GLP-1 Agonists: The Future of Weight loss and Aging

By Rebecca Steiner, Holistic Health Coach and Peptide Therapy Specialist

You’ve probably heard of GLP-1 agonists by now. These are medications known as Semaglutide, Ozempic and Wegovy that are all the rage in Hollywood, touted by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Elon Musk for their impressive weight loss benefits. But just because GLP-1s are getting a lot of buzz, it doesn’t mean they are a passing fad. In fact, quite the opposite, it’s safe to say that GLP-1s are very likely the future of health and anti-aging.

GLP-1s, or Glucagon-like Peptide Agonists, not only promote significant weight loss, they provide a plethora of health benefits, from preventing heart disease to lowering cholesterol and reversing Type II diabetes. Additionally, GLP-1 agonists upregulate cell efficiency by boosting natural NAD production. NAD is arguably one of the most important factors in slowing the aging process, and it declines as we get older. NAD is required for our cells to make energy, stay healthy, function optimally, and avoid cancerous proliferation. By increasing NAD production, GLP-1s not only help us live longer, they help us live better, improving the health of our cells, organs and metabolic function.

While Ozempic is standardly prescribed for significant weight loss in obese individuals with a BMI of 30 or above, GLP-1s are being used by clinicians off-label, with great success in people with healthy BMI’s who want to achieve minimal or moderate weight loss, and improve overall health and metabolic function. Additional applications include:

  • Reversing insulin resistance

  • Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides

  • Preventing cardiovascular disease in patients at increased risk

  • Improving Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • Hypertension

  • Erectile Disfunction

  • Aging

  • PCOS

If you have been following the news (or TikTok) you may have heard reports of extreme gastrointestinal side effects and other risks associated with GLP-1 agonists. The potential for side effects depends on where you source your peptide, and how it is dosed. Side-effects like these are not a concern with our products, which are specially compounded through an accredited, FDA regulated pharmacy, and carefully dosed. 

GLP-1s are the most effective weight loss product on the market, and the key to anti-aging. And they are only going to get better, as scientists and researchers continue to work on developing and improving them.

Through January 2023, we are offering 10% off of our Semaglutide Weight Loss Package.

If you are interested in finding out if you are a good candidate for Semaglutide or learning more about learning more about its benefits, email Rebecca: rebecca@bewellnaturalmedicine.net

Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Semaglutide outperforms all other medications in its ability to promote significant, long-term weight loss. Semaglutide is an FDA approved peptide that is administered by small subcutaneous injection, once per week. It works by reversing insulin resistance, optimizing blood sugar levels, improving overall metabolic function, and suppressing appetite.

While there is individual variation in results, clinical trials found on average people lost 15% loss of their body weight by one year. However, we commonly see faster, more dramatic results when following our recommendations for diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications. It is not uncommon to see weight reduction in the range of 20-50 pounds by month four of the program. 

The Benefits of Semaglutide Include: 

·      Significant and sustained weight loss

·      Reduced waist circumference

·      Improved blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels

·      Increased insulin sensitivity

·      Reduction of triglycerides

·      Improvement of diabetes type II

·      Appetite reduction/diminished hunger and cravings

·      Feeling full faster

·      Better sleep

If you are interested in knowing more about our Semaglutide package, and find out if you are a candidate, please contact Rebecca: rebecca@bewellnaturalmedicine.net

Why Mineral Balance is Essential for Curing Chronic Candida Overgrowth

By Rebecca Steiner, Peptide Program Manager and Certified Health Coach

Many of my clients have suffered for years with symptoms of candida overgrowth. Symptom type and severity ranges greatly, and can severely impact quality of life. Making matters worse, because the symptoms of candida overgrowth aren’t always straight forward, it can take a long time to obtain an accurate diagnosis. By this point candida is running rampant, and is even more difficult to treat.

Just some of the symptoms of candida overgrowth include:

-       Stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, constipation, distention, nausea, leaky gut

-       Food allergies

-       Histamine intolerance  

-       Allergic Reactions

-       Difficulty losing weight and weight gain

-       Chronic Fatigue

-       Sluggishness

-       Lack of Vitality

-       Mood Disturbance, Depression and Anxiety

-       Hair Loss

-       Skin or Nail Issues

-       Recurring Vaginal or Urinary Tract Infections

-       Sinus Infections

-       Brain Fog

-       Hormonal Imbalance

-       PMS

-       Sleep Disturbance

-       Adrenal Insufficiency

-       Chronic Pain

I can’t tell you how many people I speak to who have done everything to cure candida, but cannot free themselves of this persistent fungus! They religiously follow the diet, take tons of medications and supplements, adhere to every piece of advice from their doctor, and while they may experience improvement, one false move and the symptoms return. It is extremely frustrating.

Enter minerals. Underlying mineral imbalance is common in cases of persistent candida infection. And, it is just as commonly missed. Especially in women, it is not unusual to uncover an underlying mineral imbalance that is preventing the resolution of chronic candida infection. Often, these women are also plagued by hormonal imbalances, like estrogen dominance, and experience extreme chronic fatigue and brain fog.  This is because they are lacking certain minerals that are required by the body, in the right amounts, in order for the immune system, hormones, adrenal glands and mitochondria to function properly.

