GHK-Cu Peptide: The Botox Alternative

By Rebecca Steiner, Certified Health Coach and Peptide Specialist

GHK-Cu is a copper complex peptide naturally found in human plasma. It has an array of health benefits and anti-aging effects. For instance, it is an essential part of collagen production. As we age, the amount of GHK-Cu we produce declines. In fact, by age 60 we make around 60% less. GHK-Cu is a common ingredient found in anti-aging skin creams, scientifically proven to provide good clinical results. However, administering GHK-Cu via injection allows for far better absorbency and more powerful results. The peptide is administered via a tiny injection in the abdomen that you do at home 1-2 times a day. The benefits of GHK-Cu injections include:

-       Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles

-       Skin regeneration

-       Increased collagen production

-       Stem cell production

-       Reversal of skin thinning

-       Restoration of skin elasticity and firmness

-       Improvement in skin clarity 

-       Softening of rough skin

-       Reduction of hyperpigmentation 

-       UV protection

-       Wound healing/ Tissue repair

-       Hair growth/re-growth/thickening

-       Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory effects

-       Lowers anxiety and Aggression

-       Neuroprotection

-       Supports cognition 

-       Reduction of inflammation and free radical damage

-       Reduction of gut inflammation 

-       Improvement in pain and pain tolerance

If you are interested in learning more about GHK-Cu, please contact our office for a complimentary 15-minute phone consult. 

What I Love About Peptides

By Rebecca Steiner, Certified Health Coach and Peptide Specialist

Peptide therapy is one of my favorite tools for anyone who wants to enhance their health, longevity, physical appearance, and overall well-being. What I really love about peptides is that they are natural and very safe (when used correctly and under your doctor’s supervision). Peptides are messenger molecules that our bodies make naturally. They do all sorts of important things, like telling your cells how to function properly, and which hormones to release.  In our clinic, peptide therapy has been a game changer for a lot of people who are seeking support for a wide range conditions, from chronic illnesses like Lyme disease to weight loss and body optimization, and the prevention of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. In my opinion, there is really no condition that peptides can’t benefit. 

Why Some People Don’t Love Peptides

I occasionally come across clients who have tried peptides without success, or they experienced bad side-effects. Upon further investigation, I learn that they purchased their peptides not through their doctor but from an online vendor. I can’t stress enough how important it is to work with a skilled practitioner who is able to source your peptides from a reputable pharmacy and can design a protocol for you based on your individual needs. No matter what some people may tell you, peptides are NOT a one size fits all product. Additionally, while peptide therapy is quite safe, purchasing peptides online is risky. This is because only doctors have access to compounding pharmacies that are strictly regulated by the FDA, and because peptide practitioners will be the first to know if there are issues with a product or a manufacturer. Peptides that are sold online at discounted prices are at best, a lesser quality and at worst, dangerous for your health. 

Why You’ll Love Peptides

• Peptides have so many amazing health benefits including:

• Anti-aging properties

• Improvement in the look of skin, hair and nails

• Increased life span

• Weight loss

• Lean muscle building

• Performance enhancing

• Improved sexual function

• Increased bone density 

• Prevention of degenerative diseases

• Immune system support

• Wound healing

• Bone, tissue and muscle repair

• Neuroprotection 

• Gut repair 

• Mood balancing 

• Improved sleep

• Antimicrobial effects

MY FAVORITE PEPTIDES

 There are lots of different peptides out there, but these are some of my favorites. Keep in mind that many of these peptides work better synergistically, so your practitioner may want to combine, or “stack” them. 

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin for Weight Loss

As we age, our hormones change, we experience chronic illness and stress, or regularly diet, weight loss becomes more difficult. Our growth hormone production decreases, and our metabolism is no longer working properly. CJC and Ipamorelin are combined in this peptide to improve growth hormone production, and boost and restore the metabolism. It is a small injection that allows for easier weight loss (especially around the midsection) increased lean muscle mass, and overall body optimization. Other benefits include: anti-aging properties, strengthening of the immune system, better sleep, and improvement in the look of hair, skin and nails. The caveat with these peptides is that you must follow a specific diet to really get the full benefit. At our clinic we design a “Peptide Diet Program” so you get the most out of your peptides. 

Amlexanox – For Weight Loss, Seasonal Allergies, and Much More

In my opinion, Amlexanox is the most underrated peptide on the market. It is a very effective, unique, and multifaceted compound, that is taken orally, as a capsule and is reasonably priced. It is usually used for weight loss because it improves glucose control and insulin resistance and reduces HbA1C levels, as well as reducing appetite. I find that it works very well in people with inflammation-related weight gain, because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Amlexanox doesn’t work for everybody. We still don’t know why, but it likely has something to do with genetics. Even though it doesn’t work for everyone, when Amlexanox works, it works very well! I also find that it’s much more effective when stacked with CJC+Ipamorelin. The other amazing thing about Amlexanox is that it has mast cell stabilizing effects. Amlexanox stabilizes mast cells in the body, that when activated, release histamine, therefore, it reduces the levels histamine in the body. I’ve seen Amlexanox work wonders for people with histamine or inflammation-based conditions like; mold toxicity, CIRS, seasonal allergies, food allergies, Gut problems, histamine intolerance, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and Lyme disease. There is also research showing that it could be useful in the treatment of tumors. 

