One of the common misconceptions about alternative healthcare is that it lacks scientific validation. In fact, many treatment modalities that alternative healthcare providers use are evidence-based and clinically proven. Peptide therapy, for example, has been researched extensively and has been used for decades.
Peptide therapy can be helpful for many types of patients, as it supports the body’s natural healing response, regulates hormone balance, boosts the immune system, and even enhances athletic performance. Here’s a look at what you should know about including peptide therapy into your alternative healthcare regimen.
What is peptide therapy in alternative healthcare?
Even if you think you’ve never heard of peptide therapy before, there’s actually a good chance you have. The first peptide to be synthesized—all the way back in 1921—was insulin, which is well-known for its role in managing diabetes. Since that time, there have been significant advances made in the field of peptide therapy, with dozens of therapeutic peptides developed.
Peptides, which are chains of multiple amino acids, naturally occur in human cells. In fact, there are at least 7,000 naturally occurring peptides identified so far. They serve as signaling molecules within the body. Although peptides naturally occur, the body begins to produce fewer of them after about age 30. This highlights the natural aging process of the cells, in which their ability to function properly begins to diminish.
By introducing therapeutic peptides to patients, alternative healthcare practitioners can accomplish a number of goals—from improving and modulating hormone synthesis to bolstering immune function to supporting the sleep cycle. Peptide therapy can even support the production of inflammatory mediators, which are necessary to curb chronic, systemic inflammation, and they support the healing and proper functioning of a range of bodily systems and components.
Am I a good candidate for peptide therapy?
Only your provider can determine if peptide therapy is definitely a good option for you. If you choose to become a patient at Tucson Valley Functional Medicine, Dr. Bybee will evaluate the results of your medical tests and conduct a thorough investigation of your health history, diagnoses, and symptoms to determine if peptide therapy is appropriate for you.
In general, you may be a good candidate for peptide therapy if you suffer from a chronic illness, as peptide therapy can modulate the immune system and facilitate its proper functioning. Peptide therapy can also benefit patients who are interested in improving athletic performance, building muscle mass, or improving energy levels. Peptides can even promote the faster healing of injuries.
What are the benefits of peptide therapy?
Peptide therapy offers many potential benefits, including:
- Supports healing of bones, muscles, and other tissues
- Strengthens the immune system
- Promotes better neuromuscular functioning following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis
- Serves as an anti-aging treatment
- Improves recovery from athletic training
- Maintains skin and hair health
- Enhances memory and cognition
- Treats depression and anxiety
If you’re interested in discovering whether peptide therapy could be appropriate and beneficial for your health, contact Tucson Valley Functional Medicine. Dr. Shannon Bybee administers peptide therapy for her patients in Arizona and North Carolina, along with a full suite of other alternative healthcare services. You can email Dr. Bybee at [email protected] to discuss becoming a new patient.
