Immune Health and Healing Peptides: BPC-157, KPV, Thymogen Alpha 1, Gut Feeling

Has anyone tried or is curious about these peptides? Starting peptide therapy is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For the last four years, peptide therapy has played a large role in my healing process. I started with Oxytocin for anxiety and agoraphobia then BPC-157 for gut issues and to speed the healing process from physical therapy. Later, Cerebrolysin and BPC-157 would heal my moderate brain damage and now I’m taking a preblended stack of BPC-157, KPV, Immune Peptide A2 and pre and probiotics for Lyme & Co. I’m currently on week four of my 12-week cycle and am pleased with the results. It’s helped my MCAS by healing my gut and allowing me to quit famotidine, I’ve expanded my diet to include foods I haven’t been able to eat in years and I no longer wake up at 4:00 am from histamine dumps. In addition, my overall pain has been reduced, brain fog lessened, I have a bit more pep and can tolerate light exercise daily without flaring if I have the energy. I think I’ve started losing a bit of weight too, as I’m less bloated and not so rotund. I’ve even started leaving the house when I feel up to it, which is a huge win as I’ve been mostly housebound for the last six years. Overall, I can feel my immune and nervous system calming down and I’m feeling more like a normal human being instead of an influenza-infected, victorian era street urchin. Peptides may not cure Lyme, but they have helped me improve my quality of life and set the stage for my next step in the healing process.

In this post, I will share information about using peptides for immune health, share stacks (including the premade one I’m taking), and additional supplementation from a training session I recently attended. Picking a doctor and trustworthy vendor for peptides is extremely important. I will always say to take peptides under the supervision of a trained professional. This is to ensure that you get the most out of your cycle and that the order of treatment is correct, but that being said, I’m doing my cycle solo out of desperation. I’m happy to say it’s helping and I’m way less of a hot mess express these days.

To find a peptide practitioner, please visit https://peptidesociety.org/find-a-practitioner/ or https://integrativepeptides.com/physician-network/

My trusted vendor is my local compounding pharmacy and Integrative Peptides. To save 10% with Integrative Peptides, use this coupon code at checkout: TAKE10.

Peptides for Immune Health and Healing: BPC-157, KPV, Thymogen Alpha 1 and Gut Feeling

BPC-157 promotes tissue and wound healing.
It is anti-inflammatory and helps increase blood vessel production and collagen production. It helps promote the healing and recovery of injured muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones.

BPC-157: Benefits

Tissue Healing and Repair:
Accelerated Healing: BPC-157 is renowned for accelerating the healing of various tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. This makes it particularly useful for athletes and individuals recovering from injuries.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: It reduces inflammation at injury sites, which can further aid in the healing process and reduce pain and swelling.

Gastrointestinal Health:
Gut Healing: BPC-157 has been shown to promote the healing of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach lining and intestines. It may help treat conditions like ulcers, leaky gut syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Protection Against Toxins: It can protect the gut lining from damage caused by various toxins, including NSAIDs and alcohol.

Improved Vascular Health:
Angiogenesis: It promotes the formation of new blood vessels, which can improve blood flow to damaged tissues and support overall vascular health.

Neuroprotective Effects:
Brain Health: BPC-157 may support brain health by promoting the healing of neuronal tissue and protecting against neurotoxicity. It has potential applications in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative diseases.

Cardiovascular Benefits:
Heart Protection: It may help protect the heart and blood vessels, promoting the healing of cardiac tissue and reducing damage from conditions such as heart attacks.

Pain Reduction:
Analgesic Properties: BPC-157 has been found to reduce pain in various conditions, including injury-related pain and chronic pain syndromes.

Joint and Bone Health:
Bone Healing: It promotes bone healing and may be beneficial for conditions such as fractures and osteoporosis.
Joint Protection: BPC-157 can help repair and protect joint tissues, potentially benefiting those with arthritis or joint injuries.

BPC-157: Clinical Use

BPC-157: Clinical Dosing
Dosing:
Standard Dose: 200-400 mcg twice daily.
Administration: Subcutaneous injections near the injury site or orally for gut health.
Duration: Typically used for 4-6 wks for site injections or 4-12 weeks oral, can be extended based on clinical needs and response.

Possible Side Effects
While BPC-157 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, there are potential side effects,
contraindications, and considerations to keep in mind:

KPV is an anti-inflammatory.
It has immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects that inhibits, mast cells, promotes healing and is organ protective with metabolic stress.

KPV- Benefits

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Reduction in Inflammation: KPV has potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in various tissues and conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Cytokine Modulation: It can modulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing systemic inflammation.

