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By Linda A. Kiley, MD
Since Ponce de Leon spent extraordinary time and effort searching for the “Fountain of Youth”, humans have been searching for ways to extend life and functionality. The telltale signs of aging that seem to magically (or diabolically) appear after age 40 are reminders of our mortality. Those few extra pounds, wrinkles or gray hairs are really the result of cumulative damage to our cellular functions and in particular to our DNA. As we learn more about the molecular process of aging, we begin to contemplate a method for “biohacking” our cells to create more youthful cells and slow the aging process. This has to go beyond treating the visible signs of aging with cosmetic surgery, fillers, Botox, or other superficial changes. In order to have a meaningful effect on the signs of aging, we must go deeper into the actual cellular processes that support life. One component of this process lies in the understanding and proper use of peptides.
One of the most exciting areas of research in treating multiple disorders from neurological diseases to intestinal problems, diabetes or trauma, is the multitude of naturally-occurring peptides in the body. Supplementing the appropriate peptides for the appropriate condition, in conjunction with proper nutrition and exercise, may provide a significant improvement in overall health and particularly in the area targeted by the peptides. These measures create the effect of what is called epigenetics, which refers to the environmental impact on genes.
Our cells use peptides to communicate and metabolize nutrients. When the appropriate peptides are present, they are better able to function and eliminate toxins. Any program of treatment or recovery utilizing peptide therapy should be customized for the individual and treated accordingly. A lack of understanding of the impact of varying formulations of these compounds may result in, at best, a suboptimal response to treatment, and at worst, an imbalance leading to health complications.
It is vital to understand cellular function, metabolism, and interactions with environmental chemicals whether they are produced by the body or produced in a laboratory. Cells have multiple receptors, which are like little locks on the surface and inside the cell. Ligands are things that bind to receptors to create a change in cell function. It is just as undesirable to expose the cell to an excess of a specific ligand or for too long as it is to have a lack of that ligand. In other words, neither too much nor too little is a good thing. Our goal with peptides is to help the cell produce the correct substances leading to optimal levels of Growth Hormone, IGF-1, and other factors leading to optimal cell function without overloading the system and developing undesirable side effects, such as can be seen with administration of Growth Hormone and excessive other hormones. Hormone balance, and peptide balance, should always be the goal of any anti-aging treatment.
It’s very important to understand that using any substance, nutrient, peptide or hormone is not going to have the desired effect without other lifestyle actions such as a healthy, optimized diet and regular exercise program. There is no substitute for exercise! There is no substitute for a proper diet and adequate nutrition! If these things are optimized, we can have the best effects on health and longevity.
A sound understanding of the function of proper diet, proper exercise, proper nutrient balance, proper hormone balance, and optimized peptide levels is key to living our best life. Instead of dying longer, we should be living longer with good quality! For a consultation regarding the proper use of peptides for weight management and other anti-aging therapies, call our office at Ultra Health & Wellness, 561-671-0041.
Ultra Health & Wellness
561-671-0041
3375 Burns Road, Suite 204
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
www.ultrahw.com