Peptide therapy is a rapidly evolving field of medicine, and the specific uses of peptide therapy can vary depending on the type of peptide used and your needs. Some of the common areas where peptide therapy is being explored or used include:

​

• Anti-aging: Certain peptides, such as growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) and thymosin beta-4, are believed to have potential anti-aging effects by promoting tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and cellular rejuvenation.

​​

• Hormonal regulation: Peptides can influence the production and release of hormones in the body, such as melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) peptides for regulating skin pigmentation, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) peptides for regulating reproductive hormones, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) peptides for thyroid function.

​​

• Immune modulation: Peptides such as thymosin alpha-1 and beta-glucans are believed to have immune-modulating properties, helping to regulate immune responses and potentially enhancing immune function.

​​

• Weight loss: Peptides like melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) peptides and ghrelin antagonists are being investigated for their potential role in appetite regulation and weight loss.

​​

• Sports performance: Peptides like growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) are sometimes used in sports medicine for their potential effects on muscle growth, strength, and endurance.

​​

• Cognitive enhancement: Peptides such as nootropic peptides are believed to have cognitive-enhancing effects, potentially improving memory, focus, and cognitive function.

​​

Peptide therapy can be administered in various forms, including injections, nasal sprays, creams, and oral supplements. Peptides used in therapy are usually synthesized in a laboratory and can mimic the actions of naturally occurring peptides in the body or act as antagonists to block certain biological processes. effectiveness may vary depending on the specific peptides used, dosage, and your characteristics. Peptide therapy should always be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

​

Here are some examples of foods that are good sources of naturally occurring peptides:

​

• Fish: Fish, particularly cold-water fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are rich in peptides such as bioactive peptides, which are known to have potential cardiovascular health benefits.

​​

• Meat: Lean meats like beef, pork, and chicken are also good sources of peptides. For example, collagen, which is a type of protein found in meat, is a source of collagen peptides that may support joint health and skin health.

​

• Dairy products: Milk and dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, contain peptides like casein and whey protein peptides, which are known for their potential health benefits, including immune support and muscle recovery.

​​

• Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are plant-based sources of peptides that are rich in various bioactive peptides with potential health-promoting properties, such as antioxidant and blood pressure-regulating effects.

​​

• Eggs: Eggs are another good source of naturally occurring peptides, including ovotransferrin and ovomucin peptides, which have been studied for their potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

​​

It's important to note that the specific health benefits of peptides found in foods are still an area of ongoing research, and more studies are needed to fully understand their effects on human health. Additionally, individual responses to peptides may vary based on factors such as genetics, overall diet, and health status. Contact Dr. Kalmbacher today so she can develop personalized recommendations on how to incorporate peptide-rich foods and/or additional peptide therapies into your diet based on your individual health needs and goals.