Why we need them and how to replace them
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that fall between small molecules and proteins in size. They are essential in maintaining the body's overall function and health. As we age, the production of certain peptides in the body declines, leading to a decline in our immune system, tissue repair, and mitochondrial function. However, replacing these peptides can help maintain our body's health and vitality.
Peptide replacement therapy for longevity is similar to hormone replacement therapy in some ways. The reason we need hormones and peptides is that we had them when we were young, but we don't produce them at the same levels as we age.
Two of the most important peptides that decline as we age come from the thymus gland - Ta1 and TB4, which are crucial for immune functions. By replacing them, we can maintain a robust immune system even as we age.
Another important peptide is BPC 157(body protective compound), which is produced by the gut in response to injury. As we age, our bodies produce less of it, which leads to a slower healing process. By increasing BPC levels in the body, we can promote faster healing.
Growth hormone is another peptide that declines as we age. However, taking exogenous growth hormone is not natural and has been downside, so it is better to use growth hormone secretagogues, which stimulate the body's pituitary gland to produce more of it's own growth hormone (by the way, resistance training and sauna also help in this regard not to mention good sleep). This can help with regeneration and repair, especially during sleep. Peptides like Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin and co.
Mitochondrial function is also crucial for longevity, as mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP, which is the body's energy currency. As we age, the production of new mitochondria declines, leading to decreased energy levels. The mitochondrial peptide, Mots-c, can help promote the production of new mitochondria.
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-encoded peptide that has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function and improve metabolic health in various animal models. It has also been found to increase lifespan and improve age-related metabolic dysfunction in mice. MOTS-c works by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor that regulates cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. By activating AMPK, MOTS-c enhances glucose uptake, increases fatty acid oxidation, and improves insulin sensitivity, thereby improving mitochondrial function and overall metabolic health.
Peptide replacement therapy involves replacing the peptides that decline as we age, such as thymus and alpha one, BPC, growth hormone secretagogues, and mitochondrial peptides. By replacing these peptides, we can maintain our body's health and vitality, allowing us to age gracefully.
There are literally thousands of peptides and more coming every month. This is truly an exciting time in this field.
In conclusion, peptides are crucial for maintaining our overall health and vitality. As we age, the production of certain peptides declines, leading to a decline in our immune system, tissue repair, and mitochondrial function. Peptide replacement therapy can help maintain these levels and promote a healthy and robust immune system, faster healing, regeneration, and repair, and increased energy levels. By replacing what we are losing, we can age gracefully and maintain our quality of life.
If you want to learn more about peptides check out the series on peptides on our podcast "Pushing the Limits"
Author of Peptide Protocols and SSRP
Medical director at Boulder Longevity Institute
Holistic Nutritionist, Peptide and Bioregulator specialist
