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Peptide & Hormone Therapies for Health, Performance & Longevity | Dr. Craig Koniver

Episode 197 Oct 7, 2024 2h 29m 18 insights
In this episode, Dr. Craig Koniver, M.D., a board-certified physician trained at Brown University and Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the therapeutic application of peptides and hormones for enhancing physical and mental health and performance. We explore GLP-1 analogs for weight loss, BPC-157 for wound healing and reducing inflammation, as well as peptides that increase growth hormone, improve REM sleep, and enhance cognitive function. We also cover testosterone therapy, NAD, NMN, and NR supplementation, methylene blue for mitochondrial health, stem cell therapies, and supplements such as CoEnzyme Q10 and methylated B vitamins. Additionally, we discuss effective dosages, sourcing, safety considerations, and the importance of working with knowledgeable physicians. Whether you're currently using peptides or exogenous hormones, or simply curious about their potential benefits and risks, this episode provides the scientific rationale behind how peptides function, their potential to enhance mental and physical health, and how they can optimize performance. Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Cultivate Positive Mindset

Actively choose to frame decisions and thoughts positively, as cultivating a positive mindset can lead to more positive outcomes and override many challenges in life.

2. NAD Infusions for Vitality

For broad health benefits including enhanced cognitive function, mood, energy, and sleep, consider a loading dose of five 750mg intravenous NAD treatments over 10 days, followed by a monthly maintenance dose.

3. Subcutaneous NAD Injections

As an alternative to NAD infusions, inject 100 milligrams of NAD subcutaneously five days on and two days off to experience similar benefits.

4. Boost REM Sleep with Pinealine

To significantly increase rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, consider using injectable Pinealine, potentially combined with glycine, as it may also lead to sustained improvements in sleep quality.

5. Glycine for Sleep & Detox

Take 3-5 grams of oral glycine at bedtime, increasing to 10 grams if necessary, to calm the nervous system, aid sleep, and enhance liver detoxification.

6. Methylene Blue for Cognition

Take up to 10 milligrams of methylene blue orally in the morning, around three times a week, to boost cognitive function, aid mitochondrial oxygenation, and potentially provide antiviral benefits.

7. Daily CoQ10 for Mitochondria

Take 200 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) daily in the morning to support mitochondrial function by facilitating electron flow at cytochrome 3, which may also help reduce migraines.

8. Lower Homocysteine with Methylated B

To reduce elevated homocysteine levels and cardiovascular risk, take ample methylated B vitamins (e.g., methyl B12, methylfolate, TMG, methionine), ideally in the morning.

9. Source Peptides Safely

To ensure safety and purity, obtain peptides only from a physician who works with highly regulated compounding pharmacies, and build a trusting relationship with your doctor.

10. Microdose GLP-1 for Weight Loss

When using GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide or tirzepatide, use microdoses and aim to lose 2 pounds or less per week to avoid muscle mass loss.

11. Combine GLP-1 with Sermorelin

To counteract muscle loss associated with GLP-1 agonists, consider combining them with growth hormone-releasing peptides such as sermorelin.

12. Resistance Train with GLP-1

When taking GLP-1 agonists, perform resistance training and consume adequate protein to help prevent muscle loss.

13. Use PDA for Inflammation

As an alternative to BPC-157, inject 250-500 micrograms of Pentadeca-arginate (PDA) daily, five days on and two days off, to reduce inflammation and aid recovery.

14. Cycle Peptides 5 On/2 Off

To maintain the potency of peptides and supplements, use a dosing schedule of five days on and two days off, as continuous exposure can decrease effectiveness.

15. Ipamorelin for Sleep

Inject Ipamorelin (100 micrograms or less) before sleep, avoiding carbohydrates for 45 minutes prior, to improve sleep quality and overall vitality without significant side effects.

16. Tesamorelin for Visceral Fat

To reduce visceral fat, which is fat around the organs, consider using Tesamorelin, a peptide that has received FDA approval for this specific purpose.

17. Hexarelin for Energy

Inject 100 micrograms of Hexarelin in the morning to experience a clean energy boost and improved endurance without stimulating appetite.

18. Sublingual NMN for Growth

Consider taking sublingual NMN daily to potentially accelerate the growth of hair and nails.