The Peptide Podcast

By: The Peptide Queen
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  • Summary

  • The Peptide Podcast is on a mission to help people enjoy making decisions about their health and wellness. Staying informed with our SIMPLE, FAST, FUN approach. We keep you up-to-date on everything peptides. From disease management and prevention to performance health, anti-aging strategies, and more. We give you accurate, unbiased information so you can choose the peptides that suit YOU best. In our casual and easy-to-understand style, we’ll help you save time and energy for what matters most. About the host: Our experienced clinical pharmacist, The Peptide Queen, knows all too well that the internet is flawed, confusing, and hard to navigate. She has over 14 years of experience in retail, hospital, and specialty pharmacy, with certifications in peptide therapy, international travel medicine, immunization delivery, and pharmacogenomics. She’s passionate about helping you stay informed, save time, and feel less overwhelmed by the amount of information (or misinformation) on the internet.
    This website and its content are copyright of The Peptide Podcast - All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited.
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Alternative & Complementary Medicine Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living
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Episodes
  • The Salt Fix. Rethinking Sodium: Why You Need More, Not Less

    The Salt Fix. Rethinking Sodium: Why You Need More, Not Less
    May 8 2025
    Today we’re tackling one of the biggest myths in modern nutrition: the idea that we need to restrict our daily sodium intake. For years, we’ve been led to believe that salt is the bad guy—linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan. But that’s just not the case. Today, we’re diving into why salt isn’t the villain it’s made out to be—in fact, it’s essential, especially if you follow a low-carb, ketogenic, or Paleo diet, or if you’re using popular GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. We’ll also spotlight a product that’s getting it right: LMNT, an electrolyte drink mix that skips the sugar and delivers the salt your body actually needs. Stick around—this episode might just change how you think about hydration for good. The Salt Myth Let’s start with where the myth came from. Americans average around 3,400 mg (3.4 grams) of sodium a day, but the FDA is doubling down, pushing us to cut back to under 2,300 mg (2.4 grams). It’s the same old anti-salt message—but is less really always better? They claim this will save hundreds of thousands of lives by reducing heart disease risk. Sounds noble—until you actually look at the data. Turns out, their case is built on: Cherry-picked epidemiology Exaggerated assumptions And some serious logical leaps Let’s start with one of the largest global studies we have: The Intersalt Study, which looked at over 10,000 people across 48 populations. This study showed that there is no correlation between salt intake and blood pressure. In fact, the population with the highest salt intake had lower average blood pressure than the population with the least. Or take the Framingham Offspring Study, which found that people consuming under 2.5 grams of sodium per day actually had higher blood pressure than those consuming more. Still not convinced? A systematic review of the 2020 Cochrane Collaboration found that sodium restriction had virtually no meaningful impact on blood pressure in healthy people—and more consistent negative side effects than benefits. And here’s the kicker: when the FDA says cutting sodium could save “500,000 lives,” that estimate is based not on sodium studies, but on data from hypertension drug trials. They essentially said: “Hey, these blood pressure meds work. So sodium restriction must work too.” That’s not science. Now, does salt affect everyone the same? Of course not. People with chronic kidney disease or extreme hypertension might benefit from some restriction. But for the average person eating real food, staying active, or following a low-carb or GLP-1-supported lifestyle, salt is not the issue. You know what is? Sugar. A whole other podcast discussion we can have at a later date. *Salt and Heart Health If low-sodium diets were actually good for your heart, we’d expect to see that show up clearly in the research, right? But... we don’t. There was a major study published in JAMA back in 2011. Researchers looked at nearly 29,000 people with high risk for heart disease and tracked how much sodium they were consuming. And get this—the lowest risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death wasn’t in the low-sodium group. It was in the moderate sodium group—those eating between 4 to 6 grams per day. People eating less than that? They actually had a 19% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular causes. And that’s not a fluke. A 2018 review—also in JAMA—found little to no solid evidence that cutting salt intake improves heart failure outcomes either. I also want to touch on blood pressure and salt. When you don’t get enough sodium, your body freaks out a bit. It ramps up hormones like aldosterone and renin to hold onto what little salt you have—but those same hormones also raise your blood pressure. Wild, right? Cutting salt can actually backfire for some people. And furthermore — your bones act as a backup sodium reservoir. So when you're running low, your body pulls sodium from your bones, along with calcium and magnesium, which over time can negatively affect bone health. Then come the symptoms: low energy, headaches, cramps, fatigue, even insomnia. If you're eating clean but feel like garbage, chances are you're not getting enough salt. Now to be clear, I’m not saying go eat or drink an unlimited amount of salt. Too much sodium isn’t great either. But for most people—especially if you’re active or following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle—the sweet spot is usually somewhere around 4 to 6 grams per day. That’s just the baseline for feeling and functioning well. *The Real Connection Between Salt and Hydration Let’s talk about hydration. It’s not just about water. You’ve probably heard that you need eight glasses of water a day—but here’s the thing: that’s way too generic. Everyone’s needs are different depending on your body weight, activity level, and environment. A much better starting point would be to ...
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    11 mins
  • Muscles, Protein, and Strength Training on GLP-1s

