Expert Contributor
An Introduction to Peptides By Paul H. Kim, MD, Medical Institute of Healthy Aging
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s anyone who has taken basic biology remembers, peptides are chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building block of proteins, which are one of the main classes of nutrients we ingest, and also form the foundation of many of our body parts. The difference is that proteins are comprised of thousands of amino acids, whereas peptides are composed of tens to hundreds of amino acids. The main function of the peptides seems to be as signaling molecules, meaning they represent a class of hormones. There are estimated to be over 250,000 peptides active in our body. One of the most recognized peptides is insulin. Insulin is critical for maintaining sugar balance within our system. Other hormonal peptides include Calcitonin for helping with bone and calcium metabolism, oxytocin which is active during the birthing process, and growth hormone releasing peptide, which is responsible for releasing stores of Growth Hormone. Certain peptides have already been marketed and approved by the FDA, such as insulin and its “counter-hormone”, Glucagon Like Peptide -1 or GLP-1. However, there are many other peptides, that have not been “appreciated” by the pharmaceutical industry, that are readily available now through compounding pharmacies. These peptides are noted to have some remarkable properties for healing and restoring balance in the body. They include:
Ipamorelin – a peptide that helps with Human Growth Hormone modulation and may have other cytoprotective effects. It may actually be safer and have more effects than Human Growth Hormone therapy itself.
BPC 157 -- a peptide found in the gastric juices of humans. It has shown positive effects on both soft tissue such as tendons and also with gastric ulcers and may have a benefit in inflammatory bowel disorders, like Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis.
Thymosan Alpha -1 – a peptide found to be very important in regulating inflammatory and immune responses. These are among the peptides that can be compounded presently and used to help patients with various ailments. Please come to Medical Institute of Healthy Aging to consult and explore these therapies for improved health.
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