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Living Simpler with Amy MewbornAuthor: Amy Mewborn
Welcome to Living Simpler the podcast for high-achieving women who are doing all the "right" things but still feel tired, bloated, burned out, and wondering, "What the heck happened to me?" Hosted by Amy Mewborn, former finance executive turned wellness entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and certified Integrative Health Practitioner, this show is your weekly invitation to step out of survival mode and into the life and health you actually want. Each episode breaks down the confusing, overwhelming world of health, hormones, metabolism, and mindset with real, actionable tips to help you boost energy, balance your hormones, reduce inflammation, and finally feel like yourself again. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but your body just isn't cooperating this podcast will help you uncover what's really going on underneath the surface and what simple shifts will actually move the needle. Life gets to feel simple. Healing gets to feel doable. And YOU get to feel like yourself again. Subscribe now and join Amy every week for honest conversations, expert guidance, and a whole lot of encouragement to take your power back one simple step at a time. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Peptides Are Changing Medicine, Here's What You Need to Know Before You Try Them
Episode 31
Tuesday, 7 April, 2026
Episode Summary In this episode, Amy Mewborn explores the exciting frontier of peptide therapy—from the science-backed mechanisms to the practical applications for those dealing with inflammation, autoimmune disease, and age-related decline. Drawing from her personal journey of recovering from MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease), Amy breaks down seven of the most researched and talked-about peptides today, separating fact from hype and explaining why these tiny amino acid chains are being called one of the most promising breakthroughs in functional medicine. This is an educational deep-dive into how peptides work in your body, what the current research actually shows, and why they matter—especially if inflammation is at the root of your health challenges. Key Topics Discussed What Are Peptides? Short chains of amino acids (2-50 amino acids) that act as chemical messengers in your body Your body already makes thousands of them naturally Global peptide therapeutics market valued at over $50 billion in 2023 with significant projected growth GLP-1 & GLP-2: The Glucagon-Like Peptides GLP-1: Known from Ozempic and Wegovy; suppresses inflammation by inhibiting the NF-kB pathway (a master switch for inflammation) Reduces inflammatory cytokines: TNF-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 2024 JAMA Ophthalmology study: GLP-1 users had 51.7% reduced risk of noninfectious uveitis (autoimmune-related eye inflammation) Research at Johns Hopkins: Long-acting GLP-1 agonist showed neuroprotective effects in MS models—critical for conditions like MOGAD GLP-2: The underappreciated peptide that protects and repairs gut lining integrity Reduces intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and supports tight junction function Phase 3 trials (2025) confirmed glepaglutide significantly reduced need for IV nutrition in patients MOTS-c: The Mitochondrial Powerhouse 16-amino acid peptide produced inside mitochondria; regulates metabolism and stress response Remarkable finding: MOTS-c levels increase 11.9-fold following exercise—it's a molecule your body makes naturally when you work out Lower levels found in people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and coronary dysfunction 2025 research showed MOTS-c treatment restored mitochondrial function, reduced blood glucose, improved cardiac function Sometimes called an "exercise pill" due to its exercise-mimicking properties Currently on WADA prohibited list due to performance-enhancing potential; experimental status, not FDA-approved The Healing Trio: BPC-157, TB-500 & GHK-Cu BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) Synthetic 15-amino acid peptide derived from human gastric juice 2025 systematic review in American College of Gastroenterology journal: shows promise for GI conditions, mucosal protection, IBD, NSAID damage Reduces inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta) and supports tight junction integrity Influences brain-gut axis bidirectional communication Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation—critical for healing) Accelerates recovery in tendon, ligament, muscle, joint, and bone injury models 2024 sports medicine review: improved recovery with little to no adverse effects in preclinical studies Regulatory status: Not FDA-approved; facing regulatory challenges but active advocacy for clinical trials TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment) Supports angiogenesis, cytokine production, and tissue remodeling Works through complementary mechanisms with BPC-157 BPC-157 works locally (especially gut and connective tissue); TB-500 works systemically (circulation and cell migration) Combination sometimes called the "Wolverine Protocol" in research communities Often used together for both local repair and systemic healing response GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Complex) Most extensively documented of the healing trio Influences expression of over 4,000 human genes related to tissue repair, anti-inflammatory signaling, antioxidant defense Can reset age-related changes in gene expression, shifting aging cells toward younger patterns Dramatic age-related decline: Plasma levels drop from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60 Clinical evidence: 70% improvement in collagen production (outperforming Vitamin C and retinoic acid) 2023 double-blind split-face study: 22% increase in skin firmness, 16% reduction in fine lines (12 weeks) 2024 clinical trial: 28% increase in skin collagen density (average); top quartile saw 51% increase Anti-inflammatory, promotes wound healing, hair follicle growth, liver and bone repair Topical options available with strong clinical evidence—lower-risk entry point KPV: The Upstream Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Works upstream to calm inflammatory signaling at the source Reduces inflammatory cytokines and supports gut lining integrity Applications in Crohn's, colitis, eczema, psoriasis, and systemic inflammation Amy's personal tool for gut healing, systemic inflammation reduction, and mold toxicity recovery in her MOGAD healing journey NAD: The Cellular Energy & Aging Foundation Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; coenzyme found in every cell Central to cellular energy metabolism (ATP production) Essential for DNA repair, sirtuin activation (controls aging), mitochondrial function, inflammation