Peptide therapies have gained significant attention in modern healthcare, offering targeted solutions for a range of health concerns. Peptide therapies may help increase natural human growth hormone (HGH) levels, improve gut health, and promote tissue healing. There are also peptides for weight loss, sleep, brain health, sexual wellness, and skin health. 

As the demand for these therapies grows, so does the number of peptide clinics catering to people looking for these innovative treatments. 

In this podcast, we'll talk about how you can choose the best peptide clinic to ensure you make an informed and safe decision about your health. 

1. Expertise and Credentials

First and foremost, research the clinic's medical professionals. Verify their qualifications, experience, and specialization in peptide therapies to make sure you're in capable hands. You'll also want to check that they have the necessary credentials to administer peptide therapies. A clinic with knowledgeable professionals inspires confidence in the quality of care you'll receive.

2. Customization

Peptide therapies aren't one-size-fits-all solutions. Look for a clinic that tailors treatments to your unique health profile and goals. A customized approach ensures you receive the most suitable peptide therapy.

3. Research and Evidence-Based Approach

A reputable peptide clinic should have staff that stay updated with the latest research in peptide therapies. An evidence-based approach ensures you receive treatments rooted in scientific knowledge.

4. Transparent Pricing

Peptide therapies can be expensive. They can also vary in cost from one clinic to another. Finding clinics that provide clear, transparent pricing (no hidden fees) is important. A reputable clinic should provide pricing information for consultation fees, treatment costs, supplies, and additional services. Understanding pricing upfront can prevent unexpected financial burdens during your peptide wellness journey.

5. Consultation Process

A thorough initial consultation is essential for a successful peptide therapy journey. The clinic should discuss your past and current medical history, current medications, allergies, lifestyle, and current goals.

6. Safety Protocols, Monitoring, and Follow-up

Safety is paramount. Ask about the clinic's safety protocols, including the monitoring process during and after treatment. Regular follow-ups should be standard throughout your peptide journey.

7. Communication and Accessibility

Effective communication is key. Opt for clinics with accessible and responsive communication channels to make it easy to ask questions, address concerns, and schedule appointments (e.g., website, text, email, phone call). 

8. Legal and Ethical Compliance

Verify that the clinic operates ethically and complies with all state/country laws and regulatory standards. 

9. Facility Hygiene

Visit the clinic before your initial consultation if possible. A clean and well-maintained environment is indicative of their commitment to patient safety.

10. Success Stories

Don't be shy. Ask for success stories or case studies showcasing positive outcomes from the peptide therapies offered.

11. Accessibility

Consider the clinic's location and hours of operation to save time and hassle, particularly if you require regular appointments. Additionally, check if the clinic offers flexible hours or virtual appointments to accommodate your schedule. 

12. Privacy and Confidentiality

Your medical information should be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Ensure the clinic has privacy measures in place.

13. Patient Education

A reputable clinic should educate you about your peptide options, potential side effects, and expected outcomes. It should also go over your peptide dose, frequency, and how to store it. And if injections are necessary, the clinic should show you how to give yourself a shot.

14. Peptide Quality and Purity

Under certain conditions, the FDA allows pharmacies to make medications with a drug shortage. Peptides are produced by specialized pharmacies that source pharmaceutical-grade active ingredients (amino acids in this case) and combine them to make a finished medication or product. 

If you're going to purchase your peptide therapies through a compounding pharmacy or a clinic, you'll want to make sure that you ask if the peptide was made at a facility that's registered with the FDA and follows good manufacturing practices at their facility. This will ensure that the peptides you receive don't contain extra ingredients and is safe for use.

15. Gut Feeling

Lastly, trust your gut. If a clinic doesn't feel right or doesn't meet your expectations, continue your search until you find one that aligns with your needs. You can also contact your PCP or favorite pharmacist for clinic recommendations.

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast. We love having you as part of our community. If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier. 

What if I told you there's a peptide that may help mold toxicity? The same peptide could also help treat respiratory and heart problems and certain autoimmune and degenerative disorders. 

VIP nasal spray has garnered significant attention for its potential to impact various aspects of health and wellness. Derived from vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), this nasal spray holds the potential to influence gut health, circadian rhythm, cardiac and respiratory conditions, and treat mold toxicity and other autoimmune disorders. 

