Did you know that functional practitioners have been using GLP-1 peptides safely for years—long before the Ozempic phenomenon hit mainstream medicine? In this episode of Extend, I talk with Dr. Tracey Stroup, a naturopathic doctor and peptide therapy expert, who reveals how the pharmaceutical industry's approach to semaglutide created unnecessary controversy.

We dive into what peptides actually are, why your body might be deficient, and how the "dose everyone to the max and leave them there forever" approach completely missed the mark. We also discuss the functional medicine approach to peptide therapy, including proper dosing, cycling protocols, and why you need comprehensive support—not just a prescription.

Tracey Stroup, ND is a naturopathic doctor with over 27 years in health and wellness. She's been using peptide therapy in her practice for 5 years and is passionate about educating both practitioners and patients on the proper use of these powerful therapeutic tools.

We Also Discuss:

What Peptides Really Are: Natural Biological Signals, Not Synthetic Drugs
Why the Ozempic Craze Created Unnecessary Peptide Controversy
The Functional Medicine Approach vs. Pharmaceutical Protocols
How to Use GLP-1s Properly: Dosing, Cycling, and Off-boarding
Why Most People Are Peptide Deficient (And Don't Know It)
BPC-157: The "Wolverine Peptide" for Gut Health and Injury Recovery
Growth Hormone Peptides: CJC, Ipamorelin, and Natural Hormone Balance
Injectable vs. Oral Peptides: When and Why Each Route Matters
Why DIY Peptide Therapy Can Backfire (And What to Do Instead)
The Insulin Connection: Why Peptide Therapy Isn't Actually New

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Tracey Stroup, ND:

Website: https://courses.traceystroupnd.com/ftn-home

Podcast: https://eatprayfaithwithtraceystroupnd.buzzsprout.com/

Instagram: traceystroup_eatprayfaith

Throwback Thursday: Toy Story, JFK, Wham!