Various options are available to address different health concerns, such as vitamins, topicals, injectables, and peptides. Peptides can help with weight loss, boost your libido, enhance your focus, and improve your sleep while supporting gut health.

These amino acids are tiny chains found inside the body that significantly contribute to regulating bodily functions and providing numerous health benefits. In the United States, there are restrictions on obtaining them, but they are gradually becoming available. However, they come with a high price tag.

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In the new series “How to Live Longer,” Dr. Neil Paulvin and Dr. Rahi Sarbaziha, both certified longevity and integrative medicine doctors, are discussing the advantages of peptides and providing important information for those considering their incorporation into their wellness regimen.

What are peptides?

Peptides are made of amino acids —the fundamental components of proteins. These molecules play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, including muscle development and recovery, inflammation, weight management, brain function, and healing. Peptides work by communicating with other cells to ensure proper biochemical processes.

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The market offers different peptides; one of the most popular is Ozempic (semaglutide); however, each doctor specializes in other kinds.

Here are the peptides that Dr. Rahi is most frequently asked for:

• Melanotan - AKA the “Barbie‘’ peptide. This peptide can help you lose weight, tan your skin, and increase your sex drive. It works by increasing melatonin in your skin. (Note: dangerous side effects include increased, darker moles and tanned skin even after cycling off).
• Kispeptin - can help increase testosterone in both men and women. It can also regulate your ovulation cycle and increase your chance of getting pregnant. This peptide can also help increase muscle mass, inevitably leading to weight loss.
• Copper - this peptide helps with hair growth and increases collagen production in the skin. It can be taken orally or topically.

Dr. Paulvin’s Most Commonly Requested Peptides:

• BPC-157 - This peptide can help with ulcer health, healing muscles/joints, increasing cognition (it’s a low grade anti-depressant), skin health, and heart and lung inflammation, and it is now being mixed in with weight loss products because of its gut health benefits.
• Spermidine - this peptide has many Anti-Aging benefits. It can help improve memory loss, reduce the risk of cancer, trigger autophagy, minimize heart disease and decrease oxidative stress.
• Mots- C - this peptide helps regulate mitochondrial energy, promotes the metabolism of fatty acid in the liver, improves glucose regulation, aids in the resistance of metabolic stress, protects against insulin resistance, promotes weight loss, and improves physical performance.

Find below things to know before you incorporate peptides into your daily routine, according to the experts

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Did you know that peptides are naturally occurring chemical messengers in our bodies? They play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including hormone release, metabolism, inflammation, and brain health. It’s important to note that peptides are not steroids.

There are various ways to consume peptides — they are readily available in numerous sources. Peptides can be found in foods, supplements, and medications, making it effortless to incorporate them into your daily routine. As they are smaller than proteins, they can be quickly assimilated by the body.

Common forms of peptides include:

• Food - You can increase your peptide intake by consuming more eggs, fish, beans, lentils, soy and hemp seeds.
• Supplements- Peptide supplements are very popular. Some common supplements are Collagen, Creatine, Ipamorelin and BPC-157. Usually they can be found as pills or powders.
• Skin Care Products- Peptides are found in many common skincare products and lotions across the board. Collagen is one of the most common forms of peptides in skincare.
• Injections- Peptides can be injected directly into the body. This technique is both fast and safe for patients.
• Medications- Peptides can be found in medicine to treat conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and some autoimmune diseases.

It’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects when taking peptides, whether in oral or injectable form. Seeking guidance from a licensed physician before starting treatment and purchasing peptides exclusively from a board-certified physician is highly recommended. Properly cycling your peptides can also help prevent adverse effects.