In this podcast, we will talk about what VIP nasal spray is, how it works, and its potential benefits for these specific health concerns.

What is VIP Nasal Spray?

VIP nasal spray is a specialized formulation containing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) as its active ingredient. VIP is a naturally occurring peptide found in your brain, intestines, and pancreas. It also regulates various physiological functions like vasodilation, circadian regulation, and immune modulation.

How does VIP nasal spray work and what are the benefits of VIP nasal spray?

When administered through the nasal passages, VIP exerts its influence through several mechanisms:

Circadian Rhythm Regulation:

VIP plays a vital role in regulating the circadian rhythm, which governs the sleep-wake cycle and other biological processes. VIP nasal spray's effects on circadian rhythm may help individuals achieve a balanced sleep pattern, ensuring optimal rest and overall well-being.

Cardiac and Respiratory Support:

VIP has demonstrated potential benefits for the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. VIP nasal spray may contribute to better heart health and enhanced respiratory function by promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow. Studies also show that VIP may be effective treatments for conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Gut Health: In animal studies, VIP has helped maintain the gut wall by reinforcing the cells that make up that wall. It also acts as an antimicrobial toward certain bacteria and promotes beneficial gut bacteria growth, and aids in gut motility by inhibiting smooth muscle contraction in the gut. It can even regulate stomach acid secretion and water absorption in the large intestine. 

Mitigating Mold Toxicity:

Mold toxicity can adversely affect health, causing respiratory issues and other complications. VIP's immune-modulating properties (by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines) suggest that VIP nasal spray might help mitigate the impact of mold toxicity and support respiratory health.

Autoimmune Disorder Management:

Autoimmune disorders arise from an overactive immune response targeting the body's tissues. VIP nasal spray's immune-regulating effects could reduce inflammation and immune system hyperactivity. Studies have found that VIP can reverse some of the effects of autoimmune and degenerative disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

If you or a loved one are considering VIP nasal spray as a treatment option, consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine its suitability and safety for your needs. 

While ongoing research will continue to uncover the full scope of its benefits, VIP nasal spray's introduction into the peptide landscape offers hope for individuals seeking treatment options for respiratory and heart conditions, mold toxicity, and certain autoimmune and degenerative conditions.

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community. If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier. 

Cerebrolysin – a unique peptide-based drug that has garnered attention for its potential brain-boosting effects. In this podcast, we'll cover Cerebrolysin, understanding what it is, how it works, and its potential benefits in optimizing brain function.

What is Cerebrolysin?

Cerebrolysin is a nootropic drug developed and manufactured by Ever Pharma, a pharmaceutical company based in Austria and Germany. It's a mix of peptides originally derived from pig brain tissues and processed to create a peptide-based solution rich in neurotrophic factors. These neurotrophic factors are essential proteins that support neurons' growth, survival, and maintenance, aiding in their communication and overall brain health.  

*The FDA has approved it as an orphan drug (for use in rare disorders like ALS and frontotemporal dementia). However, it's widely used in over 70 countries worldwide.

How Does Cerebrolysin Work?

The exact mechanism of Cerebrolysin's action is not entirely understood, but it is believed to work through multiple pathways to promote brain health and cognitive function.

• Neurotrophic Effects: Neurotrophic factors in Cerebrolysin stimulate neuronal growth, maintenance, and repair. These factors aid in forming new connections between neurons, enhancing synaptic plasticity, and improving overall brain connectivity.

• Antioxidant Properties: Cerebrolysin has demonstrated antioxidant activity, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the brain that can damage cells and impair cognitive function. By reducing oxidative stress, it supports brain cells' longevity and health.

• Anti-Apoptotic Effects: Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death. Cerebrolysin has shown anti-apoptotic properties, protecting neurons from premature cell death and preserving brain tissue.

• Anti-Inflammatory Actions: Chronic inflammation in the brain can be detrimental to cognitive function. Cerebrolysin exerts anti-inflammatory effects, potentially mitigating neuroinflammation and its negative impact on the brain.

• Enhanced Blood Flow: Improved cerebral blood flow is crucial for delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to brain cells. Cerebrolysin has been shown to increase blood flow, supporting the brain's metabolic demands.

What are the benefits of Cerebrolysin?

