Huberman Lab Podcast with Dr. Craig Conover on Peptides

Host and Guest Introduction

• Host: Andrew Huberman, Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine
• Guest: Dr. Craig Conover, Medical Doctor
  • Training at Brown University and Thomas Jefferson University
  • Expert in performance medicine, focusing on peptides and therapies for mental health, physical health, and performance

Key Concepts

Peptides Overview

• Definition: Small proteins, chains of amino acids
• Example: Insulin is a peptide
• Role: Thousands of peptides exist in the body, performing various roles
• Types: Endogenous (naturally occurring) and exogenous (taken from outside)

Peptide Therapies

• Uses: Improving health and performance
• Examples:
  • GLP-1 Agonists: Used for weight loss, diabetes treatment (e.g., semaglutide, Ozempic, Mounjaro)
  • BPC 157: Anti-inflammatory, accelerates wound healing, enhances growth hormone receptor activity
  • Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Peptides like ipamorelin, sermorelin, and tesamorelin increase growth hormone secretion
  • Thymosin Alpha 1: Modulates immune system

Peptide Benefits and Considerations

• Advantages:
  • Can improve health without shutting down natural hormone production
  • Sits between doing nothing and full hormone therapies
• Risks:
  • Importance of sourcing clean peptides
  • Working with board-certified physicians

FDA and Peptide Regulation

• Recent Changes: FDA removed several peptides from being compounded, affecting access
  • Banned Peptides: CJC-1295, epamorelin, thymosin beta-alpha, BPC 157
  • Alternatives: Pentadeca arginine as a substitute for BPC 157

Peptides and Performance

• Testosterone Therapies: Not just for men; increasingly used by women
• Supplements: Dr. Conover is cautious with supplements but endorses Coenzyme Q10 and methylated B vitamins

Peptides and Sleep

• Peptides for REM Sleep: Pinealon combined with glycine shown to increase REM sleep

Discussion on Health and the Pharmaceutical Industry

• Health Care System: Challenges in effectively addressing chronic diseases
• FDA's Role: Balancing safety with pharmaceutical interests

Closing Remarks

• Emphasis on the importance of positive mindset and taking charge of personal health
• Encouragement to seek information and guidance from knowledgeable healthcare professionals

Final Thoughts

• The podcast offers a thorough exploration of peptide therapies as a bridge between lifestyle changes and prescription medications.
• Highlights both potential benefits and regulatory challenges in using peptides for health and performance.