Peptides: What They Are & How They Are Used in Functional Medicine
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers in the body, directing various biological processes. They are smaller than proteins but have powerful effects on metabolism, immune function, hormone regulation, tissue repair, and more.
The body naturally produces over 7,000 peptides, each with specific functions, including:
- Regulating hormones
- Stimulating collagen production
- Enhancing brain function
- Boosting metabolism & fat loss
- Improving immune function
- Increasing muscle growth & recovery
Functional medicine practitioners use therapeutic peptides to optimize health, slow aging, and treat chronic conditions.
How Are Peptides Used in Functional Medicine?
Peptides offer a natural and targeted approach to healing the body. Instead of just masking symptoms, they work at the cellular level to restore balance and function.
1. Anti-Aging & Longevity Peptides
As we age, our bodies produce fewer peptides, leading to wrinkles, joint pain, fatigue, and cognitive decline. Certain peptides stimulate growth hormone, improve cellular repair, and enhance collagen production.
✅ BPC-157 – Promotes tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and improves gut health
✅ Epitalon – Supports telomere lengthening, slows aging, and enhances longevity
✅ GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) – Boosts collagen, tightens skin, and reduces wrinkles
✅ Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500) – Regenerates muscles, skin, and joints
2. Peptides for Weight Loss & Metabolism
Peptides can boost metabolism, burn fat, and regulate blood sugar, making them an excellent addition to functional weight loss protocols.
🔥 Tirzepatide & Semaglutide (GLP-1 Agonists) – Regulate appetite, blood sugar & fat burning
🔥 AOD 9604 – Mimics human growth hormone (HGH) to increase fat metabolism
🔥 CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin – Stimulate growth hormone, increasing muscle & fat loss
3. Peptides for Brain Health & Cognitive Function
Neuroprotective peptides enhance memory, focus, and neuroplasticity, which is crucial for conditions like brain fog, Alzheimer’s, or cognitive decline.
🧠 Dihexa – Enhances brain function & memory, promotes neuron growth
🧠 Cerebrolysin – Protects against neurodegeneration, supports brain repair
🧠 Selank – Reduces anxiety & stress, enhances learning & memory
4. Peptides for Immune System & Inflammation
Peptides can regulate immune responses, reduce chronic inflammation, and support recovery from infections.
🛡️ Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1) – Strengthens immune function, fights infections & viruses
🛡️ LL-37 – Antimicrobial peptide that fights Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and gut infections
🛡️ BPC-157 – Reduces gut inflammation, improves autoimmune symptoms
5. Peptides for Gut Health & Leaky Gut
For those suffering from leaky gut, IBS, or Crohn’s disease, peptides can help heal the gut lining and reduce inflammation.
💊 BPC-157 – Accelerates gut lining repair, reduces acid reflux, helps with IBS
💊 LL-37 – Antibacterial & antifungal, combats gut infections & dysbiosis
💊 Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500) – Reduces intestinal inflammation, supports gut repair
6. Peptides for Joint, Muscle & Injury Recovery
Peptides can speed up recovery from injuries, surgeries, and chronic pain by stimulating collagen, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair.
💪 BPC-157 – Speeds up muscle, ligament, tendon, and bone healing
💪 TB-500 – Reduces inflammation & promotes cellular regeneration
💪 CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin – Boost growth hormone for muscle repair & recovery
7. Peptides for Hormone Balance & Sexual Health
Hormonal imbalances can cause low libido, fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. Peptides help balance hormones naturally.
🩸 Kisspeptin-10 – Stimulates testosterone & fertility
🩸 PT-141 (Bremelanotide) – Increases sexual desire & arousal in men & women
🩸 Tesamorelin – Supports growth hormone & testosterone production
How Are Peptides Taken?
Peptides are typically administered in the following ways:
💉 Subcutaneous Injection (Most Common) – Tiny injections under the skin
💊 Oral Capsules – Certain peptides like BPC-157 can be taken in pill form
💧 Nasal Sprays – For brain peptides like Selank & Dihexa
🌟 Topical Creams – For skin & anti-aging peptides like GHK-Cu
Most peptides are naturally occurring in the body, so side effects are minimal when used correctly.
Are Peptides Safe?
✅ Most peptides are naturally occurring in the body, making them safe
✅ Minimal side effects when used under medical supervision
✅ Non-toxic & non-habit-forming compared to pharmaceuticals
However, peptides should always be used under the guidance of a trained functional medicine doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How to Get Started with Peptide Therapy
If you’re struggling with low energy, weight gain, inflammation, brain fog, poor gut health, or hormonal imbalances, peptide therapy may be the missing link in your health journey.
🔹 Dr. Lisa Ballehr specializes in peptide therapy for healing, anti-aging, and chronic disease management.
🔹 Schedule a consultation today to create a personalized peptide protocol for your specific needs.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers in the body
✔ Functional medicine uses peptides to restore balance, enhance healing, and optimize performance
✔ Peptides can help with anti-aging, brain health, weight loss, gut healing, immune function, and more
✔ Safe & effective when used under medical supervision
✔ Peptide therapy can transform your health naturally
Would you like personalized recommendations on peptide therapy for your health concerns? Let me know how I can help! 🚀
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