Immune System Modulation:
Immune Support: KPV helps modulate the immune system, promoting a balanced immune response, which can be beneficial in autoimmune conditions or in boosting the body’s defense against infections.

Gastrointestinal Health:
Healing Gut Lining: KPV promotes the healing of the gastrointestinal tract lining, making it beneficial for conditions like leaky gut syndrome and other gut-related disorders.
Protection Against Inflammatory Conditions: It can help protect and heal the gut from inflammatory conditions, potentially improving symptoms and overall gut health.

Antimicrobial Effects:
Combating Infections: KPV exhibits antimicrobial properties that can help in fighting infections, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

Skin Health:
Wound Healing: KPV can promote wound healing and tissue repair, making it useful for treating various skin conditions, including wounds, ulcers, and other skin injuries.
Anti-Acne: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, KPV may help reduce acne and improve overall skin health.

Pain Reduction:
Analgesic Properties: KPV may help reduce pain and discomfort associated with inflammatory conditions and injuries.

KPV- Clinical Use

KPV- Clinical Use & Dosing
Use:
Anti-Inflammatory: Potent anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for systemic inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
Gut Health: Supports the healing of the gastrointestinal tract, beneficial for conditions like IBD.

Dosing:
Standard Dose: 1-3 mg daily.
Administration: Subcutaneous injections or oral capsules.
Duration: Often used for 4-8 weeks, can be tailored based on individual response.

Thymogens
Thymogens are thymic modulators.
Thymosin is a hormone secreted from the thymus. Its primary function is to stimulate the production of T cells, which are an important part of the immune system. Thymosin also assists in the development of B cells to plasma cells to produce antibodies. The main forms include:

Thymogen Alpha 1
Immune System Modulation:
Enhancement of Immune Function: Thymogen Alpha 1 can boost the immune system's ability to fight infections by promoting the activity of T-cells and other immune cells.
Regulation of Immune Responses: It helps balance immune responses, reducing overactive immune reactions that can lead to autoimmune diseases while enhancing the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Antiviral Properties:
Viral Infections: Thymogen Alpha 1 has been shown to be effective in treating viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, and it has potential use in other viral infections, including HIV and COVID-19, by boosting the body's antiviral defenses.

Cancer Treatment Support:
Immune Support in Cancer Therapy: It is used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Reduction of Side Effects: Thymogen Alpha 1 can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Reduction of Inflammation: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in managing chronic inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases.

Wound Healing and Tissue Repair:
Promotes Healing: Thymogen Alpha 1 can accelerate wound healing and tissue repair, making it useful for patients recovering from surgery or injury.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia:
Symptom Management: It may help manage symptoms of CFS and fibromyalgia by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation.

Respiratory Infections:
Protection Against Respiratory Illnesses: Thymogen Alpha 1 can help prevent and treat respiratory infections, including those caused by bacteria and viruses

Thymogen Alpha 1- Use & Dosing
Clinical Use:
1. Immune Modulation: Enhances the immune system by promoting T-cell function and reducing chronic inflammation.
2. Anti-Infective: Helps in fighting viral and bacterial infections.
3. Cancer Adjunct: Used in cancer therapy to boost immune response.

Dosing:
Standard Dose: 1.6 mg two to three times per week.
Administration: Subcutaneous injections.
Duration: Typically used for 3-6 months, with the possibility of longer use based on clinical need.

Combining Peptides for Synergistic Effects:
To achieve optimal results, these peptides can be used together in a synergistic manner. Below is a suggested stack for immune health and healing:

BPC-157:
1. Connective Tissue Healing: Effective in conditions involving tissue damage and inflammation.
2. Gut Health: Supports gut mucosal healing in IBD and other gut-related inflammatory conditions.

KPV:
1. Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces systemic and localized inflammation, particularly beneficial in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
2. Immune Modulation: Helps balance the immune response and reduces autoimmune flare-ups.

Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1):
1. Immune Enhancement: Boosts T-cell function and overall immune responses, critical in fighting infections and regulating autoimmunity.
2. Anti-Infective: Provides strong support against viral and bacterial infections, enhancing the body's ability to clear pathogens.

Protocol
Suggested Administering of the Stack

Weeks 1-4:
BPC-157: 200-400 mcg twice daily (subcutaneous or oral).
KPV: 1-3 mg daily (subcutaneous or oral).
TA1: 1.6 mg twice a week (subcutaneous).

Weeks 5-8:
BPC-157: 200-400 mcg twice daily (continue if healing is ongoing).
KPV: 1-3 mg daily (continue if inflammation persists).
TA1: 1.6 mg three times a week (increase frequency if additional immune support is needed).

