The Peptide Podcast

• What to Expect on GLP-1 Medications

  Thank you for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If you enjoyed the show and want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going. Today we’re diving into a topic that’s been everywhere lately: GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss. You may know them by names like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. I want to give you a clear, realistic picture of what to expect—because while the media loves to highlight the dramatic before-and-after photos, the real journey can be slower and more nuanced for some. So in this episode, we’re going to talk about the truth—what these medications can do, what they can’t, how long things really take, and what you need to know to set yourself up for success. Not hype, not magic promises—just real, honest insight to help you understand the process. Let’s get into it. How GLP-1 & GIP/GLP-1 Agonists Work So first things first—how do these meds work? Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Basically, they mimic natural hormones in your body that help regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and—most importantly for weight loss—reduce appetite and improve satiety. That means you feel fuller faster and stay full longer. You're not obsessing over food like before. And that’s powerful. But—and this is a big one— these peptides don't magically erase years of weight gain overnight. What they do is help make weight loss easier by reducing hunger and supporting your metabolism—but they don't do all the work for you. It’s important to remember they're a powerful tool, not a replacement for your efforts. You're still in control of your choices, habits, and long-term success. Why We Titrate the Dose—and What "Therapeutic Dose" Means Now, let’s talk about dosing. When you start Wegovy, you don’t start at the highest dose. It’s gradually increased over several weeks to give your body time to adjust and to help reduce side effects like nausea or stomach upset. The usual schedule looks like this: You’ll start with 0.25 mg once a week for the first month. Then it increases every four weeks—0.5 mg, then 1 mg, then 1.7 mg. By week 17, most people reach the full dose of 2.4 mg once a week—that’s the dose shown in studies to lead to the most consistent weight loss, with many people losing around 15% of their total body weight over about a year. But here’s the thing—not everyone follows this path exactly, and that’s okay. Some people need to slow down or stay longer at a lower dose if they’re having side effects. Others may need to increase sooner if they’re not seeing appetite changes and are tolerating the medication well. And even though 2.4 mg is considered the “therapeutic dose,” not everyone needs to reach it. Some people feel great and lose weight at a lower dose—and if that’s you, that’s your sweet spot. The real goal is to find the lowest effective dose that controls your hunger, helps you lose weight at a steady pace, and keeps side effects to a minimum. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and pushing through side effects just to hit the max dose isn’t necessary—or safe. Your best dose is the one your body handles well and helps you make progress. *How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose—and How Fast? Let’s take a look at the clinical studies. In large trials, people on semaglutide lost about 15% of their total body weight over 68 weeks. For tirzepatide, it was even higher—20% or more in some cases. But here’s the thing—those results happened over a year to a year and a half. Not 6 weeks. Not 3 months. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Also, most of the weight loss doesn't happen during the titration phase. You may see some weight loss early on, especially if your appetite plummets. But the bulk of the weight loss happens once you reach and maintain your therapeutic dose. Why Everyone’s Journey Looks Different I can’t stress this enough—everybody’s journey is different. Some people feel zero hunger from their very first injection. Others don’t notice a big change until week 10 or 12. Some drop 10 pounds in the first month. Others lose two pounds and feel discouraged. All of those experiences are normal. Your age, hormones, medications, stress levels, sleep, and past diet history? They all play a role. And let’s be real—gaining 20, 50, or 100 pounds didn’t happen in a few weeks, right? It likely took months or even years of lifestyle habits, hormonal shifts, emotional eating, or underlying conditions. So we have to give ourselves that same grace and patience when we’re trying to take the weight off—even with medical support. Navigating Side Effects and Setbacks Let’s talk about the side effects. Nausea, constipation, acid reflux, bloating—yeah, these are pretty common as your body adjusts. And sometimes, those symptoms are your body’s way of saying: Hey, slow down. Pushing through intense side effects just to hit a higher dose isn’t the goal. In fact, it’s not safe. You want the lowest effective dose that keeps your appetite under control, the weight coming off gradually, and your side effects minimal or nonexistent. If you need to pause treatment to let your gut settle or even go back down a dose, that’s not failure. That’s smart, safe self-care. We’re in this for the long haul. Trial and Error with Food—and That’s OK One part of this journey that catches people off guard is how sensitive your stomach becomes—especially to certain foods or drinks. Greasy or fried foods, spicy meals, carbonated drinks, alcohol—these can all be triggers for nausea or even vomiting while you're on this medication.  