Peptides are appreciated by people with multiple health conditions because they can mimic natural pathways for many physiological functions. The first use of therapeutic peptides was for diabetic patients, and now peptides are applied to combat aging symptoms, restore hormone levels, grow muscles, reduce pain, lose weight, restore sexual function, and more.
Peptide therapy can improve the health and wellness of patients with a number of disorders. In this article, we reveal what peptides are, how they work, and their therapeutic use.
Peptides: definition and functions
Peptides are amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins. These chemical chains regulate the body’s physiological functions such as digestion, respiratory and cardiovascular function, hormone production, immune system function, etc. Our body produces over 7 thousand widely known peptides. Some of them can be derived in a laboratory from different natural sources. Scientists use lab-made peptides to create food supplements, creams, gels, and injections.
Peptide molecules are smaller than proteins, so the human body absorbs and processes them easier. Thanks to modern science, peptides’ half-life can be prolonged, making them more sustainable. A longer half-life allows applying them in different forms. Here’s a list of the most common therapeutic peptides:
- Glutathione. This peptide is essential for our immune system. It helps to get rid of toxins and active oxidants. It can be found in food supplements.
- Bradykinin decreases blood pressure. It’s usually prescribed to address hypertension.
- Oxytocin is crucial for childbirth, reproduction, and relationship. It comes in the form of an injection and is available by prescription.
- Insulin is a glucose-controlling peptide hormone produced in the pancreas. It’s also responsible for body metabolism. It’s prescribed for patients with diabetes type 1 and 2.
- Collagen is a building protein found in connective tissues of the human body. It usually comes as a food supplement and aims to restore skin elasticity.
- Sermorelin is a peptide that acts as a growth hormone-releasing hormone. It’s used to boost the natural production of the growth hormone (HGH). HGH promotes recovery and muscle growth and boosts metabolism.
What is peptide therapy?
Our body produces peptides throughout our whole life. However, stress, lack of sleep, bad habits, health issues, and simply aging may decrease hormone levels and peptides.
Peptide therapy’s goal is to restore the lack of peptides to help our body function to its full potential. Most peptides should be administered via subcutaneous injection, but there are peptides available as pills, sprays, and topical creams.
Peptide therapy embraces a personalized approach to treating medical conditions. Thus, your therapy provider can choose an individualized set of peptides depending on your health conditions and goals. Peptides may come as compounds mixed individually for each patient.
Peptide therapy benefits
Peptide therapy can be a powerful tool for maintaining health and well-being for many people. Nowadays, over 60 peptides are approved in the US, and over 100 are evaluated for their effectiveness. Among peptide therapy benefits are the following:
- tissue regeneration and recovery,
- hormone level normalization,
- improving muscle mass,
- pain reduction,
- improving cognitive function,
- promoting sexual function,
- better sleep,
- boosting energy level,
- controlling blood pressure,
- improving immune system,
- rejuvenile effect,
- boosting hair growth and skin elasticity.
Peptide therapy’s side effects
There are no general precautions about peptides, as they differ in their chemical contents, and the adverse reaction may differ from person to person. However, generally, peptides are well-tolerated by most patients. The side effects are slight and disappear when your body gets used to new levels of peptides. Side effects include swelling, headaches, and dizziness.
Still, you should take peptides only under professional supervision. Peptide therapy is not recommended for pregnant patients or those who have cancer.
Where to get a peptide treatment
Peptide popularity is growing, so many clinics have started to offer a variety of peptide therapies. That’s why we recommend attending licensed healthcare facilities to receive quality peptide treatment. A professional therapist will make required tests to define peptide shots that are best suited to you.
If you are interested in peptide therapy for improving your health and wellness, contact us, and apply for a free consultation or get a detailed guide on the types of therapies we can provide.
