Our gut is often referred to as our “second brain”—and with good reason. First, the enteric nervous system (ENS), which spans the entire gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in digestion and overall gut function. It uses the same types of cells and chemicals as the brain to help process food and signal when something’s wrong (Ruder, 2017). Second, the ENS can operate independently from the central nervous system, thanks to local reflex circuits, essentially giving the gut a mind of its own (Fleming II et al., 2020).
The ENS is part of the autonomic nervous system, which also includes the sympathetic (fight, flight, or freeze) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems. These systems regulate involuntary bodily functions like heartbeat, metabolism, digestion, urination, bowel movements, and breathing. The close relationship between the gut and brain—often called the gut-brain axis—explains why we get “butterflies” when nervous, lose our appetite when sad, or rush to the bathroom before a big presentation.
Gut-related expressions like “trust your gut,” “gut check,” or “having guts” reflect how deeply this organ influences not just our body, but our language and culture. Whether we’re digesting lunch or processing feelings, the gut plays a central role in our well-being.
Gut Health and Why It Matters
Gut health is influenced by what we eat, our stress levels, and how well we sleep. An unhealthy gut can manifest through symptoms like nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and chronic conditions such as ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, or Ulcerative Colitis.
To support gut health, focus on a diet rich in:
- Fiber (fruits, vegetables, nuts)
- Probiotics (yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi)
- Prebiotics (garlic, onions, bananas, oats)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, chia seeds, walnuts)
- Anti-inflammatory spices (ginger, turmeric)
- Healing drinks (bone broth, peppermint tea)
However, optimal gut health depends on more than just diet. As Murray & Pizzorno (2012) note, “For nutrients to be beneficial, they must be properly absorbed, digested, and eliminated.” This is where peptides come into play—they help restore gut function, repair damage, and support long-term health.
Peptides That Support Gut Health
1. Larazotide Acetate (LA)
Larazotide is a synthetic peptide composed of eight amino acids that works by tightening the junctions in the gut lining. It’s currently in late-stage clinical trials for celiac disease and works by inhibiting zonulin, a protein that increases intestinal permeability (Slifer et al., 2021).
2. Apigenin
A flavonoid found in plants and available as a supplement, apigenin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. In the gut, it helps maintain microbiome diversity, promotes beneficial short-chain fatty acid production (like butyrate), and supports healthy intestinal function (Wang et al., 2017).
3. BPC-157 (Body Protecting Compound 157)
This naturally occurring peptide supports healing of the gut lining, muscles, ligaments, and even the brain and heart. It acts as a membrane stabilizer and regulates key healing pathways such as VEGF and nitric oxide, protecting against leaky gut and other GI issues (Sikiric et al., 2022).
4. KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine)
KPV is a tripeptide that reduces inflammation in colonic cells and supports the healing of the intestinal mucus lining. It blocks inflammatory pathways like NF-κB and MAP kinase, reducing cytokine production and helping treat conditions like Ulcerative Colitis (Dalmasso et al., 2008).
5. Butyrate (Butyric Acid)
Produced in the gut when we digest fiber, butyrate reduces inflammation, strengthens the gut barrier, regulates motility, and even has beneficial effects outside the gut, including insulin resistance and cardiovascular health (Canani et al., 2011; Liu et al., 2018).
6. L-Glutamine
As the most abundant amino acid in the body, L-glutamine supports the intestinal lining, helps prevent inflammation, and improves nutrient absorption. It plays a critical role in immune function, tight junction integrity, and maintaining a healthy GI microbiome (Perna et al., 2018).
Final Thoughts
If you’re eating well, managing stress, and sleeping enough but still experiencing gut issues, these peptides may offer additional support. They work at the cellular level to heal, protect, and optimize gut function—bringing your digestive system back into balance and improving your overall health from the inside out.
Original article and resources provided from: https://www.meetingpointhealth.com/peptides-for-gut-health-larazotide/