And it makes sense when you think about it: the medication slows down how quickly food and drink leave your stomach. So if you’re eating or drinking things that already tend to irritate the stomach lining, the effects can hit harder and last longer. Even if those foods didn’t bother you before starting treatment, they might now. It’s just one of those things your body has to adjust to, and it may take some trial and error to figure out what still works for you. What is Healthy, Sustainable Weight Loss? So what’s a healthy pace of weight loss? In general, 1 to 2 pounds per week is considered safe and sustainable. But on GLP-1s, that might vary. Some weeks you may lose 3 pounds. Some weeks, nothing. And guess what? That’s normal. You’re looking for overall downward trends, not perfection. The goal here is steady, sustainable fat loss—not dropping weight so quickly that you feel miserable, drained, or start losing muscle. Remember, we’re not chasing “skinny”—we’re aiming for strong, lean, energized, and healthy. And I know we’ve talked about this before, but it’s worth repeating: exercise is not optional when you’re on a GLP-1. It’s a must. When you lose weight, you lose both fat and muscle. If you’re not actively working to maintain or build muscle, you risk becoming weaker and slowing down your metabolism in the process. We want to keep the muscle you have—and ideally, build more—so your body stays strong and your results last. What Is a “Non-Responder”? Now let’s touch on something important: what if the medication doesn't seem to work? Let’s talk about what it means to be a “non-responder” on a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or Zepbound. In clinical terms, a non-responder is someone who has been on their therapeutic dose for at least 3 months and has lost less than 5% of their total body weight—even though they’re taking the medication correctly and making lifestyle changes like adjusting their diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress or sleep. Let’s break that down with an example: If someone weighs 200 pounds, 5% of their total body weight would be 10 pounds. So if they’ve been on their therapeutic dose for 12 weeks and have only lost, say, 4 or 5 pounds—despite doing everything right—they may be considered a non-responder. But as we mentioned before, everyone’s therapeutic dose may be different. The therapeutic dose isn’t just the maximum dose like 2.4 mg of semaglutide or 15 mg of tirzepatide. It’s the dose at which you personally begin to experience consistent appetite suppression, weight loss, and minimal side effects. For some people, that may happen at 1 mg of semaglutide. Others may not feel much of a difference until they reach the full 2.4 mg. Some may even respond better at 1.7 mg and not tolerate the higher dose at all. That’s why we titrate slowly, monitor your symptoms, and assess both how you feel and how your body is responding. So how do we know if you’ve reached your therapeutic dose? We look at things like: Has your appetite significantly decreased? Are you noticing earlier fullness or fewer cravings? Are you losing weight consistently over time Are side effects tolerable or nonexistent? If the answer is yes, you’re probably at your therapeutic dose. But if the answer is no—if your hunger hasn’t changed much, the scale hasn’t moved, and you’re not noticing any shift in your eating patterns after 3 months on a stable, higher dose—it might be time to re-evaluate. That could mean adjusting the dose, checking for other health issues that might be interfering (like thyroid problems or certain medications), or even considering a different treatment approach. *So what are my final thoughts?  Your journey is unique. Not everyone responds the same way, and that’s okay. The key is finding what works for your body, not just what the label says. These medications can absolutely change lives. But they’re not magic. They work with your efforts—not instead of them. You’ll need to be patient, flexible, and kind to yourself along the way. You may need to tweak your dose, change your food choices, or give your body time to adjust. That’s part of the process. And remember—this isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about reclaiming your health, confidence, and energy. So take it one step at a time. Celebrate every win. And know that slow progress is still progress. Thank you for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If you enjoyed the show and want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  Until next time, be well, be patient, and keep showing up for yourself. And as always, have a happy, healthy week.

