Peptides 101: A Beginner's Guide

By Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Introduction

Welcome to Peptides 101: A Beginner's Guide. If you're reading this, you're likely
curious about peptides and eager to learn how they can enhance your health and
wellness. Over the past few years, peptides have gained significant popularity, and for
good reason. They offer exciting potential benefits, from speeding up injury recovery to
improving fat loss, boosting energy levels, increasing muscle mass, and even providing
beneficial cognitive and neurological effects.

I’m Dr. Brandon Vaughn, a physical therapist with over 14 years of experience. I also
own a PT practice, where I've spent years exploring various health and therapeutic
methods. I created this guide to share what I’ve learned about peptides so you can
make informed decisions. For those interested, I source my peptides from Amino
Asylum. You can check them out using my affiliate link Amino Asylum and use the code
BV20 for a 20% discount.

Peptides are small chains of amino acids that play crucial roles in your body’s functions,
such as healing, muscle growth, fat burning, and brain health. Despite their potential,
peptides are not yet mainstream medicine in many places. Some peptides are still
undergoing research, and availability can vary by country.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide
medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new
treatment. While peptides can be safe and beneficial, it’s important to do your own
research and understand the potential risks and benefits.

This guide will give you a straightforward introduction to peptides, explaining what they
are, how they work, and how you can use them safely. We’ll cover the basics and
answer common questions, helping you get started on your journey with peptides.
1. What Are Peptides?
Alright, let’s start with the basics. Peptides are tiny chains of amino acids, which are the
building blocks of proteins in your body. Think of peptides as little messengers that tell
your body to perform specific functions.

There are two main types of peptides:

● Endogenous peptides: These are naturally produced by your body. They play a
role in various bodily functions like hormone production, immune response, and
cell signaling.

● Exogenous peptides: These are introduced from outside the body, usually
through supplements or injections. They can mimic the function of endogenous
peptides, helping your body perform tasks it might struggle with on its own.

2. How Peptides Work

Peptides work by interacting with specific receptors on the surface of cells. When they
bind to these receptors, they can trigger various biological responses. Here’s a simple
way to think about it:

Imagine your body is like a factory, and peptides are the supervisors. They tell different
parts of the factory what to do and when to do it. Some peptides might signal your body
to produce more growth hormone, while others might help reduce inflammation or
increase the production of collagen for better skin and joint health.

3. Endogenous vs. Exogenous Processes

One of the key ways peptides work is by stimulating endogenous
processes—essentially, getting your body to do more of what it naturally does. Let's
break this down with an example:

● Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Peptides like Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are

growth hormone secretagogues. This means they stimulate your body to produce
more of its own growth hormone. By increasing your natural hormone levels,
these peptides can help with muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery. This is
different from taking an exogenous substance like synthetic growth hormone.

● Exogenous Growth Hormone: When you take synthetic growth hormone, you're
directly adding the hormone to your body from an external source. This can lead
 to faster results, but it also comes with a higher risk of side effects and is often
subject to stricter legal regulations.

By using peptides that stimulate endogenous processes, you're encouraging your body
to function optimally on its own, which can be a safer and more natural approach.

4. The Legalities of Using Peptides

Before you dive into using peptides, it’s crucial to understand the legal landscape.
Peptides are not yet mainstream medicine in many places, and their availability can
vary widely.

● Research Status: Many peptides are still undergoing clinical trials and are not yet
approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA for medical use. This means they’re
often sold as “research chemicals” and not intended for human consumption,
even though people still use them.

● Athletic Considerations: If you’re an athlete, be especially cautious. Some

peptides are banned by sports organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency
(WADA). Using them can result in penalties, including disqualification from
competitions. It’s your responsibility to check the rules and regulations of your
sport’s governing body before using peptides.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. And
remember, while peptides can offer significant benefits, they also come with potential
risks, and it’s essential to use them responsibly.

5. Common Peptides and Their Uses

Now that you have a basic understanding of peptides and how they work, let's dive into
some specific peptides that are popular in health and wellness circles. These peptides
have gained attention for their potential benefits and are often used for various
therapeutic purposes.

BPC 157
BPC 157 is a peptide known for its healing properties. It's derived from a protein found
in the stomach and has shown promise in speeding up the healing of various tissues,
including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some potential benefits of BPC 157 include:
 ● Accelerated wound healing

● Reduced inflammation

● Enhanced recovery from injuries

● Protection against stomach ulcers

TB 500
TB 500, or Thymosin Beta-4, is another peptide with significant healing properties. It’s
naturally occurring in the body and plays a role in cell migration and regeneration. Key
benefits of TB 500 include:

● Promoting tissue repair and regeneration

● Reducing inflammation

● Enhancing flexibility and reducing adhesions

● Speeding up recovery from injuries

CJC 1295 (Without DAC)

CJC 1295 is a peptide that stimulates growth hormone release. The version without
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is designed for more frequent dosing and has a shorter
half-life. Benefits of CJC 1295 include:

● Increased muscle mass and strength

● Enhanced fat loss

● Improved recovery and repair

● Better sleep and overall well-being

Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is another growth hormone secretagogue that works similarly to CJC 1295. It
stimulates the release of growth hormone without affecting other hormones like cortisol.
Benefits of Ipamorelin include:

● Increased muscle growth

● Enhanced fat loss

● Improved recovery and repair

● Minimal side effects compared to other growth hormone secretagogues

6. Equipment Needed for Peptide Use

Using peptides safely and effectively requires the right equipment. Here’s a list of
essential items you'll need to get started:

● Alcohol Prep Pads: For sanitizing the injection site to prevent infection. These
can be purchased at your local drug store or online retailers like Amazon.