Weeks 9-12:
BPC-157: Consider tapering off if healing is sufficient.
KPV: Continue at 1-3 mg daily if needed for ongoing inflammation management.
TA1: Maintain at 1.6 mg two to three times a week for sustained immune support.

Additional Recommendations for Immune Health and Healing:
1. Nutritional Support:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Emphasize whole foods, rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein Intake: Ensure adequate protein intake to support tissue repair.
Hydration: Maintain proper hydration with electrolytes if needed.

2. Supplementation:
- Vitamin D: 2000-5000 IU daily, depending on blood levels.
- Vitamin C: 500-2000 mg daily.
- Zinc: 15-30 mg daily.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1-3 grams daily.[/list]

3. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise to support immune function and overall health.
- Stress Management: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.[/list]

4. Regular Monitoring:
Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to monitor progress.
Lab Tests: Periodic blood tests to monitor immune markers, inflammation, and overall health status.

Conditions Benefiting from the Suggested Stack:
This peptide stack can support various immune-related conditions, including:
1. Autoimmune Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus.
2. Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: IBD, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia.
3. Infectious Diseases: Chronic viral infections (e.g., EBV, HSV), bacterial infections (e.g., Lyme disease).
4. Allergic Conditions: Asthma, eczema, psoriasis.
5. Neurological Disorders: Peripheral neuropathy, neuroinflammation.
6. Post-Infectious Syndromes: Post-Lyme disease syndrome, Long COVID.
7. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Reducing mast cell-related symptoms.

Premade stack in a box: Gut Feeling from Integrative Peptides (use TAKE10 at checkout for 10% off)
Flavor: Mango Strawberry
Administering the stack: One scoop on an empty stomach the morning after waking for 12 weeks. I take it like I used to work a fulltime job: 5 days on, 2 days off.
Ingredients:
500 mcg BPC-157 (Naturally Occurring Acetylated/Amidated Form)
250 mcg KPV (Naturally Occurring Acetylated/Amidated Form)
250 mcg Immune Peptide A2 (Ac-Alys-Gln-NH2)
Prebiotics/Probiotics
100 billion CFUs Akkermansia (akkermansia muciniphila)
7.5 billion CFUs Lactospore (bacillus coagulans)
1200 mg Fructo-oligosaccharides 1200 mg Inulin
100 mg Immunolin Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulin (providing 45mg Ig G, 5mg IgM, 1mg IgA, 5mg bovine serum albumin)
Click here to see my week by week progress: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=4346264

Personal Recommendation: Collagen Peptides
I’ve done around 5-6 cycles of BPC-157 over the last four years for various reasons ranging from gut issues, brain damage and accelerating the healing process from physical therapy for my spine. Due to BPC-157’s ability to significantly accelerate collagen formation, I always take collagen peptides when I’m on cycle. In the past, I’ve used Vital Proteins, but decided to switch to PEScience for my most recent cycle. I ordered the Glow Stack in raspberry at about the same price point as Vital Proteins, but the Glow Stack included both collagen peptides and a supplement to help with nails, hair and skin health/growth. I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve had issues with my hair thinning, dull skin and brittle nails since starting Lyme treatment.

Administering: One scoop in 8 oz of water with my dose of Gut Feeling every morning on an empty stomach. It tastes great.

Research Links & Resources
BPC-157:
1. Chang, et al. (2010). "Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing." Cell and Tissue Research. This study explores how BPC-157 stimulates tendon fibroblast outgrowth and accelerates healing. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8
2. Pharmaceuticals (2023). "Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 May Recover Brain–Gut Axis and Gut–Brain Axis Function." This article reviews the wide-ranging effects of BPC-157, including its healing properties on the brain-gut axis and muscle tissues. Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/5/676
3. Chambers Clinic. "BPC-157 Peptide Therapy and its Many Benefits." This article outlines various clinical benefits of BPC-157, including its roles in healing and neuroprotection. Link: https://www.chambersclinic.com/chambers-clinic-blog/b/bpc-157-peptide-therapy-and-its-many-benefits

KPV:
1. Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH): biology, clinical relevance and implication in melanoma," Link: https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-023-04405-y
2. "Terminal Signal: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Related Peptides Beyond the Pharmacophore," Link: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4419-6354-3_8
3. "Novel α-MSH Peptide Analogues with Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity," Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0061614

Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1):
1. Maeda, Y., et al. (2012). "Thymosin alpha 1: a comprehensive review of the literature." Journal of Translational Medicine. This review discusses the immune-modulating and anti-infective properties of TA1, supporting its use in various immune-related conditions. Link unavailable.
2. ClinicalTrials.gov. Various ongoing and completed clinical trials investigating the use of Thymosin Alpha-1 for conditions like hepatitis B, cancer, and as an immune adjuvant. Link unavailable.