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  10:45
• 5-Amino-1MQ

  Thank you for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If you enjoyed the show and want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  Today, we’re taking a close look at 5-Amino-1MQ—a compound gaining attention for its potential to improve fat loss, metabolic health, and longevity. We’ll break down how it works, the science behind it, and what that could mean for your health. Let’s get started. So, What Is 5-Amino-1MQ? Now, just to clear something up—5-Amino-1MQ isn’t actually a peptide. A lot of people assume it is because it's often talked about alongside peptides like semaglutide or BPC-157, but it's actually a small molecule compound. Its full name is 5-Amino-1-methyl-quino-linium—yeah, a bit of a mouthful—and it's designed to block an enzyme called NNMT. By doing that, it helps keep more NAD⁺ available in your cells, which is a big deal for energy production and metabolic health. It was originally developed in the world of metabolic research. Scientists were exploring ways to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat accumulation—especially the dangerous kind, visceral fat. So, while it plays in the same space as peptides when it comes to benefits—like fat loss, energy, and longevity—it’s a totally different kind of compound. Think of it more like a targeted metabolic activator than a signaling peptide. Before we move on, I want to talk about visceral fat for a bit.  Visceral fat is the fat that builds up deep inside your abdomen, around your internal organs like your liver, pancreas, and intestines. It’s different from the fat you can pinch under your skin—like on your belly or thighs. That’s called subcutaneous fat. Now, why is visceral fat a problem? Because it’s metabolically active, which means it doesn’t just sit there—it releases hormones and inflammatory chemicals that can mess with your body’s systems. High levels of visceral fat are linked to things like insulin resistance, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a greater risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. So even if someone looks slim on the outside, having too much visceral fat on the inside can still be dangerous for their health. *What Is NNMT and Why Do We Want to Block It? Let’s Talk About The Science. NNMT stands for nicotinamide N-methyltransferase.  This enzyme tends to be more active in people who are overweight or have metabolic issues. When that happens, it uses up a lot of something called NAD⁺—a compound your cells need to create energy, especially in the mitochondria, which are like the power plants of your cells. So when NNMT levels go up, here’s what tends to happen: You end up with less NAD⁺, your metabolism slows down, your body stores more fat, and your cells just don’t have the same energy or resilience. That’s where 5-Amino-1MQ comes in. It blocks NNMT, helping your cells hold onto more NAD⁺—and that changes everything. The Metabolic Benefits of Blocking NNMT *So what happens when you increase NAD⁺ inside your cells? Well, in studies—especially in animal models—5-Amino-1MQ led to: Fat breakdown and reduced fat accumulation Improved insulin sensitivity A 30% drop in cholesterol levels And get this—mice lost 5% of their body weight in just 11 days, without changes to diet or exercise. And here’s the kicker—no signs of toxicity or behavioral changes. No weird side effects. Just better metabolic function. Muscle Preservation & Longevity Pathways *One of the most promising things about 5-Amino-1MQ goes beyond fat loss—it’s what it could mean for preserving muscle. Blocking NNMT might actually help you keep your muscle while you’re losing fat. That’s a big deal—especially if you’ve ever tried to drop weight and felt like you were losing strength along with it. This is important because most weight loss methods cause you to lose both fat and muscle, which can slow your metabolism and reduce strength. Preserving muscle while burning fat helps you maintain energy, performance, and long-term metabolic health. There’s also some solid evidence it can boost muscle performance and endurance, which tracks when you think about how it raises NAD⁺. And because NAD⁺ is involved in things like cell repair, mitochondrial function, and longevity pathways like sirtuin activation, you’re not just burning fat—you’re potentially supporting healthy aging and helping your body work more efficiently overall. Oral vs Injectable 5-Amino-1MQ: What’s the Difference? People often ask me, “Should I take 5-Amino-1MQ as a pill or go with injections?” Here’s the deal, the injectable version gets into your system faster and starts working a bit quicker. On the other hand, the oral version takes a little longer to kick in, but it’s way more convenient—just take a capsule and you’re good. No needles, no fuss. And honestly? Most people say they feel the same benefits either way—whether it’s fat loss, energy, or mood. So unless you’re looking for super fast absorption, oral works great for most people. Wrapping It Up: Why This Matters To recap—5-Amino-1MQ helps: Boost NAD⁺ levels Shrink visceral fat tissue Improve insulin sensitivity and cholesterol Preserve muscle mass during weight loss Enhance endurance Activate longevity pathways And it does it by blocking an enzyme that works against you—NNMT. This isn’t magic—it’s smart metabolic science. And it might just be the edge you need if you’re hitting a plateau or looking to optimize how your body performs, heals, and ages. Thank you for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If you enjoyed the show and want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  Have a happy, healthy week!  