• Cognitive Enhancement: Cerebrolysin's neurotrophic effects contribute to improved memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance. It mainly benefits individuals experiencing cognitive decline due to aging or certain neurodegenerative conditions.

• Neuroprotective Effects: The drug's antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties help protect brain cells from damage and death, potentially slowing down the progression of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

• Stroke Recovery: Cerebrolysin has shown promise in aiding stroke recovery. By supporting neuronal repair and enhancing blood flow, it may aid in rehabilitating neurological function after a stroke.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support: In cases of TBI, Cerebrolysin's neuroprotective effects may assist in reducing damage to brain tissue and promoting recovery.

• Mood Enhancement: Some studies suggest that Cerebrolysin may have mood-enhancing effects, potentially helping individuals with mood disorders or depression.

How do you take Cerbrolysin?

Cerebrolysin is typically administered through intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injections. The dosage and duration of treatment vary depending on the individual's condition and the physician's assessment. Typically given over 2-4 weeks. Repeat doses are based on clinical response and underlying diagnosis.

Indications: Stroke, TBI, Vascular Dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease. You can think of this for clinical syndromes that contribute to brain inflammation and oxidative stress. 

Is Cerbrolysin safe to take?

As with any medication, Cerebrolysin may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, sweating, and nausea. Mild allergic reactions at the injection site can also happen. Serious adverse effects are rare, but if experienced, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Who shouldn't take Cerebrolysin?

- Pork allergy or cultural objection 

- Unstable seizure disorder 

- Severe kidney impairment

If you or a loved one are considering Cerebrolysin as a treatment option, consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine its suitability and safety for your specific needs. As science advances, the quest for unlocking the full potential of the human brain remains a fascinating journey, with Cerebrolysin paving the way for new possibilities in the field of neuropharmaceuticals.

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community. If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier. 

Have you ever reached for a bag of chips or a pint of ice cream when you're feeling sad, stressed, or bored? Many of us turn to food as a source of comfort or distraction at some point in our lives — to deal with our feelings or to reward ourselves. This is what's known as emotional eating. And, unfortunately, emotional eating doesn't fix emotional problems.

And, if you've ever thought about food all day, tried to avoid unhealthy food, or found yourself planning your next meal, you've experienced "food noise." 

Today, I want to talk about emotional eating and food noise, understanding their impact on our relationship with food, and how we can develop healthier habits.

What is emotional eating?

Emotional eating refers to using food as a coping mechanism for dealing with emotions rather than eating in response to physical hunger. Some people prefer certain foods when they become emotional. And people who emotionally eat can sometimes eat larger portions than they would like to.

What causes emotional eating?

Coping mechanism: Several studies have shown that a link between emotions and food starts early in life. When we're babies, we are given food (e.g., breastmilk, formula, and cereal) as a source of comfort. When we eat, a chemical in the brain called dopamine is released that causes us to feel good. So it shouldn't be surprising that food can be addicting or comforting for some people. 

But remember, this relief from negative emotions is short-lived and can lead to feelings of guilt, regret, or even worsening emotional states. 

Emotional Triggers: Emotional eating is often triggered by emotions such as stress, relationship struggles, frequent dieting, lack of sleep, depression, anxiety, boredom, or even celebrations and happiness. These emotions can lead us to seek comfort or distraction in food, as it provides a temporary sense of control.

Comfort Food: Emotional eating involves consuming "comfort foods" typically high in calories, fat, or sugar. These foods are often associated with positive memories or feelings of nostalgia, which further enhances their appeal during emotional moments.

What is food noise?

Food noise, simply put, is a preoccupation with food. It could be thoughts about food and eating, like meal planning, looking up recipes, reading menus, avoiding unhealthy foods, or thinking about stopping eating. 

How do I cope with emotional eating?

It's important to recognize your triggers and ask yourself why you're emotionally eating. Before eating, ask yourself if your body is physically hungry. 

Emotional Awareness: Recognize and acknowledge your emotions without turning to food as the primary coping mechanism. Find alternative ways to deal with stress or negative emotions, such as engaging in physical activity, talking to a friend, or practicing relaxation techniques. You can also read or listen to music.

Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by paying attention to physical hunger cues, savoring each bite, and eating slowly. You should pay attention to things like flavor and texture. And check in with yourself while eating to see if you are hungry or full. This can help you become more attuned to your body's needs and make conscious choices about what and how much you eat.

