13 Side Effects of BPC-157 Peptide for Bodybuilding and Healing

Are you considering using BPC-157 peptide for bodybuilding or healing injuries? Body Protection Compound-157, or BPC-157, is a therapeutic supplement that has proved to be a healing compound for millions of trainers, athletes, and elderly patients. Due to continuous workouts and lifting weights, the muscle tends to have tears and damage at the microscopic level. These prolonged tiny micro-tears are responsible for weakness in the muscles and ligaments. 

BPC-157 helps repair and restore tissue damage and heals damage in the long run. That is why, being a synthetic peptide while it is safe to you, it may possess a few side effects. You can learn more about BPC-157 in our detailed guide: BPC 157 Side Effects, Benefits, and How To Use. Now let's read on to find out the side effects of BPC-157.

13 Side effects of BPC-157

The long-term BPC-157 use needs to be better established, as regulatory agencies have not approved it for human use, and further research is needed. However, some common side effects of BPC-157 that have been reported with its use include:

1. Headaches 

As safe as they are claimed to be, anything externally administered into the body will show a few side effects, headache being the most common among them. BPC-157, when injected or taken orally for the first time, may produce headaches for a few hours. 

The headaches may continue for a few days until your body adjusts to the new peptide supplement.

2. Swelling 

Swelling is seen to occur at the side of the injection. Often, a bull's eye wound will be observed upon repeated injections in the same area. If you take BPC-157 injection via the IV route, ensure that you alternate the arms to prevent swelling and aches in one particular region daily.

3. Vomiting 

 Vomiting may be uncommon, but it is one nonetheless. It typically occurs when taking oral capsules of BPC-157. The stomach may find it difficult to break down a foreign substance, especially a peptide, and absorb its constituents for muscle healing. 

Although BPC-157 is synthesized via isolating gastric juices, vomiting may still be a side effect. Eventually, your body may get adjusted to this external compound.

4. Hot flashes 

BPC-157 is known to release Nitrous oxide, a blood vessel dilator. This action enables smooth blood circulation, which may result in hot flashes, especially in your cheeks, neck, and arms. Hot flashes are not painful, and you rarely observe any discomfort. 

While some people may not observe this side effect at all, some might observe this through taking BPC-157 as a muscle restoration therapy.

5. Fatigue and Lethargy 

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide that helps restore the micro damages that tear up the muscles during a typical workout. However, since it is a synthetic preparation, studies show it affects blood pressure. 

Fluctuations in BPC-157 blood pressure occur upon ingestion while your system works in the background to stabilize itself. These changes in blood pressure and the resulting recovery action can result in fatigue and lethargy until your body is completely adjusted to BPC-157.

6. Constipation 

Daily consumption of BPC-157 is said to cause constipation which many users have complained about. This is because when one consumes a lot of protein without equally accompanying it with enough fiber and water from the intestines; the protein forms a hard exterior and therefore leads to constipation. 

When you take BPC-157 supplements, be sure to drink ample water and consume a fiber-rich diet to counter the effects of constipation.

7. Poor Appetite 

Hydrolyzing a synthetic peptide may differ slightly from hydrolyzing organic constituents in our foods. This may cause bloating in the stomach and give you a feeling full longer. 

Gastric acid produced to break down the Peptide can accumulate gas in the stomach. Additionally, the overproduction of acid may even result in stomach ulcers.

8. Kidney stones 

The fear of taking peptide supplements is that they contain amino acids, some of which may threaten kidney stones' formation. Patients with kidney-related ailments are particularly at risk of taking supplements. 

Peptides that can trigger the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys must be avoided by people with weak kidney function. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns regarding BPC-157.

9. Fluid retention 

BPC-157 has been reported to have mild effects of fluid retention on the body. This may be due to fluctuations in glomerular filtration rate which in turn alters the set point for the amount of water to be retained and that to be expelled from the body. There may be edema and the swelling might manifest in the ankles and the arms. Sometimes the side effect could just be a symptom that subsides immediately you stop using BPC-157.

10. Raise blood sugar levels 

Preclinical trials on mice carried out to demonstrate the efficacy of the drug found that BPC-157 may lead to an elevation of blood glucose levels in the body. Proof for this effect in human beings is, however, wanting and therefore more evidence would be needed. 

Nonetheless, currently, it can be said that for patients with diabetes or with obesity or overweight problems it is safer to refrain from using this supplement.

11. Involution of cell receptors 

While the BPC-157 Peptide side effect is not completely studied to establish thorough facts, BPC-157 and other peptide-containing supplements are at risk for causing this side effect. Involving receptors means they shrink towards the inside and are unavailable for binding onto the substrate protein. 

This could also mean that the Peptide may bind to the receptors but exert an opposite effect. Peptide supplements must also be taken under the guidance of a medical professional.

12. Increased heart rate 

BPC-157, when taken as an injectable, produces its effects faster than oral ingestible capsules. BPC-157 causes fluctuations in blood pressure and may even be a cause for increased heart rate. The peptide is shown to increase blood circulation in the system, which may cause an increase in the heart rate.

13. Diarrhea 

Diarrhea may result from an imbalance in the healthy gut bacteria. This may be because the Peptide may be a foreign synthetic substance that needs extra effort from the stomach to digest. 

Diarrhea may occur in the first few days of taking BPC-157 as oral capsules. Your stomach will soon get adjusted to it.

Precautions while taking BPC-157

• BPC-157 is toxic to fetuses and even to lactating mothers. Do not consume BPC-157 when lactating.

• BPC-157 may be toxic to patients with chronic kidney disease speak to your doctor before taking these supplements.

• BPC-157 peptides can make changes in blood pressure and cause an increase in heart rate. Do not consume BPC-157 when you are at risk of heart disease conditions.

How long does BPC 157 last?

The duration of BPC-157's effects can vary depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of administration, and individual response. Generally, its effects can last for a few hours to a day. Some users may take it daily or multiple times a day, while others follow a more intermittent schedule.

Final Thoughts 

BPC-157 is a peptide isolated from the gastric juices of the human stomach, making it uniquely safe as it is not extracted from bovine or shellfish samples. BPC 157 Peptide has several benefits, including being a miracle supplement for bone health and reducing joint pain in the knees, shoulders, and elbows.

While it is claimed to be very safe for human use, at the end of the day, it is a synthetically made peptide that can have side effects when administered. It is important to talk to a doctor before using BPC-157, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any other medications, as understanding the potential side-effects of BPC-157 is crucial for safe use.