● Bacteriostatic Water: Used to reconstitute peptide powders into a usable liquid

form. Available for purchase online at or at your local drug store.

● Peptide Vials with Powder: The peptides themselves, which you will reconstitute.
These can be obtained from reputable suppliers such as Amino Asylum

● Syringes for Reconstitution: To draw and mix the bacteriostatic water with the
peptide powder. Available at pharmacies or online retailers.

● Insulin Syringes: For administering the peptides. These syringes are small and
ideal for subcutaneous injections. You can find them at your local pharmacy or
order them online.

You can purchase these supplies from online retailers like Amazon or at your local drug
store. For peptides, consider checking out Amino Asylum using my affiliate link here and
code BV20 for a 20% discount.
7. How to Use Injectable Peptides
Administering peptides might seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it can
be a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use injectable
peptides:

Reconstituting Peptides
1. Calculate Water Volume: Use a peptide calculator like Peptide Calculator to
determine the precise amount of bacteriostatic water needed for reconstitution
based on your desired dosage and the concentration of your peptide.

2. Sanitize Everything: Use alcohol prep pads to clean the tops of the peptide vial
and the bacteriostatic water vial.

3. Draw Bacteriostatic Water: Using a reconstitution syringe, draw the calculated

amount of bacteriostatic water.

4. Mix with Peptide Powder: Slowly inject the bacteriostatic water into the peptide
vial. Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake the vial,
as this can damage the peptide.

Preparing for Injection

1. Draw the Peptide Solution: Use an insulin syringe to draw the reconstituted
peptide solution from the vial.

2. Sanitize Injection Site: Clean the area on your skin where you plan to inject with
an alcohol prep pad.

Administering the Injection

1. Subcutaneous Injection: Pinch a fold of skin on your abdomen (or the site of
injury if using peptides like BPC 157 or TB 500 for localized treatment).

2. Inject: Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle and slowly inject the peptide
solution.

3. Dispose Safely: Dispose of the used syringe and needle in a proper sharps
container.

For a visual guide, watch my video on How to Inject Peptides.

8. Injection Sites and Techniques
For most peptides, subcutaneous injections (under the skin) in the abdomen are
common. However, for peptides like BPC 157 and TB 500, you might also consider
localized injections near the site of injury for more targeted healing.

● Subcutaneous Injections: Typically administered in the belly area. This method is

simple and effective for most peptides.

● Localized Injections: For injury recovery, you can inject peptides like BPC 157
and TB 500 directly around the injured area. This can enhance the healing
process in the specific tissue.

9. Storage Guidelines
After reconstituting peptides, it's essential to store them properly to maintain their
stability and effectiveness. Here are some guidelines for storing reconstituted peptides:

● Refrigeration: Store reconstituted peptides in the refrigerator at a temperature

between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). This helps prevent degradation and ensures
the peptides remain potent.

● Protection from Light: Keep peptide vials away from direct light exposure, as light
can degrade peptides over time. Store them in a dark place or wrap them in
aluminum foil for added protection.

● Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze reconstituted peptides, as freezing can cause

structural damage and reduce their efficacy.

● Use within Recommended Timeframe: It's best to use reconstituted peptides

within a specific timeframe recommended by the manufacturer. This ensures
optimal potency and effectiveness.

By following these storage guidelines, you can maximize the shelf life and effectiveness
of your reconstituted peptides.

10. Recommended Dosages and Cycles

When using peptides, it's crucial to follow recommended dosages and cycles to
maximize benefits while minimizing potential risks. These recommendations come from
a mix of articles, consulting with healthcare professionals, research, and personal use
and experimentation. However, it's important to note that there is debate on these
protocols, and individual responses may vary.

BPC 157
For injury recovery, a common dosage of BPC 157 is 250 micrograms (mcg) twice per
day. This dosage is typically administered subcutaneously (under the skin) around the
affected area. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosing
recommendations.

TB 500
For tissue repair and regeneration, TB 500 is often used at a dosage of 2.0-3.0
milligrams (mg) twice per week, with doses evenly spaced. This dosage regimen may
vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual response.

CJC 1295 (Without DAC)

To stimulate growth hormone release, CJC 1295 without DAC is commonly dosed at
100 mcg 1-3 times per day. It's often recommended to use it for 5 days on and 2 days
off for 8-12 weeks. Take it 1 hour before a meal or 1.5 hours after a meal for optimal
results.

Ipamorelin
For growth hormone stimulation, Ipamorelin is typically dosed at 200-300 mcg per
injection, often given two to three times each day. Similar to CJC 1295, it's
recommended to use it for 5 days on and 2 days off for 8-12 weeks.

Please note that these recommendations are based on personal experiences, research,
and consultation with healthcare professionals. Individual responses may vary, and it's
essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Disclaimer: These dosing protocols are still being explored, and recommendations can
vary widely. The information provided here reflects my personal recommendations
based on available research and experience. Always consult with a healthcare
professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

11. Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to explore the world of peptides with me. I hope this guide
has provided you with valuable insights into how peptides can enhance your health and
wellness journey. Remember, the information presented here is for educational
purposes only, and it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting
any new treatment.

I will continue to update this book with the latest research and insights into peptides. If
you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, feel free to email me at
[email protected]. Your feedback is invaluable, and I look forward to hearing from
you.
Stay Updated with Peptides Q&A!

For those seeking even more insights, I’ve consolidated all questions from Peptides
101, along with many others I’ve received through messages, calls, and emails, into a
continually updated document: Peptides Q&A.

This Q&A guide is designed to grow with your questions, so be sure to check back
periodically for updates. Just set the price to $0, re-download, and stay current with the
latest information!