A few years ago, if someone brought up peptides in casual conversation, chances are your eyes might have glazed over. Outside the medical field, peptides just weren’t really ‘a thing’. Fast forward to today and it’s a dramatically different story. Health-conscious folks are not only talking about peptides—they're getting pretty fluent on the subject. As a physician, I’m all for that shift!

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Here's some background in case you’ve just arrived to the peptide party. Peptides are short chains of amino acids — essentially mini-proteins — that signal specific biological actions. Studies show that certain peptides can support tissue repair, immune regulation, metabolism, and even brain health. Unlike general supplements or standard issue pharmaceuticals, peptides tend to behave more like precisely targeted messengers, mimicking natural hormones or enzymes in the body.

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While it is hard to pick a favorite peptide – there are that many to choose from – one that’s especially close to my heart (and knees) is Body Protection Compound 157, better known as BPC 157—or simply BPC. I use it regularly, both in my practice and in my own life.

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More than 20 years ago, I was told I’d need a knee replacement. Not eventually—imminently. But instead of going under the knife, I decided to try a different approach: regular BPC injections paired with consistent bodywork. And guess what? That knee replacement never happened.

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Coincidence? I don’t think so. Over the years, I’ve watched countless patients experience dramatic improvements when BPC was added to their treatment plans. It’s one of those therapies that continue to surprise me with its versatility and results.

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So, what exactly is BPC 157? When should you use it, and how does it work? Here’s my quick take on this remarkable little peptide—and how you (and your doc) can put it to work for you:

The (very) brief history of peptides.

Roughly 20 years ago (give or take) peptides first started making their way into the wellness and beauty universe via skincare, thanks to their knack for boosting collagen and softening the visible signs of aging.

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From there, they caught the attention of fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts who turned to specific peptides to speed up recovery, support muscle repair, and enhance overall performance.

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But it wasn’t until the early 2020s that peptides really began to hit their stride, becoming part of a broader health and longevity conversation. One particular standout? Body Protection Compound 157, or BPC 157, which became known for its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging capabilities.

BPC 157’s healing upsides.

Originally derived from human gastric juice, this powerful 15-amino-acid peptide has moved well beyond the fitness universe, stirring up serious interest in both the medical and biohacking worlds. In preclinical studies, BPC 157 has demonstrated a range of regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-healing effects. What’s more, BPC is gaining traction for its potential to positively impact how well—and how long—we live. Early days evidence points to BPC quickly becoming a go-to tool in the modern longevity toolkit.

BPC 157 and you (and me too).

Granted my BPC 157 story began as a personal one – a way to avoid what turned out to be unnecessary knee surgery.  But now, in my practice, I often use subcutaneous BPC 157 injections for patients dealing with soft tissue injuries, especially when healing seems to be dragging or has stalled altogether. I’ve also found it incredibly helpful for patients with sprains, strains, and chronic issues involving tendons, ligaments, and joints.

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For those patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries, I often add BPC 157 to the standard plans their orthopedists have prescribed, to support faster, smoother recoveries. And more recently, I’ve been working with BPC 157 in a different context altogether — to enhance gut health. Taken in oral form, BPC 157 has shown great promise in calming inflammation and helping repair the gut lining, particularly in cases of gastritis or leaky gut syndrome.

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In other words, BPC 157 isn’t just for athletes or post-op patients — it’s a versatile peptide with wide-reaching healing potential from the inside out.

BPC 157 helps keep you young in a number of subtle but important ways.

While it’s a bit too early to anoint BPC 157 as the ultimate fountain of youth, I continue to be impressed by the peptide’s numerous rejuvenating effects on body parts and systems that we depend on to live a long and healthy life. Among the top five science-backed benefits one can expect with therapeutic use of BPC 157:

1. Rapid repair & tissue regeneration:  A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that BPC 157 significantly accelerated wound healing, helping tissue bounce back by increasing blood flow and by ramping up collagen repair—two must-haves when it comes to healing well. In several animal studies, BPC 157 has been shown to help speed recovery in tendons, ligaments, skin, muscle, nerves, and even corneas.  

