About this Video

• Video Title: Dr. Craig Koniver: Peptide & Hormone Therapies for Health, Performance & Longevity
• Channel: Andrew Huberman
• Speakers: Andrew Huberman, Dr. Craig Koniver
• Duration: 02:29:14

Introduction

This Huberman Lab podcast features Dr. Craig Koniver, a medical doctor specializing in performance medicine. The discussion centers on peptide therapies for improving mental and physical health and performance, covering various peptides, their uses, potential side effects, sourcing, and the importance of working with a physician. The podcast also touches upon related topics like supplements and the role of mindset in health.

Key Takeaways

• Peptides are short chains of amino acids: Understanding their basic structure is crucial for comprehending their function and application in therapies.
• GLP-1 agonists (like Semaglutide and Ozempic) are popular for weight loss: However, microdosing and combining them with other peptides and exercise can mitigate muscle loss. They may also offer cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• BPC-157 shows promise for inflammation and injury repair: While temporarily off the market, alternatives like Pentadecapeptide Arginate (PDA) are emerging. Injection generally yields better results than oral administration.
• Peptides can enhance growth hormone secretion during sleep: Ipamorelin is highlighted for its clean effects, while GHRP-6 is more potent but may stimulate appetite and cortisol. Optimal dosing and timing are crucial.
• Combining peptides ("stacking") can synergistically enhance their effects: Careful consideration of each peptide's properties is needed for successful stacking.
• Sourcing peptides from reputable compounding pharmacies is critical: Avoiding gray market sources is crucial due to potential contamination and purity issues. Consulting a physician is strongly recommended before using any peptide therapy.
• NAD infusions and supplements (NMN, NR) show potential benefits for various health aspects: This includes improved mitochondrial function and inflammation reduction.
• Mindset and positivity significantly influence overall health: Maintaining a positive outlook can positively impact both physical and mental well-being.

Based solely on the provided transcript, Dr. Koniver mentions several approaches to increase muscle mass:

• Resistance training: He emphasizes this as a crucial component, along with sufficient protein intake.
• Growth hormone: He explains that increased growth hormone levels support muscle building. He discusses several peptides (like GHRP-6) that stimulate growth hormone release, but cautions that they also increase appetite. He prefers using Ipamorelin, which is cleaner with fewer side effects.
• Combining peptides: He advocates for "stacking" peptides, combining multiple peptides at lower doses to achieve synergistic effects. A specific example mentioned is a combination of BPC-157, Ipamorelin, and Tesamorelin taken at bedtime. This combination is presented as useful for muscle growth, sleep improvement, and fat reduction.
• Addressing inflammation: Dr. Koniver notes that BPC-157 and PDA are potent anti-inflammatories that may indirectly facilitate muscle growth by improving recovery and reducing soreness. This, combined with exercise and sufficient protein, can be a more effective approach than high-dose single peptide therapies.

The transcript strongly emphasizes the importance of working with a physician to determine the best approach and to avoid potential side effects and risks associated with peptide therapies.

The transcript discusses longevity and improving healthspan, primarily focusing on the potential roles of various peptides and NAD. Here's a summary based on the provided information:

Peptides:

• GLP-1 agonists: While primarily known for weight loss, these peptides are suggested to have potential anti-inflammatory and cognitive benefits that could indirectly contribute to longevity. Microdosing is recommended to mitigate potential side effects.

• BPC-157 and PDA: Their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to accelerate tissue repair are highlighted as beneficial for overall health and potentially lifespan extension by mitigating age-related decline.

• Growth hormone secretagogues (Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin, GHRP-6): These peptides stimulate the release of growth hormone, crucial for tissue repair and maintenance. This contributes to overall health and potentially slows age-related decline. However, the potential increase in appetite needs consideration.

• Thymosin Alpha-1: This peptide modulates immune response, potentially beneficial in age-related immune dysregulation.

NAD:

• NAD infusions and supplementation (NMN, NR) are presented as ways to improve mitochondrial health and reduce inflammation. These are considered to be significant factors in aging and overall health. The transcript highlights anecdotal evidence of NAD's transformative effects on energy levels, mood, and cognitive function, all of which can positively influence healthspan. However, the cost is noted to be relatively high.

Other Factors:

• Lifestyle: The podcast emphasizes the importance of sleep, diet, exercise, and stress management as fundamental pillars of health and longevity. Peptides and NAD are portrayed as potential tools to augment these healthy lifestyle choices, not replace them.

• Positive Mindset: Dr. Koniver strongly emphasizes the significant role of positive thinking in enhancing overall well-being and potentially contributing to a longer, healthier life.

The transcript repeatedly cautions against using peptides without the guidance of a knowledgeable physician to ensure safety and effectiveness. The information presented focuses on clinical experience rather than definitive research findings on lifespan extension.