to outperform both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. So far the results show similar weight-loss in half the time!
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Description: Weight loss, boosted metabolism, improved blood sugar, reduced cardiovascular risk. In phase 2 clinical trials, patients lost an average of 24% of their body weight in 48 weeks at 12 mg a week. They also reduced their HbA1C (blood sugar), blood pressure, and cholesterol. Retatrutide also helps to reduce liver fat content and resolve NAFLD.
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Benefits: Retatrutide is a triple agonist peptide; it acts on GLP-1 and GIP, as well as glucagon agonists. Glucagon burns more energy and raises metabolism.
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Phase 1 Clinical Trials: https://www.hcplive.com/view/retatrutide-use-could- contribute-to-nafld-resolution
Phase 2 Clinical Trials: https://www.prevention.com/weight- loss/a44359639/retatrutide-eli-lilly-weight-loss-drug/
MOTS-C
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MOTS-c) promotes metabolic homeostasis while reducing obesity and insulin resistance. Its primary target organ appears to be the skeletal muscle, and its cellular actions inhibit the folate cycle, leading to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. AMPK is a cellular enzyme that when activated enhances fat burning (i.e. lipolysis) and promotes longevity.
Benefits: MOTS-C upregulates mitochondrial function at the cellular level, providing more energy, potential fat loss, and improved insulin sensitivity. Enhances the mitochondria's ability to react to metabolic stress. Enhances ability of mitochondria to burn fat, increases healthy brown fat. MOTS-C treatment enhances cold tolerance and reduces lipid trafficking to the liver. A potent metabolic regulator, it can enhance autophagy, mitochondrial function, and improve insulin sensitivity. Considered an exercise-mimetic, meaning it imitates exercise on the body. Promotes weight loss and heart health. Promotes bone formation.
KPV
KPV is a tripeptide which is one end of a larger naturally occurring melanocortin peptide hormone in your body known as alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). KPV has a broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory effects. It also improves overall gut health, including helping with IBD, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, chronic mold, and persistent diarrhea. KPV also has antimicrobial properties, including against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and the fungal Candida albicans.
Benefits: In animal studies, KPV has been shown to help with fever, systemic inflammation, brain inflammation, arthritis, ocular inflammation, contact dermatitis, fibrosis, allergic airway inflammation, acute pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal inflammation. It might also be helpful in treating psoriasis, ecxema, and other skin injuries.
Melanotan 1
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Want to visit the Caribbean in winter? Melanotan 1 used for a few weeks before your vacation will help you spend more time having fun and less time worrying about sunburn.
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Getting married? Want to look good in your dress without acne and tan lines? Use this for a month before the big day to look and feel your best.
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Benefits: Expand conscious awareness, enhances theta waves and helps with meditation or prayer. UV protection means you are less likely to burn while using it. Gives a darker and more uniform tan (no lines!). May be effective for Vitiligo. Shows potential for treating acne. May help regenerate DNA of skin damaged by UV.
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Cerebrolysin
CEREBROLYSIN is a potent peptide complex that is used to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI), ADHD, autism, stroke, senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Cerebrolysin is currently approved for use in 44 countries as a treatment for dementia and stroke. There is 70 years of use and research behind it. It was approved in Austria in 1950!
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For the average person a dose will be enough to feel more energy, brain clarity, improve memory and cognitive functions. Using it on days when you need/want to accomplish more than usual is highly recommended.
Benefits: Cerebrolysin contains natural neuropeptides that stimulate protein synthesis and neuron growth, support their functions and help them to communicate with each other. Cerebrolysin restores damaged neurons and slows down further damage, as well as protects them from the onset of symptoms. Cerebrolysin is highly effective in treating other neurodegenerative brain disorders. It also can be used by healthy people to improve memory and cognitive functions; to prevent memory loss and cognitive decline.
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Cerebrolysin is a mix of enzymatically treated neuropeptides (20%) and amino acids (80%) derived from pig brains. Its constituents can include low molecular weight neuropeptides that are similar to fragments of natural neurotrophic factors (NTF), for example, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cells derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF).
GHK-Cu
Benefits: GHK-Cu is almost considered a peptide Bio-Regulator, which is high praise from those who study peptides. It binds to DNA to turn on/off genes in healing. It has an impact on thousands upon thousands of genes so it can be a powerful regulator. It is the BEST peptide for all healing effects, including help for acne, thinning hair, thinning skin, arthritis, wound healing, scar healing, and UV damage. Helps with skin elasticity and collagen production.
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GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It has many roles in the body, including promoting recovery. It seems to act as an anti-inflammatory agent that controls oxidative damage post- tissue injury, as well as signaling tissue remodeling and the generation of new, healthy tissue.
GHK-Cu helps to keep you young and supple in several ways, including promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration (skin, hair follicles, stomach, bone tissue), increasing collagen and glycosaminoglycans, promoting blood vessel growth, possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and much more.
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It has been called this the SHAM-WOW! Of peptides…for those who are old enough to remember that commercial!
Bio-Regulator Peptides
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Bio-regulator peptides have been isolated for each organ of the body, and can help repair and heal the organ they are derived from. If you have heart issues, then the heart and blood vessel bio-regulators could benefit you. Fatty liver? Take liver peptides. However, if you are missing an organ (your thyroid is removed, for instance), then the thyroid peptides will not benefit you as there is no where for them to go to work.
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Bio-regulators are such small chains of amino acids (generally 3-5 links long) that they can be taken orally and arrive at their organ intact.
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There are also bio-regulators for skin, anti-aging, stomach, and other modalities. Still have questions? Check out the podcast with Nathalie Niddam and Bill Lawrence near the top of this page.
Videos and directions are for educational purposes only.