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  6:03
• Breaking Through GLP-1 Weight Loss Plateaus

  Welcome to The Peptide Podcast. Today we’re going to talk about something that almost everyone on a GLP-1 journey hits eventually, the weight loss plateau. Thank you for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If you enjoyed the show and want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  It starts like this: you begin a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide, and for the first few weeks or months, the weight seems to fall off. You’re eating less, not obsessing over food, and for the first time in a long time, it feels… easy. Then one day, the scale just stops moving. You’re not doing anything different. You’re still taking the meds. Still trying to eat well. Maybe you’re walking more or lifting weights. But suddenly, nothing’s happening—and the frustration kicks in. Sound familiar? Let’s talk about what’s really going on. 1. What Causes the Plateau? First of all, if you’re in this place right now: you didn’t mess up. GLP-1s are incredibly effective at reducing appetite and creating an initial calorie deficit, which is why people lose weight so quickly in the beginning. But your body isn’t just going to let that continue unchecked. It adapts. This is called adaptive thermogenesis—a fancy way of saying your body becomes more efficient. You start burning fewer calories at rest than you did before. Your resting metabolic rate actually drops beyond what you'd expect just from losing weight alone. It’s a survival mechanism. So what worked at the beginning—eating less and moving a bit more—might no longer be enough to keep the scale moving. This is totally normal.  2. Metabolism & Muscle: Why Strength Training Matters Now More Than Ever So now that we know why the plateau happens, let’s talk about things we can do to help us get over it. Something that often gets overlooked but is absolutely critical—especially if you’re on a GLP-1 or in any kind of calorie deficit. Resistance training is not optional. It’s non-negotiable. Here’s why. When you’re losing weight—whether it’s from a medication like semaglutide or just eating in a calorie deficit—your body isn’t just pulling energy from fat. If you’re not careful, it’s also going to break down lean muscle tissue. And the more muscle you lose, the slower your metabolism gets. Why? Because muscle is metabolically active tissue. It burns calories even when you’re doing absolutely nothing. So if you’re not actively sending a signal to your body to keep that muscle, it’ll start to let it go. That’s where resistance training comes in. When you lift weights or do bodyweight exercises—think squats, push-ups, resistance bands, even heavy housework—you’re telling your body: “Hey, I need this muscle. Don’t burn it for fuel.” This is especially important for those on GLP-1s because these meds reduce appetite so significantly that you might not be eating enough protein—or enough calories in general—to maintain muscle without that extra stimulus. So if you’ve hit a plateau or want to prevent one, ask yourself: Am I strength training at least two to three times a week? Am I prioritizing movements that challenge large muscle groups—like legs, glutes, chest, and back? Am I fueling my workouts with enough protein? And let me be really clear, you don’t have to become a gym rat. You don’t have to lift crazy heavy weights. But you do have to move your muscles in a meaningful, consistent way. Protecting your lean mass is one of the best ways to keep your metabolism humming—not just during your weight loss journey, but after it too. Because this isn’t about just losing weight—it’s about building a strong, metabolically healthy body that can maintain that weight loss for life. 3. Mindset Check: The Plateau Is Not a Failure Now, let’s get into the mental side of this journey—because it’s just as important as nutrition, movement, and medication. One of the biggest challenges people face—especially when progress slows—is the mental roller coaster that comes with watching the scale. And I’ll be honest: weighing yourself every single day is not ideal. Here’s why. Your body weight naturally fluctuates. Daily. And those fluctuations have nothing to do with your actual fat loss or long-term progress. Instead, the number on the scale is influenced by things like: Hydration status – If you’re slightly dehydrated, the scale may dip. But if you drank a ton of water the day before or had more salty food, it may go up due to water retention. Glycogen stores – When you eat carbs, your body stores them in your muscles and liver as glycogen, and for every gram of glycogen, your body stores about 3–4 grams of water. So a pasta dinner or even a healthy grain bowl can cause a temporary increase on the scale. Digestive contents – Let’s be real: if you haven’t had a bowel movement (constipation) or just ate a bigger meal, the scale might reflect that. Doesn’t mean you gained fat. Inflammation or illness – If you’re recovering from an illness, injury, or even a