    Muscles, Protein, and Strength Training on GLP-1s
    Apr 24 2025
    So, you've heard the rumors—“GLP-1s destroy your muscle!” But… is that actually true? Think again. Today, we’re setting the record straight. If you're serious about real, healthy weight loss—and actually keeping your strength for the long haul—this episode is a must. We’re diving into a long-overdue conversation about GLP-1 medications, metabolism, body composition, and what’s really happening to your muscle mass on these meds. Because weight loss isn’t just about the scale—it’s about how you lose it. Let’s get into it. Quick Basics — What Are GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Medications? Let’s start at ground zero. GLP-1 medications — like semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic) — are game-changers for weight loss and diabetes. They work by mimicking gut hormones that regulate appetite, blood sugar, and insulin release. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) slows down how fast your stomach empties, helps your body respond better to insulin, and most importantly — makes you feel fuller, longer. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), also hits GIP receptors — that’s glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide — lending to more blood sugar regulation in some people. What Happens to Your Body During Weight Loss? No matter how you lose weight — whether it’s from keto, bariatric surgery, or GLP-1 meds — your body isn’t just burning fat. It’s normal to lose a mix of fat mass and lean mass, which includes muscle, bone, and organ tissue. But the goal with any good weight loss plan is to maximize fat loss and minimize muscle loss. The Myth: “GLP-1s Make You Lose All Your Muscle” Here’s the truth: GLP-1 medications do NOT inherently destroy your muscle mass. In fact, clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide, have osteoblastic effects, meaning they can stimulate the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation. This can potentially help improve bone density and support bone health. While the primary role of GLP-1 medications is to aid in weight loss and improve blood sugar control, these osteoblastic effects may offer additional benefits, especially in individuals at risk for osteoporosis or bone loss. If you see muscle loss during GLP-1 therapy, it’s because of rapid overall weight loss and a lack of resistance training and protein — not because the medication is wasting your muscle. It’s the same thing we see in ANY rapid weight loss — if you don’t stimulate your muscles and feed them the right building blocks, your body gets rid of them because it thinks you don’t need them. Muscle is metabolically expensive. Your body is smart — if it thinks you’re not using muscle, it’s going to save energy and dump it. That’s biology — not the medication. Why Protein and Resistance Training Are Non-Negotiable If you’re on a GLP-1, your appetite is lower — which is great for fat loss, but it means you could accidentally under-eat protein if you’re not paying attention. Protein is literally the raw material your body uses to maintain and build muscle. Protein also helps build and repair tissues and is essential for producing enzymes, hormones, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Without enough, your body will start to break down lean tissue to make up the difference. And without resistance training (e.g., bodyweight exercises), your body assumes you don’t need the muscle anymore. Use it or lose it. How to Protect (and Even Build) Muscle on GLP-1s Here’s the simple formula: Prioritize protein: Aim for at least 0.8 to 1 grams per pound of body weight per day. Some need even more during active fat loss. Strength train 2–4 times a week: Focus on compound movements — think squats, deadlifts, presses, pulls, push ups, lunges, planks, and wall sits. Don’t fear the scale: Remember that as you lose fat and build muscle, the number might not drop as fast — but your body composition is improving (e.g., reduced body fat, more defined muscles, improved waist circumference, increased energy and strength, and don’t forget improved cardiovascular health). Think long-term: It’s not just about losing weight — it’s about keeping a strong, healthy, metabolically active body. THIS is what helps maintain weight loss. Making sustainable lifestyle changes can be challenging, but they are the most important choice you can make when it comes to losing weight and improving your metabolism in the long run. The goal isn’t just weight loss — it’s fat loss while preserving and strengthening lean mass. It’s important to remember that GLP-1s are a powerful tool, but they aren’t a magic. You still have to partner with your body — feed it well, move it wisely, and respect the incredible machine it is. Strong, lean, metabolically active — that’s the future we’re building, not just smaller bodies. Thanks again for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If this episode helped you rethink your game plan, do me ...
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    7 mins
  • Neurohacking: Nootropics, Selank, and Semax