Thymosin Alpha-1 – For the Immune System

Many people who work with peptides will tell you that if they had to pick only one peptide they could use forever, it would be Thymosin alpha-1. That is because of the incredible effects TA-1 has on the immune system. On one end, it can bolster the immunity of a healthy person, to prevent potential illnesses, and on the other, it can improve chronic conditions like Lyme disease, Autoimmune illness, and even cancer. I personally use TA-1 anytime I get the feeling I’m coming down with something, and I’m usually successful at preventing or limiting the duration of colds and flus. I’ve also had a lot of success stacking TA-1 with CJC+Ipamorelin in people with inflammation, infection, or mold related weight gain. 

Thymosin Beta-4 – For Injury 

TB-4 is a healing peptide that promotes repair and recovery after injury. It is commonly used to treat sports injuries and to promote healing after surgery. TB-4 improves blood flow and reduces inflammation, it also repairs muscles, tendons and ligaments. 

BPC-157 – For Gut Repair, Fitness & Injury

BPC, or Body Protective Compound, is the one peptide that everyone can benefit from, has zero side-effects or contraindications and can, and should, be taken every day of your life. BPC is often used orally for gut repair, and is very helpful in treating ulcers, SIBO, IBS, Leaky Gut Syndrome, C. Difficile, and Ulcerative Colitis. Body builders, or anyone who is looking to make gains in the gym, appreciate the injectable version of BPC for its body repairing benefits. BPC will promote quicker recovery after exercise, faster muscle regeneration, and promotes tissue repair after injury. BPC reduces inflammation and prevents injury from exercise. BPC can also be stacked with TB-4 to accelerate healing pre and post-surgery. It can also repair organs, and has been shown to improve liver function and most importantly, can help prevent hangovers.  

Selank 

Selank is a natural nootropic and anxiolytic nasal spray, that has been shown to be an effective replacement for pharmaceuticals like Xanax. Selank can improve; anxiety, depression, memory and mental clarity, and is helpful in the treatment of ADHD, Autism, mood disorders, gut problems, histamine intolerance, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. It also has immune boosting properties and can work synergistically with other peptides to improve weight loss.  The great thing about selank is that unlike pharmaceuticals such as Xanax and valium, it is non-addictive and often allows people to successfully wean off of their prescription medications. 

Epitalon – The Fountain of Youth

Epitalon is probably the most amazing peptide there is, because it is literally the fountain of youth placed inside of a tiny injection. Epitalon will make you live longer and have you looking better. Unfortunately, it is also quite expensive, and can be cost prohibitive for many people. Epitalon has been shown, through scientific research, to increase lifespan and prevent degenerative diseases, by increasing telomere length. Telomeres are the ends of a chromosome, and the protective parts of our DNA. They make sure our cells divide properly. The longer the telomere strands are, the better the cell health. Each time a cell divides, the telomere becomes shorter, so as we age, the length of our telomeres inevitably shorten. Epitalon will lengthen these telomeres, resulting in longer life span and the delay and prevention of degenerative diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and dementia. Epitalon will also help prevent skin aging, and it improves sleep. For best results, Epitalon should be administered as a small injection, twice per year, for three years. 

If you are interested in scheduling a peptide consultation, please contact our office!

Peptide Therapy for Men: The Secret to Vitality at Any Age

By Rebecca Steiner, Certified Health Coach and Medical Assistant

As we age, we begin to experience a decline in how our body looks and functions. For men this can mean a lower libido, decreased lean muscle mass, decreased strength, energy, and weight gain. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent and even reverse these undesirable symptoms of aging. Peptides have been shown to exert incredible anti-aging effects that include:

·       Improvement in erectile dysfunction 

·       Reduced body fat (especially around the midsection)

·       Increased lean muscle mass 

·       Greater strength, endurance, energy and stamina 

·       Faster recovery after exercise 

·       Quicker healing from injury

·       Improvement in the look of hair and skin 

·       Neurological protection 

·       Prevention of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s 

·       Better memory

·       Deeper Sleep 

·       Reduced inflammation 

·       Increased bone density and prevention of osteoporosis

·       Boosting of the immune system 

·       Increased life-span 

·       Improved mood 

Peptides are amino acids that naturally occur within the body. Peptide therapy, is a safe, natural and effective way to augment these small, important proteins, to significantly improve the bodily processes that diminish with age. 

Peptides are usually administered at home via a very small, relatively painless, subcutaneous injection. Talk with us about which peptides will help you to achieve your optimal health, vitality and strength, at any age.  

Epithalon: The Fountain of Youth Peptide

by Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Health Coach

Epithalon may be the closest we’ve come to discovering the fountain of youth. Epithalon reverses the aging process and increases lifespan. Studies show that by using this peptide twice a year you will not only live longer, you decrease your likelihood of age associated diseases, like cancer and dementia. In addition, Epithalon is an anti-oxidant that promotes deeper and healthier sleep cycles, increases resistance to stress, improves physical endurance, and restores the immune system. 