hard workout, your body retains extra water as part of the healing process. Again—temporary. But here’s what happens when we don’t understand this, we step on the scale, see a higher number, and panic. We question everything—“Am I doing something wrong? Is the medication not working? Should I eat less?” And that mindset spiral can lead to unnecessary stress, restriction, or even giving up. So what should you do instead? Focus on trends over time, not daily weigh-ins. Weigh yourself once a week at most, ideally at the same time of day, under the same conditions (like first thing in the morning before food or water). Or better yet—track non-scale victories: clothes fitting better, improved energy, reduced cravings, less inflammation, better digestion, even clearer skin. These are all signs your body is healing and progressing. Remember, your worth is not defined by a number, and fat loss is not always linear. There are ups, downs, pauses, and breakthroughs—and all of them are part of the process. 4. Habits: Recheck Your Routine Now, here’s where we get really honest. Because as the months go by, it’s normal for habits to loosen up. Maybe you’re not tracking portions quite as closely. Maybe your steps have dropped. Maybe “just a bite” here and there has crept in more often than you realize. This doesn’t make you bad or lazy—it makes you human. But if progress has stalled, it’s worth revisiting the basics: Are you eating mostly whole, minimally processed foods? Are you staying hydrated and watching added sugars? Are you eating out frequently without paying attention to portions? Are you still moving your body every day? Small shifts can make a big difference. 5. Food Noise: Why It's Sneaking Back One of the most exciting things about GLP-1s is how much they reduce food noise—that constant mental chatter about snacks, cravings, and what’s in the fridge. But for many people, that quiet doesn’t last forever. Over time, especially as your body adapts to the medication or your dose levels off, food noise can return. You might find yourself thinking about food more often or wanting things you weren’t craving before. This doesn’t mean the med has stopped working. It means your biology is adjusting. What helps: Keeping meals protein-forward and fiber-rich Eating at regular times to avoid dips in energy or blood sugar Identifying emotional vs. physical hunger Managing stress and sleep, which both drive cravings This is the time to build real strategies—so you’re not relying on the med alone. 6. Emotional Eating This brings me to my next point. Let’s talk about something that often flies under the radar but can make a huge difference in your weight loss journey—emotional eating. This is when feelings like stress, boredom, anxiety, or sadness trigger you to eat, even if you’re not physically hungry. It’s totally normal, and many people experience this at some point. Now, GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide do a great job at reducing physical hunger by influencing hormones that control appetite. But they don’t always fully address the emotional side of eating. So, even if your stomach feels satisfied, those emotional triggers can still push you toward cravings or eating for comfort. Recognizing emotional eating is the first step. Try to notice when you’re eating because of feelings rather than hunger. Strategies like mindful eating, journaling your emotions, or finding alternative outlets—like walking, meditation, or chatting with a friend—can really help. If emotional eating is a big hurdle, working with a therapist or counselor who specializes in behavioral health can provide tools to manage those feelings without turning to food. Remember, managing emotional eating alongside your GLP-1 treatment can make a huge difference in overcoming plateaus and reaching your goals more sustainably. 7. Set Realistic Expectations: Fat Loss Isn’t Linear Lastly, I want to talk about setting realistic expectations. I can’t stress the following enough. You are not supposed to lose weight every single week forever. Your body needs breaks. Your metabolism needs to reset. And your mind needs time to adapt to this new version of you. Think of your fat loss journey like a staircase—not a slide. There are flat spots before the next drop. And guess what? Some of the most important changes—like maintaining your weight, building strength, or stabilizing your habits—happen during those flat spots. You don’t need to push harder or go more extreme. You just need to keep showing up consistently. My Final Thoughts: Trust the Process The bottom line is trust the process. If you’re on a GLP-1 and the scale has stalled, take a deep breath. This is a normal part of the process. It’s not the end—it’s just a signal to pivot and refocus. We want to build muscle. Prioritize protein. Revisit your habits. Stay active. And most importantly, don’t give up. Thank you for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If you enjoyed the show and want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  Have a happy, healthy week!

