Peptides are found in many foods we eat. Foods like eggs, fish, milk, and grain contain peptides. These short chains of amino acids form a bond that affect how our bodies metabolize and store fat. Peptides play many roles in the body even helping hormones with transmitting signals and growth factors.
What Are Peptides? Peptides are more than one amino acid linked to another. Amino acids are simple organic compounds that form proteins. Lysine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine are all examples of amino acids. Peptides consist of less than 50 amino acids and add additional protein to the body which help with certain functions. You may consider taking peptide supplements to support the body with muscle growth and anti-aging.
Types of peptides: 1. Dipeptides- Dipeptides are two amino acids linked together. A commonly known dipeptide is aspartame, an artificial sweetener. 2. Tripeptides- They form when three amino acids bond to one another. These molecules help with cell communication and stability. Glutathione is an example of tripeptides. This antioxidant protects cells from oxidative damage. 3. Oligopeptides- Oligopeptides consist of 2-20 amino acids
4. Polypeptides- Polypeptides are long chains of amino acids. Insulin and growth hormone are examples of this.
How Are Peptides Used in Therapy? Peptide therapy initially started with scientists developing this for people who could not get enough peptides through their diet. They found that this therapy not only helped to improve nutrition but immune health, weight management, aging, and so much more. You can also use it to help with things like chronic pain, cancer, and hair loss. Medical experts use certain combinations of amino acids to improve your specific situation. Peptides are taken orally, injected, or administered through lotions and creams. These are some examples of how peptide therapy helps people: ● Weight Loss- Peptides in addition to healthy dieting and exercise can enhance your weight loss outcomes. You can take these supplements via injection or dissolving oral supplements. Ipamorelin is an example commonly used to help with weight loss. Using this product for 3 to 6 months has not only shown to increase fat metabolism but enhances strength and decreases recovery time. ● Hair Loss- Using tripeptides such as copper peptides show to improve skin and hair regrowth. It helps improve blood flow that circulates around hair follicles. Hair grows in thicker and it also reduces shedding. ● Pain Management- Peptide therapy provides an alternative to traditional pain relief. They function just like opioids and block pain messages from reaching the brain. They work very well for most people and come without all the harmful side effects.