How do I cope with food noise?

Avoid getting hungry: Stock your pantry and fridge with nutritious foods, and limit the presence of highly processed and calorie-dense foods. Start your meal with a lean protein source and vegetables.

Get enough sleep: Too little sleep leads to higher levels of ghrelin (a gut hormone that stimulates appetite) and lower levels of leptin (a hormone released by your fat cells that suppress your appetite). 

Seek Professional Help: If emotional eating or food noise becomes a persistent challenge and significantly impacts your well-being, consider seeking support from a registered dietitian, therapist, or counselor. They can provide personalized guidance and help you develop coping strategies.

What about GLP-1 medications like semaglutide?

It's a fact that many of us have an unhealthy relationship with food, which can lead to emotional eating or food noise. And it's only common sense that we need to fix that relationship, adopt healthy lifestyle changes, and better understand what's going on in our bodies if we want to optimize our health.

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide aren't for everyone. But they can be life-changing for people where they're clinically appropriate. 

When you're not hungry all of the time, it's much easier to focus on nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and getting good quality sleep.

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community.

If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier. 

Several weeks ago, we briefly talked about oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) when we addressed the current concern surrounding the Wegovy shortage. And although it's currently not approved for weight loss, there is a lot buzz surrounding the hope that it soon will be, and its clinical results for weight loss have been promising. But remember, you can't always believe what you read unless there's science to back it up. 

Today I'd like to talk about oral semaglutide, the current clinical studies surrounding its efficacy for weight loss, and things to consider with oral weight loss medications. 

What is Rybelsus?

We've talked about Rybelsus before. It's the oral version of semaglutide. It contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy. Because all three of these medications have the same active ingredient, they work the same way in your body. After you eat a meal, semaglutide helps to lower your blood sugar by mimicking a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This causes your pancreas to release insulin and blocks your liver from releasing sugar. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach. This makes you feel full longer and suppress your appetite. All of these things together lead to weight loss. 

The most obvious difference between the medications is how they're taken. Wegovy and Ozempic are once weekly injections, while Rybelsus is a pill you have to take by mouth every day.  

Like Ozempic, Rybelsus is not approved for weight loss management even though loss of appetite may occur. Currently, Rybelsus should only be used to treat type 2 diabetes. 

It's also important to remember that Rybelsus comes in 3mg, 7mg, and 14mg strengths. Only patients taking the Ozempic 0.5mg dose for type 2 diabetes can switch to Rybelsus.

And, like Wegovy and Ozempic, Rybelsis can also cause similar stomach-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. 

What do the clinical studies show?

A 68-week study with almost 670 adult participants reported an average weight loss of nearly 15% taking oral semaglutide 50mg daily. The placebo group lost an average of 2.4% of their body weight. This is similar to the results from the largest Wegovy trial (2,000 adult participants), which showed about 15% average weight loss within the same time period.

Things to consider

Higher doses: The Rybelsus doses studied for weight loss were 50 mg daily. Currently, Rybelsus comes in 3mg, 7mg, and 14mg strengths. The manufacturer plans to request FDA approval for the 50mg dose if approved for weight loss. 

Convenience: The tablets must also be taken first thing in the morning with no more than 4 ounces of water. You must wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications to absorb the Rybelsus fully. Initially, injections may seem scary, but with some practice, giving yourself a shot under the skin can be painless. Often the needles used for subcutaneous injections are as thin as two strands of hair. Would you rather give yourself a weekly injection or remember to take a daily pill?

Heart benefits: Rybelsus is great for people with type 2 diabetes who don't want to give themselves injections. However, unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, Rybelsus doesn't have the same heart-related benefits (lower risk of heart attack and stroke). In fact, studies have shown to lower the risk of death due to heart problems in certain people by 26%.

Medication Interactions: Rybelsus has been shown to lower the absorption of levothyroxine (a thyroid medication) by 33%. Make sure to let your healthcare provider know your full list of medications so they can check for potential drug interactions while taking Rybelsus.

Cost: The average cash price (without prescription insurance) of Rybelsus is $1,100 for 30 tablets (3mg, 7mg, or 14mg tablets). This is lower than the average cash price of Wegovy which is about $1,500 for 4 prefilled pens. Price tags on these weight loss medications don't come cheap and, without the help of insurance, are out of reach for many. I don't anticipate the price for 50 mg Rybelsus tablets to be much better. It will likely have a similar cash price of around $1,000-1,1500 for 30 tablets.