    Neurohacking: Nootropics, Selank, and Semax
    Apr 17 2025
    Today, we’re talking about how nootropics and peptides like Semax (See-max) and Selank (SEH-lank) work together to support cognitive health, improve focus, and reduce mental fatigue. Let’s start with nootropics. These are substances that are designed to support and enhance mental performance. Some work by improving memory, others help with focus, alertness, or reducing brain fog. Nootropics can be: Natural, like L-theanine or Lion’s Mane Nutraceuticals, like Alpha-GPC or CDP-Choline, which support neurotransmitter production Or synthetic, like Modafinil or racetams “RASS-uh-tams”, which are often used off-label to promote wakefulness and focus Most nootropics work by affecting levels of key brain chemicals like dopamine, acetylcholine, or norepinephrine. They don’t “make you smarter,” but they can improve how efficiently your brain is working—especially under stress or fatigue. Now, let’s talk about peptides—specifically Selank and Semax, which are two of the most well-known nootropic peptides. Selank is more about calming and emotional regulation, while Semax leans into cognitive enhancement and brain performance. Think of Selank as the anti-anxiety sidekick and Semax as the mental sharpener. Selank works by boosting GABA activity, which helps calm the nervous system. That’s why it’s often used to reduce stress and anxiety without causing drowsiness or dependence — unlike traditional anti-anxiety meds. Interestingly, it also slightly increases BDNF, the brain growth factor that supports memory and learning. Semax, on the other hand, has a much stronger impact on BDNF. It’s derived from ACTH, but it doesn’t raise cortisol levels. Instead, it enhances BDNF, dopamine, and serotonin activity, making it great for improving focus, mental energy, and even mood. And that’s what makes them such a powerful combo for some people. Selank helps create a calm, clear mental space — kind of like reducing background noise — while Semax boosts the brain’s signal, improving neuroplasticity, motivation, and mental clarity. Together, they offer a full-spectrum brain support: emotional balance and cognitive performance. Whether you're dealing with brain fog, anxiety, or just want to perform at a higher level, these peptides could be worth exploring. Stacking Nootropics with Peptides One of the most popular strategies for cognitive support is to combine or stack peptides with nootropics. For example: Selank pairs well with L-theanine for calming, focused energy. L-theanine, an amino acid found primarily in green tea, promotes relaxation and reduces stress without causing drowsiness by increasing calming neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin. Lion’s Mane mushroom, a natural nootropic found in both wild and cultivated forms, can be stacked with Semax to naturally support memory, focus, and neurogenesis. Semax can be used with Alpha-GPC to support both short-term concentration and long-term brain health. Alpha-GPC (Alpha-glycerophosphocholine) is a choline-containing nutraceutical, often derived from soy or sunflower lecithin, that acts as a powerful nootropic. It increases levels of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, focus, and muscle control. Because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently, Alpha-GPC is often used to enhance cognitive function, support brain health and neuroprotection, and improve physical performance by boosting power output and recovery in athletes. Semax can also be used with CDP-Choline for memory support, brain fog, and age-related cognitive decline. It too is a nutraceutical that provides choline, which the brain uses to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory, learning, and focus. It also delivers cytidine, which converts into uridine—a compound that supports neuron repair and brain cell membrane synthesis. Alright, so one question we get a lot is, “What’s the difference between CDP-Choline and Alpha-GPC?” It’s a good one—because they’re both great choline sources, but they work a little differently. Alpha-GPC delivers choline more directly, which means you’ll feel that boost in focus and mental energy a bit faster. It’s especially handy if you’re doing high-intensity brain work or even something athletic. Lastly, I also want to dive into something a lot of people are curious about, Modafinil and racetams (RASS-uh-tams). Modafinil (Provigil) is a prescription, stimulant medication used to treat sleep disorders (e.g., narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea) and shift work disorder. It’s also used off-label as a focus-enhancing nootropic. It works by promoting wakefulness in the CNS. Researchers don’t know exactly how it works, but it appears to affect areas in the brain that control attention and wakefulness. Racetams (e.g., Piracetam, Aniracetam, or Oxiracetam) are a class of compounds that enhance acetylcholine activity and neuroplasticity...
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    7 mins

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