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2. Organ protection & anti-Inflammatory power: But BPC 157 isn’t just for bumps and bruises. It’s also been shown to have powerful protective effects on organs under serious stress. A recent 2025 animal study found that this promising peptide dramatically reduced damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs after ischemia-reperfusion – a type of injury that can occur when blood flow is temporarily cut off — like during a heart attack or stroke — and then suddenly restored. That sudden return of circulation, in effect, a shock to the system, is known to cause a surge of inflammation and oxidative stress, that can actually make things worse. But in this study, BPC 157 helped keep that damage in check by calming inflammation and reducing oxidative stress, two major culprits in tissue damage and aging.

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Awareness of this antioxidant effect however, isn’t new. Earlier gastric studies found BPC 157 protected delicate epithelial and endothelial cells, (the cells lining your gut inside and out) shielding them from inflammation-related damage. In brain injury models, it reduced swelling and bleeding and improved recovery outcomes suggesting it may help preserve neurological function under stress.

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3. Brain health & neuroprotection: Emerging evidence hints that BPC 157 may benefit the brain, in very positive ways. For example, a 2022 review noted that in animal studies, BPC 157 reduced hemorrhage, edema, and oxidative damage in models of brain injury — all while enhancing neurological recovery. Researchers believe this is tied to BPC 157’s ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce inflammation in brain tissue. Though clinical trials for BPC 157’s just getting under way, these animal findings suggest that BPC 157 may help preserve brain integrity under stress or injury—another important piece in the longevity puzzle.

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4. Boosting growth hormone response: Here’s another intriguing finding: BPC 157 may enhance the body’s response to growth hormone (GH). A 2018 rat study showed that it increased GH receptor expression in tendon cells and activated key growth pathways, making tissues more responsive to circulating GH. That’s big news for maintaining muscle and connective tissue health, especially as GH naturally declines with age.

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5. Gut healing & immune modulation: Given its gastric origins, it’s no surprise that BPC 157 supports gut health. It’s been shown to help repair ulcers, reduce inflammation, and protect the gut lining in models of colitis and leaky gut. It improves blood flow, supports nitric oxide signaling, and helps regulate immune responses in the gut—all of which have ripple effects across the entire body, including brain and immune function. In other words, BPC 157's supportive role in digestive tissues may have far-reaching longevity implications.

Working BPC 157 into your plan: is BPC 157 right for you?

It just might be—especially if you’re looking at ways to support healing, recovery, or long-term health. This peptide has shown a lot of promise and is generally well-tolerated when used properly and under the care of a qualified healthcare provider, so it’s an easy one to put on your short list. However, before you do, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

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• Work with someone who knows their stuff. It’s really important to talk things over with a knowledgeable medical provider, particularly if you have a history of vascular problems or cancer concerns.
• Start small and take breaks. Even in animal studies, tiny doses have been effective, so no need to go overboard. In this case, less is more. Like most peptides, it could be worthwhile considering ‘cycling,’ as in, getting treatments at certain intervals, rather than a steady drip, for example say, 12 weeks on, then 4 weeks off—to lower the chance of any potential side effects.
• Pick the right type. If you’re aiming for soft tissue healing whole-body benefits, injectable forms are generally considered more effective. But if you’re mainly looking to help your gut, oral forms are the way to go. You and your doc will need to consider both options based on your unique situation.
• Be cautious if you have cancer. If you currently have a tumor or are undergoing cancer treatment, it’s best to steer clear for now—until more we have more data on safety for those who are managing other conditions.
• Keep a close eye on how you’re doing. Notice how your body responds. Are you healing faster? Is your digestion better? Is inflammation going down? These clues can help you and your doc figure out if it’s actually working for you.

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BOTTOM LINE: BPC 157 is one of the most exciting peptides in the world of regenerative health—and its benefits line up nicely with many longevity goals. But until the results of more clinical trials are completed and the data analyzed, it’s best to approach BPC 157 use with curiosity, care, and expert support—rather than jumping in without guidance.