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community. You can find out more information about semaglutide on our previous podcasts.

If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier.

Several weeks ago, we discussed the semaglutide shortage and alternatives for weight loss. 

Since then, we have had questions about berberine and if it's considered "nature's Ozempic or Wegovy." We've also had questions regarding its safety. 

But before we dive into what berberine is, how it works, and if it's the same as semaglutide, I want to review the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy. 

Both Wegovy and Ozempic have the same active ingredient: semaglutide. 

Wegovy is an FDA-approved, once-weekly injectable weight management medication that's been studied in people who do and do not have type 2 diabetes. And while it's not approved to treat these conditions, adults taking Wegovy noticed improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Ozempic is approved to treat type 2 diabetes. In fact, during clinical trials, people taking Ozempic lowered their average blood glucose (A1C) by over 1%. And, if you have heart disease, it may reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Ozempic isn't approved for weight loss, but since its active ingredient is semaglutide, it can cause weight loss as a side effect. This is why Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for people with and without diabetes to help them lose weight.

Because some people are finding it difficult to get name-brand Wegvoy for weight loss due to a global drug shortage or, in some cases, prescription coverage challenges, they're turning to alternative options like berberine. 

What is berberine?

Berberine is a bitter-tasting, yellow-colored chemical found in certain plants like barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric, and Oregon grape. It works by activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which helps regulate metabolism (how your cells break down and use energy). Because of this, it may help with weight loss, but more studies are needed.

It also lowers blood sugar levels by decreasing sugar production in your liver. When your blood sugar levels are low, your insulin levels are low. Because of this, it may help people with diabetes. And when your insulin levels are low, your body can now burn (oxidize) more fat.

And some preclinical studies have shown that it inhibits a protein called PCSK9. By blocking PCSK9, it causes more bad cholesterol (LDL) to be removed from your blood. And by lowering LDL cholesterol, you may have a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and more. 

Berberine is commercially available as capsules, tablets, liquid solutions, and powders. And it's sometimes used in eye drops and gels. 

How does berberine compare to semaglutide for weight loss?

But compared to semaglutide, berberine works differently, and they have yet to be directly compared in any head-to-head studies. In fact, based on a literature review alone, semaglutide induces higher levels of weight loss than berberine. 

One 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 clinical control trials found that berberine supplementation lowered body weight on average by about 2 kilograms or 4.5 pounds over the duration of the studies. In comparison, during a 68-week trial with about 2,000 people, adults taking semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight loss lost about 35 pounds of their starting body weight on average. 

What are the side effects?

You're more likely to experience side effects if you're taking high doses or if you're taking berberine for a long period of time. Because of this, your healthcare provider will likely suggest taking the lowest dose for the shortest possible time. Berberine has been safely used in doses of up to 1.5 grams daily for up to 6 months.

When taken by mouth, berberine can cause similar stomach-related side effects like semaglutide. These include side effects like diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, and gas.

When applied to the skin, berberine is considered safe for most adults. But skin reactions (rash, redness) are possible with any topical product.

Who shouldn't take berberine?

In some cases, berberine can cause more serious side effects. This is especially true in infants and children who have high bilirubin levels (jaundice- yellowish discoloration of the skin). Berberine may keep the liver from removing bilirubin, a chemical made when old red blood cells break down. This can cause brain problems.  

It's also not safe to take berberine while pregnant or breastfeeding. Berberine can cross the placenta and enter a mother's breast milk and may harm the unborn baby. 

Are there medication interactions with berberine? 

There are some problematic drug interactions to worry about with berberine. For example, if you're taking a blood thinner like warfarin, berberine may cause your blood to become too thin. You should also avoid taking berberine with other diabetes medications like metformin because your blood sugar levels may become too low. Examples of other medications that can interact with berberine include anti-rejection medications like cyclosporine, blood pressure medications like losartan, cough suppressants like Robitussin DM, and benzodiazepines like lorazepam, to name a few.

While berberine shows some promise for several health benefits like cholesterol and blood sugar control, its long-term effect on weight loss has yet to be discovered. 

