Peptides have become a widely used and recognized ingredient for beauty, wellness, and health remedies. Due to its myriad of potential benefits, various products, supplements, and treatments are being released daily with peptides as one of the active ingredients.
Peptides have a wide range of potential effects, including wound healing, weight loss and promotion of gastrointestinal health. It has also been discovered to be highly effective for anti-aging and skin healing.
Seeing as the wellness industry is getting over-saturated with products, each of which is touted as the next best thing for human health, it is important to get adequate knowledge about a product or ingredient before using it. This article aims to inform you about everything you need to know about peptides and why you should consider adding them to your health and wellness regimen.
Firstly, What Are Peptides?
Not to be confused with buying mk-677, which is a SARM, not a peptide. peptides are molecules that consist of two or more amino acids bound together by amide or peptide bonds. They are compounds that occur naturally in organs such as the liver, brain, stomach, kidney and pancreas.
Peptides act like neurons; they are messengers that help to transmit signals to different parts of the body. They can also stimulate the brain to release hormones and neurotransmitters that help maintain homeostasis.
These compounds ensure that the organs, tissues and systems in the body function optimally. Peptides are responsible for insulin production and uptake, as well as the regulation of blood pressure. The production of growth hormones is also heavily influenced by peptides.
How Are Peptides Produced?
Although the body produces enough peptides to properly regulate bodily functions, factors such as age, genetics and diseases can alter or affect peptide production. Hence, scientists came up with the idea of creating synthetic peptides after years of studying the actions of peptides produced in the body.
Synthetic peptides contain the same amide bonds and can be easily absorbed by the body. They are meant to produce an enzymatic action; they stimulate the organs to produce more peptides. They also help to supplement the body’s natural stores of peptides, especially in people with advanced ages.
What Are The Types Of Peptides?
There are various kinds of peptides, each of which has its own specific uses and benefits. Some of them are used for cosmetic purposes, while others produce effects that can help treat systemic conditions and diseases. Examples are;
- Creatine peptides which are used for building muscle mass
- Collagen peptides are highly effective in reversing signs of aging
- Ipamorelin, a peptide that is believed to help in reducing fat and promoting weight loss
- Vasopressin which helps in controlling blood glucose and is highly beneficial for people suffering from diabetes
- Antimicrobial peptides are used to combat conditions caused by bacteria.
Peptides And Bodybuilding
Most bodybuilders and fitness experts use peptides as a way of improving their muscle gains and improving their fitness levels and performance. Peptides such as follistatin have been known to promote the build-up of muscle cells, leading to an increase in muscle mass and bulk.
These synthetic compounds also aid tissue repair and muscle recovery, allowing athletes to get back to training and exercising faster and with more energy. BPC-157 is a peptide that is believed to have significant healing effects on injured joints and inflamed muscles.
People who want to shed fat can also benefit from peptides. Peptides help to reduce weight by inhibiting the production of fatty tissues. They also provide muscle strength and endurance, allowing you to put in more time at the gym and burn more calories.
Peptides And Anti-Aging
Collagen, elastin and keratin are essential compounds that help the skin to maintain its integrity and firmness. They are also responsible for keeping the skin barrier, thereby preventing the entrance of harmful microbes and pathogens into the body.
As we grow older, the body begins to produce fewer amounts of collagen, causing the skin to lose its firmness. Cells begin to lose their regenerative properties, thereby leading to reduced rates of wound healing and tissue repair.
Collagen peptides can reserve aging by stimulating the brain to release high amounts of collagen to areas with depleted supply. They can help to firm up the skin and reduce wrinkles and lines.
Using topical products or cosmetics that contain peptides can help you to regain the rich, supple skin that you had when you were younger. It can also help in healing skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Other Benefits of Peptides
Apart from its bodybuilding and anti-aging benefits (check out our Australian Peptide product, BPC-157), peptides can also produce the following effects;
Reverse hair loss: Copper peptides are used as active ingredients in hair loss remedies as they can stimulate hair growth and stop hair from falling off.
Treat sexual dysfunction: PT-141 is a peptide that stimulates the release of dopamine and enhances the libido.
Buildup bone density: Peptides are highly effective in preventing muscle and bone wastage. They can also build up bone mass and density and reverse the effects of some bone-eating diseases.
Produce antioxidants: Antioxidants help the body to fight off the effects of stress. Peptides can act as antioxidants, thereby improving the function of the immune system and reducing inflammation.
In conclusion, peptides are chains of amino acids that are linked together by peptide bonds. They are present in the brain, liver, kidneys and heart. Synthetic peptides are created to mimic the makeup and effects of these compounds.
Peptides have a lot of positive effects, from reversing aging by stimulating the production of collagen to treating systemic disorders. Peptides have little to no side effects and are, therefore safe for human consumption.
The chemical composition of peptides allows it to be readily absorbed into the body. Peptides can be used through topical products like creams and lotions, they can also be ingested in capsule or tablet forms.
You can consult a physician to help you determine the course of peptides that will be best suitable for your condition. People on other medications should also inform their doctors before using peptides to prevent potential negative drug interactions.