regulation Critical problem: NAD levels decline 10-80% in older adults vs. younger adults Linked to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction The inflammation-NAD cycle: Chronic inflammation → senescent cells → CD38 activation → NAD degradation → less cellular repair → more inflammation Clinical evidence: NAD precursor supplementation (nicotinamide riboside) produced 50-70% reductions in IL-6, IL-5, IL-2 Immune cells need adequate NAD to function properly and avoid pro-inflammatory activation Notable Moments & Personal Context Amy's Health Journey Diagnosed with MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease) in 2024—rare autoimmune disease where immune system attacks myelin sheath Also had a stroke at age 29 from birth control complications Made decision to recover naturally without immunosuppressant drugs or steroids Built her healing protocol from peptides: NAD, GLP-2, BPC-157, GHK-Cu, GLP-1, and KPV Used KPV specifically for gut healing, systemic inflammation, and mold toxicity recovery Critical Regulatory Insight 2024 FDA legal settlement: FDA must submit several peptides for review by Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee before permanent prohibition—proper scientific evidence can now be presented 2026 update: RFK Jr. announced FDA will be approving several of these peptides for various treatments and indications The Three Common Mistakes People Make DIY from unregulated online sources: Peptides vary dramatically in quality, purity, dosage, and may contain contaminants Treating peptides as a replacement for foundation health: Work best layered on clean diet, quality sleep, movement, stress management, micronutrient support Expecting immediate dramatic results: Most work through cumulative cellular signaling; tissue repair takes time Five Action Steps (From Amy) Step 1 (Next 7 Days): Get educated on your baseline with functional lab work Inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, homocysteine) Fasting insulin and blood glucose Comprehensive metabolic panel Hormones Note: Amy recommends a comprehensive 100+ marker blood test (link in resources) Step 2 (Next 30 Days): Find a qualified practitioner knowledgeable in peptide therapy and integrative medicine Amy works with a certified 503A compounding pharmacy and telehealth provider Contact: @amymewborn on Instagram or through her website for practitioner recommendations Step 3: Build your foundation first Anti-inflammatory nutrition Quality sleep Consistent movement Stress reduction Address gut issues with food and supplements before adding peptide protocols Step 4: Consider GHK-Cu topical skin care as a lower-risk entry point Look for "Copper Tripeptide-1" in ingredients Use airless or opaque packaging for stability Step 5: Follow regulatory updates Stay connected to peer-reviewed research and reputable integrative medicine practitioners Avoid social media influencer claims; regulatory landscape is changing rapidly Key Statistics & Research Citations $50 billion+: Global peptide therapeutics market value (2023) 51.7%: Reduced risk of autoimmune eye inflammation (uveitis) in GLP-1 users (2024 JAMA Ophthalmology) 11.9-fold: Increase in MOTS-c levels following exercise 10-80%: Decline in NAD levels in older adults vs. younger adults 4,000+ genes: Influenced by GHK-Cu expression 28%: Average increase in skin collagen density with GHK-Cu (2024 clinical trial) 51%: Highest quartile increase in skin collagen density with GHK-Cu 22%: Increase in skin firmness with GHK-Cu (2023 double-blind study) 16%: Reduction in fine lines with GHK-Cu (2023 double-blind study) 70%: Improvement in collagen production with GHK-Cu (outperforming Vitamin C and retinoic acid) 50-70%: Reduction in inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-5, IL-2) with NAD precursor supplementation Key Research Sources Mentioned Frontiers in Immunology: GLP-1 receptor agonist anti-inflammatory mechanisms JAMA Ophthalmology (2024): Cleveland Clinic study on GLP-1 and autoimmune uveitis Johns Hopkins Research: NLY01 (long-acting GLP-1 agonist) in MS models Microorganisms Journal: GLP-2 as pleiotropic regulator of intestinal function Gastroenterology (2025, Phase 3 RCT): Glepaglutide and IV nutrition reduction Nature Communications: MOTS-c and metabolic performance Frontiers in Endocrinology: MOTS-c levels in metabolic dysfunction Frontiers in Physiology (2025): MOTS-c treatment and diabetic heart models American College of Gastroenterology (October 2025): BPC-157 systematic review Current Neuropharmacology: BPC-157 and brain-gut axis Sports Medicine Journal (2024): BPC-157 tissue injury recovery PMC (2018): GHK-Cu gene expression review Nature Metabolism (Buck Institute): NAD decline mechanism via senescent cells and CD38 National Institutes of Health: NAD decline with aging research Important Disclaimers Educational conversation only, not medical advice Peptides are powerful tools requiring guidance from qualified health practitioners Many peptides discussed are investigational/not yet FDA-approved Regulatory landscape is actively evolving Quality, purity, and sourcing vary dramatically among online suppliers Peptides work best as part of comprehensive health foundation, not as standalone treatments Resources & Links Free Living Simpler Health Resources: https://living-simpler.com/resources Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymewborn Shop Amy's Top Wellness Picks: https://www.amazon.com/shop/amymewborn Shop Amy's Fave Shaklee Products: https://us.shaklee.com/en_US/amymewborn/storefront Connect with Amy for Peptide Therapy Support: DM: @amymewborn on Instagram Email through her website for personalized consultations Explore The Collective membership for community support and guidance Functional Lab Testing: Amy recommends a comprehensive 100+ marker blood test for baseline assessment (link available in show notes on Living Simpler website) Call to Action Are you dealing with chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, or age-related decline? The peptide revolution may be relevant to your healing journey. Here's how to take the next step: Get your baseline labs done within the next week—you can't navigate where you're going without knowing where you're starting Connect with Amy if you want personalized guidance on peptide therapy and have access to properly sourced compounds through a certified 503A compounding pharmacy Join The Collective for ongoing education, community support, and monthly group coaching on peptide protocols and foundational health strategies Follow for updates on the rapidly evolving peptide regulatory landscape—@amymewborn on Instagram This isn't about quick fixes. This is about understanding the language your body speaks and learning how to support its own remarkable healing capacity. Until next time, keep it simple, keep it intentional, and keep healing.