So before you buy this supplement, make sure to see if it's safe for you to take. And remember that just because you see something on the internet doesn't mean there are studies to support it.

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community. You can find out more information about semaglutide on our previous podcasts.

If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier.

You might have seen an athlete jump into an ice bath after a game or practice. Or, like myself, you may know a health guru who swears by ice baths for general wellness or post-workout recovery. 

Although ice baths have become a popular practice supporting physical and mental health in recent years, the practice has been around for hundreds of years. 

What are the benefits of taking ice baths?

According to Dr. Andrew Huberman, when you take an ice bath, the cold temperature causes your blood vessels to open, thus increasing circulation and aiding in exercise recovery. This allows blood flow to your muscles and may help remove any metabolic waste that builds up during exercise. But make sure to wait about 6 to 8 hours after training. Otherwise, cold water immersion can limit your muscle gains and endurance. 

Cold exposure causes a release of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in the brain and body. Dopamine elevates our mood, which can help us adapt to stress over time. Like epinephrine and norepinephrine, dopamine also increases our level of energy and focus. 

Perhaps one of the most obvious benefits is that ice baths can help you cool down after a workout and help you avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

How do you take an ice bath?

According to Dr. Huberman, the most common question is "How cold"? This depends as some people tolerate cold better than others. His rule of thumb is to aim for a temperature that feels really cold, and you want to get out, BUT you can safely stay in. For some people, that temperature may be 60℉, while for others, it may be 45℉ or lower.

You should aim for 11 minutes per week in total. For example, 2 to 4 sessions lasting 1 to 5 minutes each over the entire week. And because your body heats up after ice baths, it's best to avoid ice baths close to bedtime. This is because we tend to wake up when our body temperature rises. 

What about peptide therapies for muscle recovery and stress management?

A while back, we discussed CJC 1295 and how it's helpful to those looking to increase lean muscle mass and strength by stimulating the release of growth hormone. It also promotes muscle recovery as it boosts protein synthesis levels and helps the growth of muscle tissues resulting in quicker recovery times for athletes and those with injuries. And because it stimulates the production of IGF-1, it can help decrease body fat and increase natural strength.

We also talked about Selank, or you have heard it referred to as the "anti-anxiety" peptide or a "nootropic." Selank stabilizes blood enkephalins. Enkephalins are natural peptides found in the brain that help with stress. Not only can it reduce stress, but it can also relieve anxiety and improve memory. 

In clinical trials, it has been shown to provide an anti-anxiety effect. It does this by enhancing the effect of GABA. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It slows down your brain by blocking signals in your central nervous system, which produces a calming effect. 

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community. If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier.

Today we'll talk about a question I get asked a lot. Is it safe to take metformin with semaglutide? 

The short answer: It depends. But before we dive into how taking metformin and semaglutide together may affect you, I'd like to go over why someone might be prescribed both semaglutide and metformin.

Semaglutide (Ozempic) and metformin are prescribed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. However, semaglutide (Wegovy) can also help people manage their weight, especially when used in addition to healthy lifestyle changes like diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Metformin is also prescribed to help treat some symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), like insulin resistance, irregular menstrual cycles, obesity, and increased hair growth. 

Can I take metformin and semaglutide together for weight loss?

The short answer is yes. In fact, when prescribed together, the medications help manage blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and PCOS have been linked to insulin resistance. In this condition, the body doesn't respond appropriately to insulin, leading to high blood sugar and weight gain. Semaglutide stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas to lower blood sugar and reduce appetite; metformin improves insulin sensitivity. 

There's no interaction between metformin and semaglutide. Both medications are considered safe when taken as instructed. Still, it's important to remember that taking semaglutide with blood-sugar-lowering medications like metformin can raise the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).  

If you have type 2 diabetes and you've been prescribed metformin to help manage your blood sugar, it's important to regularly check your blood sugar levels to help avoid low blood sugar. Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you have an emergency glucagon product or carry glucose tablets to raise your blood sugar quickly if severe low blood sugar happens. Signs of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, having a fast heartbeat, sweating, confusion, dizziness, or feeling hungry. 

They may also lower your metformin dose to decrease your risk of low blood sugar. 

Although rare, low blood sugar can happen if you take semaglutide alone. But this typically doesn't happen because semaglutide tells your body to release insulin in response to food. 

What about side effects?

