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

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/

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!

Natural Peptides for Weight Loss

By Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Health Coach

We know that periods of stress can take a toll on our health. In addition to other physiological effects, stress impacts our daily habits, and how well we take care of ourselves. In these COVID times, it is understandable if some of us haven’t been making the “best” choices. Maybe you aren’t eating or exercising the way you know you should. Perhaps you’ve put on some extra pounds. Maybe you’ve tried to get back in shape, but are struggling to stay on track.  If this sounds familiar, peptide therapy could be the answer for you.

Peptide therapy is a natural way to reset your metabolism and boost your body’s ability to burn fat. In addition to stress, many of us have difficulty losing weight for other reasons as well. Factors such as age, hormone imbalance, chronic infection, and a history of yo-yo dieting can leave the metabolism functioning sub-optimally. Peptide therapy works by increasing growth hormone production, which is what gets our metabolism running and allows us to burn fat. 

Peptides have other health benefits as well, including; anti-aging properties, sleep support, improvement in the look of skin, hair and nails, boosting of immune function and increased strength, muscle tone and bone density. 

Peptides are by far my favorite weight loss hack. Unlike other therapies, they don’t’ just help you lose weight, they optimize body composition by toning muscle and targeting belly fat. And, they don’t ultimately lead to rebound weight gains or slowed metabolism, in fact, they help to get the metabolism functioning properly again. That being said, peptides are not a magic bullet. They only work in combination with diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. This is why I like to work closely with my clients to assess their individual needs and create a customized and detailed plan that will help them achieve their fitness goals. 

If you are interested in learning more about our peptide therapy program, please contact our office. Let us support you on your journey to health and fitness. 

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.