Peptides for Biohacking: A Comprehensive Guide

Peptides have become a cornerstone of the biohacking movement, offering targeted interventions for optimizing physical performance, cognitive function, recovery, and overall healthspan. This guide provides an overview of the most popular peptides in the biohacking community and evidence-based approaches to their use.

Understanding Peptide Biohacking

Biohacking with peptides involves using these signaling molecules to optimize specific biological processes. Unlike hormones or pharmaceuticals, peptides often work by enhancing or modulating the body's natural signaling pathways, potentially offering benefits with fewer side effects.

Categories of Biohacking Peptides

1. Growth Hormone Secretagogues

These peptides stimulate natural growth hormone release:

• Ipamorelin: Selective GH release with minimal appetite stimulation
• CJC-1295: Extended GH-releasing hormone analog
• Tesamorelin: FDA-approved for lipodystrophy
• MK-677 (Ibutamoren): Oral GH secretagogue (technically not a peptide)

Applications: Body composition, recovery, sleep quality, skin health

2. Tissue Repair Peptides

Promote healing and recovery:

• BPC-157: Gastric pentadecapeptide with broad healing properties
• TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4): Promotes tissue regeneration
• GHK-Cu: Copper peptide with anti-aging and healing effects

Applications: Injury recovery, gut healing, joint health, post-surgery recovery

3. Cognitive Enhancement Peptides

Support brain function and neuroprotection:

• Semax: Nootropic peptide derived from ACTH
• Selank: Anxiolytic peptide with cognitive benefits
• Dihexa: Powerful cognitive enhancer (research stage)
• PE-22-28: Emerging nootropic peptide

Applications: Focus, memory, mood, stress resilience

4. Metabolic Optimization Peptides

Enhance metabolic function:

• MOTS-c: Mitochondrial peptide mimicking exercise
• 5-Amino-1MQ: NNMT inhibitor for metabolic enhancement
• AOD-9604: Growth hormone fragment for fat metabolism
• Tesofensine: Weight management peptide

Applications: Fat loss, energy, metabolic health

5. Longevity Peptides

Target aging mechanisms:

• Epitalon: Telomerase activator
• Humanin: Mitochondrial cytoprotective peptide
• FOXO4-DRI: Senolytic peptide (experimental)
• SS-31 (Elamipretide): Mitochondrial-targeted peptide

Applications: Healthspan extension, cellular protection

Best Practices for Peptide Biohacking

1. Start with a Clear Goal

Define what you want to optimize:

• Recovery from training or injury
• Cognitive performance
• Body composition
• Longevity and healthspan
• Sleep and recovery

2. Source Quality Peptides

Quality is critical:

• Use only verified suppliers with third-party testing
• Request Certificates of Analysis (COA)
• Look for HPLC purity >98%
• Verify proper cold-chain shipping
• Avoid peptides with ambiguous origins

3. Proper Reconstitution and Storage

Maintain peptide integrity:

• Use bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
• Store reconstituted peptides refrigerated (2-8°C)
• Use within 4-6 weeks of reconstitution
• Never freeze reconstituted peptides
• Protect from light

4. Start Low and Titrate

Conservative dosing approach:

• Begin at the lower end of typical dose ranges
• Assess response over 2-4 weeks
• Increase gradually if needed
• Monitor for side effects
• Take breaks to assess baseline changes

5. Track and Measure

Quantify your results:

• Keep a detailed log of doses and timing
• Track subjective measures (energy, sleep, mood)
• Use objective metrics (body composition, strength, labs)
• Regular blood work to monitor safety markers
• Consider wearable data (HRV, sleep tracking)

Sample Biohacking Stacks

Recovery Stack

• BPC-157: 250-500mcg twice daily
• TB-500: 2.5mg twice weekly (loading), then weekly
• Ipamorelin/CJC-1295: Before bed for GH support

Cognitive Stack

• Semax: 300-600mcg intranasal morning
• Selank: 300-600mcg intranasal as needed for stress
• NAD+ precursors: Support cellular energy

Longevity Stack

• Epitalon: 5-10mg daily for 10-20 days, 2-3x annually
• MOTS-c: 5-10mg 3x weekly
• GHK-Cu: Topical and/or subcutaneous
• NAD+ IV: Monthly or quarterly

Safety Considerations

• Medical supervision: Work with a knowledgeable provider
• Contraindications: Cancer history, pregnancy, certain conditions
• Drug interactions: Review with healthcare provider
• Legal status: Varies by jurisdiction; know your local laws
• Long-term data: Many peptides lack extensive human studies

Conclusion

Peptides offer biohackers powerful tools for optimization, but they require a thoughtful, evidence-based approach. Success depends on clear goals, quality sourcing, proper administration, and careful monitoring. As the field evolves, working with knowledgeable healthcare providers and staying current with emerging research will help maximize benefits while minimizing risks.