When taken together, the side effects are typically the same as those experienced when taking the medications on their own. We've discussed the common side effects of semaglutide before, but I'd like to review them again.

The common side effects of semaglutide are stomach-related (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, burping, and bloating) and usually occur with dose increases and go away with time. And some people experience headaches and fatigue. 

Similar to semaglutide, most people experience stomach-related side effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gas. 

What about alcohol use?

A couple of weeks ago, we discussed how the occasional alcoholic beverage is okay with semaglutide. But it's important to remember that you may be at risk for pancreatitis and kidney problems with long-term, heavy alcohol use. This risk is higher for dehydrated people due to fluid loss from side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

Like semaglutide, heavy alcohol use should be avoided while taking metformin as it can increase the risk of developing a condition called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is when too much lactic acid is in our blood, and our organs cannot function properly. This is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include trouble breathing, stomach pain, and muscle aches. 

Oddly enough, you may have heard that semaglutide can may alcohol less appealing for people taking it. In other words, you may not even want to drink alcohol while taking semaglutide. This is likely because when you drink alcohol, a chemical called dopamine is released. Typically, dopamine makes you feel good. But when you take semaglutide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist targets areas in the brain that block the dopamine boost. 

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community. If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier

With all the buzz surrounding semaglutide shortages, we wanted to talk about why the shortages are happening and what to do if you are in the middle of this frustrating drug shortage. 

Why is there a drug shortage?

Simply put, there has been an increased demand for semaglutide. 

On May 4, 2023, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy (semaglutide), announced that they would only be able to supply limited quantities of Wegovy 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg dose strengths to both wholesalers and retail pharmacies. Because of this, the manufacturer won't be able to meet the anticipated patient demand. The company predicts that many patients will have difficulties filling their Wegovy prescriptions at these doses through September. 

Now, the company does state that they have got additional help from a second contract manufacturing company to help increase production and will pause marketing efforts in the meantime with the hopes of helping with supply.

Wegovy alternatives for weight loss

Before we review the semaglutide alternatives for weight loss, I want to review the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy. 

Both Wegovy and Ozempic have the same active ingredient: semaglutide. 

Wegovy is an FDA-approved, once-weekly injectable weight management medication that's been studied in people who do and do not have type 2 diabetes. And while it's not approved to treat these conditions, adults taking Wegovy noticed improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Ozempic is approved to treat type 2 diabetes. In fact, during clinical trials, people taking Ozempic lowered their average blood glucose (A1C) by over 1%. And, if you have heart disease, it may reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Ozempic isn't approved for weight loss, but since its active ingredient is semaglutide, it can cause weight loss as a side effect. This is why Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for people with and without diabetes to help them lose weight.

If you're unable to get name-brand Wegvoy for weight loss due to drug shortage or, in some cases, prescription coverage challenges, you may want to consider a couple of alternatives.

Compounded semaglutide

Under certain conditions, the FDA allows pharmacies to make medications with a drug shortage. The semaglutide is produced by specialized pharmacies that source pharmaceutical-grade active ingredients (amino acids in this case) and combine them to make a finished medication or product. 

If you're going to purchase semaglutide for weight loss through a compounding pharmacy or a healthcare clinic, you'll want to make sure that you ask if the semaglutide base was made at a facility that's registered with the FDA and follows good manufacturing practice at their facility. This will ensure that the semaglutide you receive doesn't contain extra ingredients and is safe for use.

Your semaglutide shouldn't be labeled "for research use only," as unregulated chemicals aren't meant to be used in people.

What about Saxenda?

An alternative to semaglutide is Saxenda (liraglutide). This is another glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that acts like semaglutide. It works by slowing down how quickly food leaves your stomach. This makes you feel full longer and suppress your appetite. 

Compared to semaglutide for weight loss, adults taking Saxenda lost an average of 6% of their starting body weight compared to 16% with semaglutide (Wegovy). Also, unlike semaglutide, which is injected under the skin once weekly, Saxenda must be injected daily. 

What about Trulicity?

Like Ozempic, Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 agonist that isn't approved for weight loss. It's approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults, although weight loss is possible. 

What about Rybelsus?

We've talked about Rybelsus before. It's the oral version of semaglutide. A pill you take by mouth every day. However, it's not approved for weight loss management even though loss of appetite may occur. Rybelsus should only be used to treat type 2 diabetes. 