Arguably, the most important mineral in the fight against candida is copper. Copper is a natural fungicide and is essential in the formation of immune cells that target and kill candida, and prevent it from taking root in the first place. You can take all the medications to rid yourself of candida, but without enough copper, your immune system cannot prevent its return. There are also other essential minerals that promote adequate stomach acid, protein synthesis and food break down, and keep the gut lining healthy and in-tact. Without these minerals the microbiome is compromised, setting the stage for bad entities to flourish.

Sadly, over the years copper imbalance, and other mineral deficiencies have become more prevalent. This is due to modern agricultural practices that are stripping our soils of nutrients, and the use of pesticides that chelate minerals. We are left with foods that have greatly declined in nutrient composition.

Unfortunately, the solution is not as easy as simply supplementing with minerals. Obtaining ideal mineral balance, or mineral ratio, is just as important. Taking minerals blindly (even if you are using products that claim to be in optimal balance) will only make mineral imbalances worse. For instance, some people lack the protein needed to mobilize copper, so even if they take a copper supplement, the body cannot utilize it. This leads to the depletion of other important minerals, further proliferation of candida, and adverse symptom reactions.

The first step in ridding yourself of chronic candida is to determine your current mineral status through hair testing analysis and blood work. Secondly, you must work with a practitioner who understands how to interperate these results and will work with you to optimize your mineral status in the right way.

Mineral balancing could be the missing link in your full and total recovery from candida.

If you are interested in determining your mineral status, please contact Rebecca.

Rebecca@bewellnaturalmedicine.net

 

Peptide Bio-regulators for Healthy Aging

by Rebecca Steiner, Health Coach and Peptide Specialist

Peptide bioregulators are a special class of peptides with an interesting history. They were discovered by a Russian professor, Vladimir Khavinson during the Cold War. Khavinson was tasked by the Kremlin with discovering a secret weapon that would bolster and protect the Russian military against diseases, aging, death, and biological weapons. After much research, Khavinson brought to them his answer: peptide Bioregulators.

Peptides are small chains of amino acids naturally made by the human body. Peptides have many functions, and can even communicate with our DNA, turning genes on and off to produce anti-aging effects and reverse disease.

Since Khavinson brought bioregulators to the Russian military, studies have shown that supplementing with these peptides does in fact increase life-span, and prevent degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Additionally, bioregulators can slow the visible signs of aging in skin and hair.

Today Professor Khavinson is the President of the European Academy of Gerontology and Geriatrics. Thanks greatly to his work, peptide therapy has become a cutting-edge anti-aging treatment in the United States as well. Peptides are now specially made in a compounding pharmacy, usually administered by small, subcutaneous injection. They are bio-identical, meaning they are synthesized to be identical to the peptides produced in the human body. This makes them quite safe and natural.

If you are interested in slowing the visible signs of aging, increasing your life-span and preventing degenerative diseases, contact our office to schedule a peptide consultation.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12374906/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14523363/

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. 

 

KPV Peptides: The Natural Candida Cure

By Rebecca Steiner, Health Coach and Peptide Program Manager

It seems like most people struggle with gastro-intestinal candida overgrowth these days. Along with a myriad of troublesome symptoms, for many of my clients the main complaints are primarily gut issues and an inability to lose weight. Candida makes weight loss extremely challenging. The reasons for this are twofold: First, candida feeds off sugar, and it is extremely skilled at telling your brain to give it more of the sweet stuff it needs to survive. Those crazy sugar cravings you are having aren’t really yours, they are the little bugs taking over your brain! Additionally, candida makes it harder to lose weight because it completely hijacks your metabolism. Needless to say, it is extremely frustrating for so many of my clients who are doing everything right, and getting nowhere. 

Even more exasperating is the nightmare of trying to rid your body of this awful infestation. There are a lot of pharmaceutical, dietary, and natural therapies out there, and many of them will work to some extent. But candida is a formidable opponent, and unfortunately, the likelihood of completely eradicating it, in my experience, is uncertain. Additionally, the treatment can sometimes be even worse than the original problem, wreaking havoc on your gut and mental health. 

This is where KPV enters the picture.  KPV is a natural occurring peptide with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory powers. In studies, KPV has been shown to kill C. albicans (the most common strain of candida) with over 99% efficacy. Combining KPV with an anti-candida diet can completely resolve candida overgrowth for many people. Additionally, KPV is a naturally, biologically occurring molecule with anti-inflammatory properties so, it does not produce as many of the troublesome side effects that you get with some of the other candida therapies. 

Along with its candicidal capabilities, KPV has other pretty miraculous abilities, such as reducing SIBO infections, IBS, Ulcerative Colitis and IBD symptoms, minimizing tumors, and generally decreasing inflammation in the body. I personally use KPV for its mast cell stabilizing effects. It can be a game changer for those who are suffering from mold toxicity, pain, allergies, histamine overload, hives, MCAS, and psoriasis. 

Because KPV is an MSH analogue, it interacts with mast cells in your immune system, which when in dysfunction, can result in an overactive immune system, promoting inflammation and the above disease states. Your doctor may also want to combine KPV with other peptides for more targeted results. Amlexanox, Thymosin Alpha 1 and LL-37 can work synergistically with KPV to treat certain infections and chronic pains, fibromyalgia, inflammation, gut issues, and immune dysregulation. 

If you would like to try KPV for yourself, or if you need assistance creating a personalized anti-candida diet, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/exd.13887

 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18061177/

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4957955/

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.