Peptides are short sequences of amino acids linked with amide bonds, ultimately forming proteins. Our bodies can make these compounds naturally through DNA transcription. Every cell and tissue in the body has peptides, and their biological functioning is linked to their bonding with receptors at cell surfaces.
Usually, peptides contain 2-50 amino acids but sometimes may contain more than 50. Peptides are biological molecules that can easily penetrate the skin, body, and the bloodstream hence providing numerous benefits. They help rejuvenate your skin, lose weight, boost immune system, and strengthen bones or muscles.
Let’s dive deep to know the amazing health benefits and possible side effects of peptides. Keep reading!
How do Peptides Work in the Body?
Peptides stimulate various receptors and activate them for carrying out essential metabolic and physiological processes in the body. They send important signals to different body parts for improving collagen production and boosting your physical health and performance.
8 Incredible Health Benefits of Peptides
Peptides for Weight Loss
Can peptide therapy help you lose weight? Experts claim that, yes, it’s possible. Numerous FDA- approved peptides are available in the form of supplements that can be a good start for your weight loss journey.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) is a gut peptide secreted in response to meal digestion. This hormone controls glucagon secretion and hinders insulin production, thereby regulating glucose homeostasis. GLP1 is also responsible for reducing food intake and hunger. Data reveals that the GLP1 receptor is very effective for proper metabolic functioning in the body and weight loss.
Read the complete detail here: Peptides for Weight Loss
Improve Muscle Strength
Studies show the involvement of collagen peptides in strengthening muscles and increasing muscle mass. Hydrolyzed collagen is one of the ingredients in sports drinks to improve the regeneration and recovery of muscles after exercise.
Moreover, Creatine supplementation is also positively involved in the muscle growth of healthy young adults when paired with specialized training. However, kidney patients especially having CKD, should never use creatine supplementation without consulting their doctor as this may cause damage to the kidney functionality.
Peptides Help in Fat Burning
Peptides are potently involved in lipolytic functions, i.e., the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols stored in adipose tissues. Adropin is a peptide produced in the liver, brain, and gastrointestinal tract involved in fat burning and controlling weight.
It also maintains metabolic and non-metabolic homeostasis by controlling glucose and fatty acid metabolism.
Furthermore, research indicates that natriuretic peptides (NPs) are actively involved in controlling lipid metabolism by improving their mobilization in the bloodstream.
Aid in Faster Healing of Wounds
Being an important component of healthy skin, collagen peptides can impart their role in the faster healing of wounds. There is also research evidence indicating the involvement of bioactive peptides to increase the body’s antioxidant activity, causing a reduction in inflammation and improving wound healing.
Relieve Inflammation and Pain
Peptides are highly beneficial to reduce the body inflammation and pain caused by muscles or bone disorders such as arthritis, osteopenia or osteoporosis. Moreover, peptides can also boost your immune system that will help to combat frequent body or skin infections.
Help Delay Aging Signs
Intake of collagen peptides can improve your skin health and slow down aging. Data highlights that Intake of collagen supplements can help in treating wrinkles. Another study claims that collagen effectively improves skin elasticity and hydration levels.
Anti-aging products containing peptides as active ingredients can tighten the skin and improve blood flow leading to healthier and juvenile skin.
Moreover, the research claims that bioactive peptides can also provide the following health benefits.
- Control high blood pressure
- Have antimicrobial effects
- Reduce inflammation
- Prevent blood clots
- Improve immunity
- Act as antioxidants
Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can cause a great disturbance in the life of men by causing stress, loss of self-confidence, and many other physical or mental health problems. Many forms of peptides are exceptionally good to use for improving the sexual health of both men and women. They can help induce better libido and sex drives leading to a healthier relationship.
Perform Peptide Therapy
Peptide therapy is a very beneficial method to elevate the low level of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in our body and lose weight. With age, the level of this hormone declines drastically. To overcome this issue, peptides are injected into the body artificially to attain normal levels.
HGH is naturally produced in the body during exercise and controls the proper functioning of essential cellular processes such as well-optimized mental activity, quick wound healing, and good muscle strength.
Usually following different types of peptides help carrying out the succesful peptide therapy.
- Ipamorelin prompts the pituitary gland to release HGH, thereby improving cellular reproduction and muscle strength.
- AOD-9604, commonly known as fat burning peptides can help modulate fat metabolism by promoting lipolysis and hindering lipogenesis
- Sermorelin also increases HGH production and reduces weight by decreasing fat cells while promoting the accumulation of lean muscle mass.
- CJC-1295 ensures better cognitive function and sleep along with the HGH secretion.
- BPC-157 is present in human gastric juice and has the capability to heal damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Beneficial Aspects of Peptide Therapy
Peptide therapy provides a burst of health benefits leading to a healthier wellbeing. The most important roles of peptide therapy include:
- Naturally induce the production of growth hormones
- Can help treat hormonal imbalance
- Improves your mood and sleep quality
- Provides abundant benefits for hair and skin
- Boost your energy level leading to improved workout capacity
- Can help decrease body fat
Possible Complications Associated with Peptide Therapy
If not administrated with proper prescription and dosage, the peptide therapy can cause:
- Irritation in place of injection
- Dry mouth and increased water retention
- Kidney and joint pain
- Skin issues like freckles, hyperpigmentation, and melasma
- High blood pressure
- Reduced fertility
How Much Weight Can You Lose Through Peptide Therapy?
If you are following peptide therapy, you need to wait for a couple of months for the results to be significant. If you pair up your therapy with a proper diet and work out, you may notice a weight reduction of up to 5-10% after the therapy of 4-6 months.
Concluding Remarks
When and how much peptides you consume is extremely crucial which entirely depends on the type and brand of supplements. Moreover, it’s important to carefully read the instructions and dosage on the product label.
Make sure you use FDA approved peptides and don’t go over the recommended dosage; else, you can get some unpleasant side effects. Research on usage of peptides is still in its early phases, so you should always use them after consulting with your doctor to avoid any side effects.
