Recovery & Repair

Peptides, amino acids, and compounds that accelerate physical recovery, tissue repair, and athletic performance.

24 items

Articles about Recovery & Repair

performance-recovery

L‑Glutamine for Recovery and Gut Health: Inside the Gut–Muscle Axis

Glutamine sits at the crossroads of muscle, gut, and immune function. Here’s what research says about its role in athletic recovery, gut barrier integrity, immune health in athletes, burn/trauma care, and IBS—with a bridge to the traditional bone broth perspective.

10 min read
Moderate Evidence
foundations

Magnesium Forms: Which One Is Right for You?

Glycinate, threonate, citrate, oxide — not all magnesium is created equal. A comprehensive breakdown of forms, absorption, and what each one does best.

8 min read
Strong Evidence

Supplements for Recovery & Repair

Herb

Ashwagandha

An adaptogenic herb (Withania somnifera) used in Ayurvedic medicine to support stress resilience, energy, and cognitive function.

Moderate Evidence
Peptide

BPC-157

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide consisting of 15 amino acids derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It was first isolated by researchers studying the mechanisms behind the stomach's remarkable ability to heal itself despite constant exposure to hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. Animal studies have demonstrated accelerated healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and the gastrointestinal tract. The proposed mechanisms include upregulation of growth hormone receptors, promotion of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), modulation of the nitric oxide system, and interaction with the FAK-paxillin pathway involved in tissue repair. Despite promising preclinical data, human clinical trials remain limited. Most evidence comes from rodent models, and the peptide's regulatory status varies by country. It is not FDA-approved for any medical condition. Users in the biohacking and athletic recovery communities report benefits for joint injuries, gut healing, and tendon repair, but these remain anecdotal.

Emerging Research
Peptide

Collagen Peptides

Hydrolyzed collagen protein fragments used to support skin elasticity, joint health, and connective tissue repair.

Amino Acid

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is the most extensively studied dietary supplement in sports nutrition history, with over 500 peer-reviewed studies supporting its efficacy. It is a naturally occurring compound synthesized from three amino acids — arginine, glycine, and methionine — primarily in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The molecule functions by donating a phosphate group to regenerate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the fundamental energy currency of every cell. When stored in muscles as phosphocreatine, it enables rapid ATP recycling during high-intensity, short-duration activities like sprinting and resistance training. Beyond athletic performance, emerging research highlights creatine's role in cognitive function, neuroprotection, and healthy aging. The brain is metabolically demanding, consuming roughly 20% of the body's energy at rest, and creatine supplementation appears to support cognitive performance particularly under conditions of sleep deprivation or mental fatigue.

Strong Evidence
Amino Acid

L-Theanine

An amino acid found primarily in green tea that promotes relaxation without drowsiness and supports focused calm.

Moderate Evidence
Mineral

Magnesium

An essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, commonly supplemented for muscle relaxation, sleep, and stress support.

Moderate Evidence
Mineral

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. This combination offers superior bioavailability compared to common forms like magnesium oxide (which has only 4% absorption) while being notably gentle on the digestive system. Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, required for ATP production, protein synthesis, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure management, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. It is essential for bone structure and plays a direct role in the active transport of calcium and potassium across cell membranes. Despite its critical importance, roughly 50% of Americans fail to meet the recommended daily intake. Subclinical deficiency — levels low enough to impair function but not low enough to trigger obvious symptoms — may affect up to 60% of the population. The glycine component provides additional benefits: glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that supports sleep quality and has calming effects on the central nervous system, making magnesium glycinate particularly well-suited for evening use.

Strong Evidence
Amino Acid

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

A precursor to glutathione, the bodys master antioxidant, used for respiratory health, liver support, and antioxidant defense.

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