What is a peptide and how it works

You can't watch a single sporting event without being hit with an Ozempic commercial — but did you know that those GLP-1s everyone's talking about are actually peptides?

Kyal Van Der Leest — nutritionist, naturopath, and the formulator behind LvLUp Health — breaks down which peptides actually work, which ones are all hype, and why the Swiss Army knife of peptides (BPC-157) might be exactly what your gut, your joints, and your brain have been begging for.

Kyal gets into the oral vs. injectable debate (Kyal sells oral peptides and still admits most oral ones don't work — gotta respect that), why your midlife body composition changes aren't just about willpower, the mould exposure conversation that'll make you side-eye your hotel room forever, and whether microdosing GLP-1s is the smarter play. If you're a Betty navigating perimenopause or menopause and want real, science-backed options beyond "just take Ozempic," this episode is your new best friend.

Go to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off.

Episode Overview:
0:00 Teaser/Intro
6:30 Oral vs. Injectable Peptides
11:22 The Cost, Convenience & Travel Factor
15:47 BPC-157: The Swiss Army Knife of Peptides
21:10 Arthritis, Autoimmunity & the Gut Connection
27:28 GHK-Copper: Skin From Within & Longevity Genes
35:54 Body Composition Changes in Perimenopause & Menopause
43:24 Microdosing GLP-1s
49:47 Mould: The Hidden Wrecker of Hormones, Gut & Brain
58:49 How to Cycle Peptides (And Why You Should)
1:02:38 Level Up Health: Where to Find These Products
1:09:29 The After Party: Dr. Stephanie's Honest Take

Resources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep459

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P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you:

Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.

Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results.

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