Rybelsus is great for people with type 2 diabetes that don't want to give themselves injections, but unlike Ozempic, Rybelsus doesn't have the same heart-related benefits (lower risk of heart attack and stroke). The tablets must also be taken first thing in the morning with no more than 4 ounces of water. You must wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications to fully absorb the Rybelsus. 

It's also important to remember that Rybelsus comes in 3mg, 7mg, and 14mg strengths. Only patients taking the Ozempic 0.5mg dose for type 2 diabetes can switch to Rybelsus.

What about Mounjaro? 

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer, once-weekly injection approved for type 2 diabetes. It works on the same targets as semaglutide, plus an additional target. This results in a greater A1C and weight loss reduction compared to Ozempic. But, Monjaro has yet to be approved for weight loss or the same heart benefits.

A 72-week study with almost 940 adult participants reported an average weight loss of nearly 15.7% (approximately 35 pounds). The placebo group lost an average of 3.3% of their body weight. 

If you're having difficulties getting your semaglutide for weight loss, your healthcare provider or pharmacist may be able to help. This may include things like compounded semaglutide or switching to a medication like Saxenda.

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community. You can find out more information about semaglutide on our previous podcasts.

If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier.

Last week we talked about why you often feel hungry and some ways you can feel more satisfied. And we briefly mentioned that one of the reasons you always feel hungry is that you're taking a medication that increases your appetite. 

Today I want to focus on those medications that can cause weight gain and what you can do about it.

It's important to remember that certain medications may cause weight gain as a side effect. But remember that not everyone taking certain medications will have the same issues.

Some antidepressants and antipsychotics are more likely to cause weight gain than others. For example, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like Paxil is expected to cause weight gain more than Zoloft or Prozac. Also, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline and nortriptyline and medications like Remeron and Lithium cause weight gain. 

It's difficult to determine precisely how much weight a person could potentially gain with each of these medications as the amount of weight people gain seems to vary between studies. 

If you're experiencing weight gain with your antidepressant or antipsychotic medication, make sure to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. Never stop taking your medication without talking to your provider first.

Diabetes medications like insulin, glipizide, and Actos can also cause weight gain. This is because these medications cause your body to absorb more sugar from your blood. This extra sugar is then stored as fat. As a result, people on these diabetes medications typically gain 5 lbs to 10 lbs of weight.

Steroids like prednisone used to help lower inflammation, can also cause weight gain. However, this weight gain is typically seen when the medication is used for long periods. The good news is most people who use prednisone typically use the medication for a short time, so weight gain shouldn't be an issue. 

It's also important to know that weight gain isn't an issue with topical steroid use (e.g., creams or ointments), nose sprays, or eye drops. Typically weight gain is seen when people use steroids for certain inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, cancer patients, lupus). 

The medication causes weight gain by increasing your appetite, changing how the body processes sugar and fat, and causing fluid retention.

Seizure medications like gabapentin, Lyrica, and Depakote can also cause weight gain. It's unclear why this happens, but it may be due to increased appetite. 

Antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms can also cause weight gain. Medications like 

Benadryl and hydroxyzine are thought to make you hungrier and tired, making you less active and gaining weight.

What can I do to manage weight gain from medications?

Several things to help manage weight gain caused by medications involve healthy lifestyle changes. You can start by following a healthy diet and regular exercise. Your healthcare provider may also suggest switching you to an alternative medication or lower dose of your current medication to see if this helps with your weight gain.

What about semaglutide?

Let's say you've followed a healthy diet and regularly exercised. And you've talked to your healthcare provider about switching medications or lowering your dose, but you continue to keep the weight on.

When these lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) aren't enough to lose the weight you desire, weight-loss medications like semaglutide may be helpful. 

Semaglutide can help suppress your appetite and food intake. 

Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast, we love having you as part of our community. You can find out more information about semaglutide on our previous podcasts.

If you love this podcast, please share it with your friends and family on social media, and have a happy, healthy week!

Pro Tips

We're huge advocates of using daily collagen peptide supplements in your routine to help with skin, nail, bone, and joint health. But what do you know about peptides for health and wellness?

Giving yourself a peptide injection can be scary or confusing. But we've got you covered. Check out 6 tips to make peptide injections easier.