A healthy man wants one thousand things, a sick man only wants one.
10 Years of Consistent Workouts With An Inconsistent Diet
Two months with a peptide protocol
A few years ago, I was playing pickleball with a guy in his mid-50s who was the most ripped dude I had ever seen. Not the typical “gym rat” ripped where they look like they could lift a small house but couldn’t touch their toes if their life depended on it—but athlete ripped. The kind of shape that makes you wonder if there’s a cheat code you missed.
I was jealous, so I asked him what he did.
Mind you, I’ve been working out pretty consistently since I was 16 (I’m 36 now), so I’ve heard every answer in the book: keto, CrossFit, TRT, steroids, you name it.
But his answer caught me off guard.
“Peptides.”
“Huh?” I said, in between pickleball points.
“Peptides, bro.”
“O cool—is that like a type of steroid?”
He laughed. “Nah, man. They’re naturally occurring in your body. Way less dangerous than steroids.”
After the match, he sent me a few websites he ordered from—but I’ll be honest, I was too intimidated to place an order. For starters, the names of the peptides all sounded like robot parts from Transformers (BPC-157, GHK-Cu), the sites said FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY in giant letters, and the whole thing felt a little sketchy.
Fast forward a year later. My wife had another cancer recurrence, and a friend told her about a peptide called Thymosin-A, which boosts immune response and can support chemotherapy. That was the first peptide we ever ordered.
A few months later, I started dealing with recurring lower back pain. A buddy recommended BPC-157, and after a few weeks, my chronic back pain subsided. That’s when I was officially hooked.
If there’s enough interest, I might do a deep dive into why peptides have been sitting on the sidelines for so long (hint: pharma profits and FDA politics play a part). But for now, here’s a simple guide to what I’m currently taking and why peptides are now a permanent part of my health protocol.
The Starter Kit
BPC-157 + TB-500— “The Rebuilder”
This was the gateway peptide for me.
I started it for my lower back and rotator cuff issues from high school football (aka the glory days), but I also noticed something unexpected: my mental clarity improved. I’d wake up feeling sharper in a way that was difficult to explain.
What it does:
BPC stands for “Body Protection Compound.” It’s derived from a protein found in your stomach and helps accelerate healing in tendons, ligaments, muscles, skin, and the gut lining. Athletes use it post-injury or after surgery to speed up recovery.
How I take it:
I usually dose it subcutaneously (tiny insulin needle) near the affected area, a few times per week. I take 30 units for 5 days on and then 2 days off.
Potential side effects:
Very mild for most people. Occasional fatigue or dizziness, but I haven’t experienced any. I recommend taking the injection at night to help offset any fatigue you may feel. How I take it:
I usually dose it subcutaneously (tiny insulin needle) near the affected area, a few times per week. I take 10 units (500 mcg) Monday, Wednesday, Friday every week.
FAQs on BPC-157 + TB-500:
It’s great for both men and women, but if you follow me for my cancer content and think you may have active cancer, I would only recommend taking Thymosin-A, which is proven to help boost your immune system and doesn’t spur cell regeneration (which is almost always a great thing except for those battling cancer).
Retatrutide — “The Focused Fat Burner”
Before this, I’d microdosed Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, both of which are GLP-based medications. They worked for appetite control, but the nausea was brutal.
Then I switched to Retatrutide—and it’s been a completely different experience.
More mental clarity. No nausea. Stable energy throughout the day. It’s like someone turned down the background noise in my head, and after a few bites of my favorite ice cream (Häagen-Dazs duh), I have no interest in finishing the pint like I normally would.
What it does:
Retatrutide is sometimes called a “GLP-3.” It works on three different hormonal pathways (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors), which makes it more balanced and sustainable for fat loss and metabolic health. Early studies even suggest it may help with inflammation and longevity markers.
How I take it:
Once-weekly via injection. I take 10 units per week (1mg/week). This dosage works for women as well.
Potential side effects:
I’ve experienced some slight fatigue on the days when I take Retatrutide but nothing too noticeable. A common side effect is nausea and diarrhea, especially while you get used to your dosage.
NAD+ — “The Cellular Recharge”
If BPC helps rebuild tissue and Retatrutide dials in metabolism, NAD+ is the one that makes everything hum.
It’s often called the “cellular energy molecule,” and it plays a role in DNA repair, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial function (aka the stuff that makes you feel young).
What I’ve Noticed:
Since starting NAD+, I drink less caffeine. No need for the 2pm Monster to get me through the rest of the day. Same energy, more focus, no jitters. It’s like clean fuel for your brain and body.
How I take it:
I take 30 units Monday/Wednesday/Friday (which is slightly lower than the recommended dose, but it’s where it feels best for me). This dosage works for women as well.
Potential side effects:
You might feel flushed or warm right after an injection, but it passes quickly. If taken late in the day, you may experience some restlessness.
Things I’m Testing Next
Tesamorelin: A growth-hormone-releasing peptide known for improving body composition and recovery. Early days, but the research looks promising for men in their 30s and 40s.
MOTS-C: A mitochondrial peptide linked to fat oxidation and endurance. Think “energy + longevity.”
Semax: A neuropeptide used for focus, mood, and cognitive sharpness. Some people call it “limitless spray.” I’m going to try it to help me cycle off caffeine.
Methylene Blue: Cellular antioxidant with emerging evidence for brain health and energy production. Not great if you are on an SSRI.
Thymosin-A: Immune system support and inflammation control are especially interesting for chronic illness recovery.
If there’s interest, I’ll do a longer, deeper dive into what these do and why most people have never heard of them.
Disclaimer
None of this is medical advice—just my personal experience and curiosity. I’m not saying everyone should start pinning peptides tomorrow. But if you’ve ever wondered how to push beyond “healthy” into optimized, this is a great place to start .
If you want a deeper dive on the science behind them, let me know—I’ll put together a full breakdown soon.
Until next time,
Raleigh “Do You” Williams