Epithalon works by increasing the natural production of telomeres. Telomeres are like little protective caps that sit on the ends of our DNA. They promote DNA replication allowing for the production of new cells and the rejuvenation old ones. With age, stress and environmental exposures, our telomeres shorten and more of our cells die, resulting in aging and disease. Epithalon lengthens telomeres, lengthening life!

Epithalon is administered by a small injection and is much more effective than oral therapies. If you are interested in learning more about the anti-aging effects of Epithalon and peptide therapy please contact our clinic. 

Natural Peptides for Easier Weight Loss

By Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Health Coach

Summer has arrived! For me, and many people I know, this usually means we start thinking about how to shed the extra 10 pounds we put on over the winter, about joining an exercise “boot camp” program, or contemplating the best diet to prepare for that upcoming tropical vacation. However, these are not typical times. We have all been through a lot lately. We know that periods of stress, fear, isolation, and immobility can take a toll emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. It can also shape our habits, how we eat and how we take care of ourselves. In these times of uncertainty and instability, we may not always make the healthiest choices. We might not care for ourselves the way we know we should. Some days we just don’t have it in us to follow the perfect diet, vigorously exercise, forgo that glass of wine, or that piece of chocolate cake. And guess what? That’s okay.

In my own household, we’ve certainly had difficulty sticking to our usual health-conscious routine. Shopping for fresh, clean foods, preparing healthy, home-cooked meals, and getting lots of fresh air and exercise has just been too difficult to maintain. Staying “in-shape” simply took a back seat to managing the day-to-day. Early on in the pandemic, I made the conscious decision that for my family this wasn’t a time feel guilty over every transgression. We weren’t going to worry about every extra calorie (or full day of “stress-eating,”) that dinnertime cocktail or extra piece of desert. Instead, we were going to practice self-compassion and acceptance, recognizing that some circumstances are beyond our control, and in times like these, we do what we can.

Still, with Summer upon us and some restrictions being lifted, many people, including myself, are reorienting, wondering how we can become healthier and happier and wanting to engage in some very needed self-care. In light of current conditions, deprivation dieting or intensive exercise programs might not be realistic for everyone.  Instead, some of us may need to be gentler with ourselves, focus on being healthy and supporting our total well-being. Peptide therapy with CJC 1295 & Ipamorelin, is a great option for anyone who is interested in improving their overall physique, without the extreme dieting and deprivation. 

What are Peptides and Peptide Therapy?

Peptides are molecules in our bodies that are made up of small chains of amino acids. You can think of them as small proteins. There are over 7,000 known peptides and each one has a unique function within the body. They may direct cell-to-cell communication, or make up the structural components of tissues, cells and hormones. With peptide therapy, we are able to harness the power of these tiny molecules and utilize their influence to achieve optimal body performance and health.

CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin Peptides Promote Weight Loss

For many of us, factors such as age, hormones, chronic illness or stress, and a previous history of intensive dieting has left our metabolism functioning at a sub-optimal level. That means that even if we are following a healthy diet and lifestyle our weight simply does not budge. Peptide therapy allows you to overcome that “set weight point” by naturally boosting and restoring your metabolism, giving you the jump start you need to begin losing weight. CJC-1295 without DAC and Ipamorelin is a compounded peptide combination in the form of a small injection that is done at home, daily. As we age, or experience chronic stress, we start to produce less and less growth hormone. Growth hormone is what allows our metabolism to run optimally, burn fat, and keeps our muscles and bones strong. Peptide therapy naturally promotes an increased production of this growth hormone by telling our pituitary gland to release more, restoring our metabolism to the way it was when we were in our twenties. These are not growth hormones, but natural peptides that signal your body to produce more. These peptides also have anti-aging properties, improving the look of skin, hair and nails and increasing muscle and bone density. By combining CJC & Ipamorelin with a reasonably healthy diet and lifestyle, over a 3 to 6 month period you will significantly improve your body composition, decrease fat (especially around the midsection) and increase lean muscle mass. The result is a slimmer, more toned, healthier physique.  

The Benefits of CJC & Ipamorelin:

• Fat loss (especially around the midsection)

• Improved body composition 

• Increased lean muscle mass 

• Increased bone density 

• Improved REM sleep

• Increased energy

• Quicker recovery after exercise 

• Increased collagen production

• Improvement in the look of skin, hair and nails

• Strengthening of the immune system

• Increased libido 

• Improved mood

• Mitochondrial repair 

CJC + Ipamorelin Peptides Will Not:

• Increase appetite

• Increase cortisol, prolactin or aldosterone production

• Cause that “bounce back” weight gain that can happen when you discontinue a weight-loss medication 

Peptide therapy is pretty amazing, but it is not a magic bullet. It is not a fad diet or a quick fix. You have to do the work. However, if you follow a healthy diet and exercise program, with peptides on board, you will slowly but surely improve your physique and your overall health. 

If you are interested in learning more about peptide therapy, please contact our office. We want to support you on your journey towards better health and happiness.