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  11:31
• Injectable L-Carnitine

  In today’s episode we’ll talk about L-Carnitine.  What is L-carnitine, what does it do, and why are more people choosing to inject it instead of taking it as a pill? Let’s break it down.  L-carnitine is a compound made from the amino acids lysine and methionine, and its main job is helping your body turn fat into energy by shuttling fatty acids into your cells’ mitochondria. While we naturally make some and get more from foods like red meat and dairy, certain people — like athletes, older adults, or those with metabolic issues — may not make or absorb enough. That’s where supplementation, especially the injectable form, comes in. Why inject L-carnitine instead of taking it by mouth? This is a question I get all the time. Yes, you can take L-carnitine as a pill or powder. But here’s the catch: when you take it orally, your body only absorbs about 15 to 20% of it. That means you'd need to take a whopping 4 to 5 grams daily just to get a therapeutic dose — and that often comes with unpleasant side effects, like bloating, diarrhea, and even that infamous fishy body odor, thanks to a byproduct called trimethylamine. Injectable L-carnitine skips all that. It’s way more bioavailable — so you actually absorb and use what you inject. It’s faster-acting, especially when you give it intramuscularly. And it’s also easier on the gut, since it bypasses digestion and liver metabolism. With the injectable form, you get more targeted results, which is great for things like fat loss, athletic performance, or metabolic health. What are the potential benefits of L-carnitine? Let’s talk about what L-carnitine actually does in your body—because honestly, it’s pretty impressive.  First off, it helps you burn fat more efficiently by moving fatty acids into your cells’ mitochondria to be used for energy. It can also boost endurance by delaying fatigue, and it supports faster recovery by reducing soreness and muscle damage after tough workouts.  On top of that, it improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to your muscles, which can lead to better pumps and overall performance. It even helps keep fat from building up in organs like your liver and heart, which is great for metabolic health. L-carnitine also plays a role in boosting metabolism and improving insulin sensitivity, especially for those with blood sugar issues. Some studies suggest it can support mental focus and even help with heart function in people with heart conditions. Not bad for a single supplement, right? What about dosing? Injectable L-carnitine doses usually fall between 200 to 1,000 mg per day, though some people aiming for fat loss or performance might go as high as 2,000 mg. Most people split the dose to make injections more comfortable and keep levels steady—like 500 mg in each shoulder, or half in the morning and half before a workout.  Timing really does matter, too. It tends to work best first thing in the morning when your body’s ready to burn fat, or about 30 to 60 minutes before training when you need a boost in energy and fat oxidation. Just avoid taking it too late, since it can be pretty stimulating and might mess with your sleep. What are the potential side effects of L-carnitine? Overall, injectable L-carnitine is pretty well tolerated, but like anything, it’s not completely free of side effects.  Some people might notice redness or soreness at the injection site, especially if their technique isn’t spot-on. Mild nausea or headaches can pop up too, but they’re usually short-lived and related to the dose.  That fishy body odor we talked about earlier? It’s less common with injections than with pills, but it can still happen if your body has trouble breaking down carnitine. Taking it too late in the day might lead to insomnia since it ramps up your energy, and some folks notice an increased appetite—probably because their metabolism is kicking into high gear.  And if you’re not staying hydrated or your electrolytes are off, you might get muscle cramps. Who shouldn’t take L-carnitine? L-carnitine can be super helpful for energy and fat metabolism, but it’s not right for everyone.  If you have low thyroid function, it might actually make your symptoms worse because it can interfere with how your body uses thyroid hormones. People with a history of seizures should also be cautious, since L-carnitine may increase seizure risk. And while it has some benefits for heart health, there’s some debate about whether it could raise certain byproducts like TMAO that might increase heart disease risk—especially in people who already have heart issues. It can also interact with medications like warfarin, so if you're on a blood thinner, definitely check with your provider.  Also, anyone with kidney or liver problems should use it carefully, too, since those organs help process and eliminate it. Oh, and if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or prone to insomnia, it’s best to hold off or talk with your doctor first. Bottom line: L-carnitine can do a lot of good, but it’s always smart to make sure it’s the right fit for your body. That said, it’s not for everyone. Dosing, timing, and safety all matter — so always work with a knowledgeable provider. Thank you for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If you enjoyed the show and want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  Have a happy, healthy week!

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  5:50
• Pinealon Peptide Overview

  Today we’re diving into Pinealon, a bioregulatory peptide with promising effects on brain health, cognition, and aging. We’ll cover what it is, how it works, its benefits, origins, potential side effects, and how to stack it with other peptides like Epitalon. What Are Bioregulator Peptides? Let’s start with the basics. Bioregulator peptides are short chains of amino acids — usually just 2 to 4 — that act as gene switches. Think of them as precision tools your body uses to fine-tune organ and tissue function at the cellular level. These peptides were originally discovered by Russian researchers in the 1970s and 80s as part of their military and space medicine programs. The goal? To help soldiers and cosmonauts stay biologically resilient in extreme conditions. What is Pinealon? Pinealon is a tripeptide made of three amino acids — L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, and L-arginine — and is a synthetic analog of peptides from the pineal gland, which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms. Research suggests it may help regulate gene expression in neurons and protect the brain from oxidative stress, a major factor in aging and neurodegeneration. How Does Pinealon Work? So, how does Pinealon actually work? Pinealon appears to cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with the central nervous system, where it may influence gene expression, support neuronal metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and promote cellular repair — key functions for protecting the aging brain. Potential Benefits of Pinealon So what can Pinealon do for you?  Improves cognitive function and mental clarity Helps regulate sleep patterns Reduces oxidative stress in brain cells Supports a calm and balanced nervous system May slow age-related brain degeneration Enhances focus and potentially mood regulation Most of the research has been done in animal models and older humans, but the results so far are promising. Where Are The Potential Side Effects of Pinealon? Now that we’ve covered what Pinealon is and its potential benefits, let’s talk safety. While studies so far show a strong safety profile with minimal side effects at low doses, research is still limited outside of Russia and Eastern Europe. So, if you're considering it, medical guidance is strongly recommended and use only trusted vendors or clinicians when sourcing Pinealon. Potential side effects, while rare, might include: Mild headache Temporary fatigue Sleep disturbances (especially if dosed at the wrong time) This brings me to my next point. When it comes to actually getting your hands on Pinealon, it’s a bit of a challenge. It is available in oral capsule form, but those are pretty hard to find, and there’s not a lot of transparency around who’s making them or how well they’re absorbed.  There are also a few online peptide sources that offer Pinealon as an injectable, but again, sourcing is tricky.  I’ve personally yet to find a verified, reputable supplier that I’d feel 100% confident recommending. Until there's better regulation or more mainstream availability, it's one of those compounds where you really need to proceed with caution. Peptide Stacks Okay, so we’ve explored what Pinealon does on its own — but what about combining it with other peptides?  This is where things get interesting. Peptide stacking is becoming more popular, especially for those looking to optimize cognitive function, longevity, or recovery. So let’s talk about how Pinealon might work in synergy with other peptides. One of the most common stacks involves combining Pinealon with another well-known peptide: Epitalon. Epitalon is also derived from the pineal gland and is known for its anti-aging effects. It helps regulate melatonin secretion, lengthens telomeres, and boosts antioxidant defenses. Together, Pinealon and Epitalon form a neuroendocrine-immune stack that may: Enhance longevity Sharpen cognition Normalize sleep Support mood and stress resilience Other possible stacks: Pinealon + Cerebrolysin – for neuroregeneration Pinealon + Semax – for focus and anxiety Pinealon + Thymalin – for immune and systemic anti-aging The most common Pinealon dosing protocol involves injecting 2mg per day for 10 days, followed by a rest period. This cycle can be repeated 2 to 3 times per year, which means you’re using Pinealon for a total of about 30 days annually. But keep in mind that there’s no universally accepted dosage protocol for Pinealon. Thank you for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If you enjoyed the show and want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  Have a happy, healthy week!

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