Glossary
Key terms and definitions used throughout Performance Protocol. Click on any term to learn more in-depth information.
Amino Acids
Organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Essential amino acids must be obtained through diet, while non-essential ones are synthesized by the body.
Anabolic
Relating to the building up of complex molecules in the body, such as muscle tissue. Anabolic processes require energy and are the opposite of catabolic processes.
Androgenetic Alopecia
The most common form of hair loss, driven by genetics and hormones (DHT). Affects both men and women with distinct patterns.
AOD-9604
A modified fragment of human growth hormone researched for fat metabolism without affecting blood sugar or tissue growth.
Apigenin
A natural flavonoid found in chamomile, parsley, and celery, researched for its calming and sleep-promoting effects.
Autophagy
A cellular 'cleaning' process where cells break down and recycle damaged components. Stimulated by fasting and exercise, it's associated with longevity and disease prevention.
BCAAs
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) that play key roles in muscle protein synthesis and exercise recovery.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters circulation and is able to have an active effect when introduced into the body.
Blood Glucose
The concentration of glucose in the blood, a key marker of metabolic health. Measured as fasting glucose or HbA1c for long-term averages.
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound-157, a synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice. Researched for tissue repair and healing properties.
Catabolic
Relating to the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy. Muscle breakdown during intense exercise is a catabolic process.
Circadian Rhythm
The 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature, and other physiological processes.
CJC-1295
A synthetic peptide that stimulates growth hormone release. Often combined with Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.
Cortisol
The primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Follows a circadian pattern and affects metabolism, immune function, and blood pressure.
Creatine
A naturally occurring compound that helps supply energy to cells, particularly muscle cells. One of the most researched and effective sports supplements.
DEXA Scan
Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, the gold standard for measuring body composition including bone density, lean mass, and fat distribution.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen.
DSIP
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, a neuropeptide researched for promoting deep sleep and modulating stress responses.
Epithalon
A synthetic tetrapeptide that may activate telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomere length. Researched for anti-aging properties.
Estrogen
A group of hormones primarily responsible for female reproductive development, but also important for bone health, cardiovascular function, and cognition in both sexes.
Fasting
Voluntarily abstaining from food for a period of time. Various protocols (intermittent, extended) offer metabolic and longevity benefits.
Follistatin-344
A naturally occurring glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth. Researched for muscle-building potential.
FOXO4-DRI
A peptide that selectively induces apoptosis in senescent cells, researched as a senolytic for healthy aging.
GHK-Cu
A copper peptide with regenerative properties, researched for skin health, wound healing, and tissue remodeling.
GHRP
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide. A category of synthetic peptides that stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone.
GLP-1
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a hormone that regulates appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism. GLP-1 receptor agonists are used for diabetes and weight management.
Glycine
The simplest amino acid, important for collagen synthesis, sleep quality, and as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
Growth Hormone (GH)
A peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration. Declines naturally with age.
Half-life
The time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated from the body. Important for understanding dosing frequency.
HbA1c
Hemoglobin A1c, a blood test measuring average blood sugar over 2-3 months. A key marker of metabolic health.
Hexarelin
A potent growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that also has cardioprotective properties.
HRV
Heart Rate Variability, the variation in time between heartbeats. Higher HRV generally indicates better cardiovascular fitness and recovery status.
Hypertrophy
The increase in muscle cell size, resulting in muscle growth. Achieved through progressive resistance training and adequate nutrition.
IGF-1
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a hormone that mediates many of growth hormone's effects on muscle and tissue growth.
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
Ipamorelin
A selective growth hormone secretagogue peptide. Known for stimulating GH release with minimal impact on cortisol or prolactin.
Kisspeptin
A neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive hormone cascade, including stimulating GnRH release.
Lean Mass
Total body weight minus fat mass. Includes muscle, bone, organs, and water.
Leucine
An essential amino acid that directly activates mTOR, the primary trigger for muscle protein synthesis.
Lipolysis
The metabolic process of breaking down stored fat (triglycerides) into fatty acids and glycerol for energy.
LL-37
An antimicrobial peptide produced by the human immune system with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Longevity
The science and practice of extending healthy lifespan through interventions targeting aging mechanisms.
Magnesium
An essential mineral involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions, including muscle function, energy production, and sleep regulation.
Melatonin
The 'sleep hormone' produced by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythm and signals the body to prepare for sleep.
Metabolic Rate
The rate at which the body burns calories to maintain basic functions. Can be influenced by muscle mass, hormones, and activity level.
MOTS-c
A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded in the mitochondrial genome that regulates metabolic homeostasis and may protect against age-related metabolic decline.
mTOR
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin, a protein that regulates cell growth and metabolism. Activated by protein intake and resistance training.
NAD+
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide — a coenzyme present in every living cell that is essential for cellular energy production (ATP synthesis), DNA repair, and longevity signaling. NAD+ levels decline approximately 50% between ages 40 and 60.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids (typically 2-50). Peptides act as signaling molecules and have various biological functions in the body.
Progressive Overload
The gradual increase in stress placed on the body during training. Essential for continued adaptation and improvement.
Protein Synthesis
The biological process by which cells build proteins. Muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is the key driver of muscle growth.
Protocol
A systematic plan or set of rules for a specific intervention or practice. In performance contexts, refers to structured approaches to optimization.
PT-141
Bremelanotide, a peptide that acts on melanocortin receptors to enhance sexual arousal and desire in both men and women.
Recovery
The processes by which the body repairs and adapts to training stress. Encompasses sleep, nutrition, and stress management.
REM Sleep
Rapid Eye Movement sleep, the stage associated with vivid dreams and memory consolidation. Critical for cognitive function and recovery.
RPE
Rate of Perceived Exertion, a subjective scale (typically 1-10) used to gauge training intensity based on how difficult an effort feels.
Secretagogue
A substance that promotes the secretion of another substance. Growth hormone secretagogues stimulate the pituitary to release GH.
Selank
A synthetic peptide derived from tuftsin with anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic properties.
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Sold as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight loss).
Semaglutide Savings
Programs, coupons, and strategies to reduce the cost of semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) medications for weight loss or diabetes management.
Semax
A synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH with nootropic, neuroprotective, and neurorestorative properties.
Senolytic
A class of compounds that selectively clear senescent ('zombie') cells that accumulate with age and contribute to inflammation.
Sermorelin
A growth hormone-releasing hormone analog that stimulates natural GH production from the pituitary gland.
Subcutaneous
Under the skin. Subcutaneous injections deliver medication into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin.
TB-500
Thymosin Beta-4, a synthetic peptide researched for tissue repair, wound healing, and flexibility. Often used alongside BPC-157.
Telomeres
Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomere length is considered a biomarker of biological aging.
Testosterone
The primary male sex hormone, responsible for muscle mass, bone density, libido, and various metabolic functions. Declines naturally with age.
Thymosin Alpha-1
A peptide that modulates immune function by enhancing T-cell activity. Used clinically for immune support and viral infections.
Tirzepatide
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist used for diabetes and weight management. Sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Tirzepatide Titration
The gradual dose escalation schedule for tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), starting low to minimize side effects and optimize efficacy.
Titration
The process of gradually adjusting a medication dose to find the optimal level. Important for minimizing side effects.
TRT
Testosterone Replacement Therapy, a medical treatment to restore testosterone levels in men with clinically low levels.
Visceral Fat
Fat stored around internal organs in the abdominal cavity. Metabolically active and associated with increased disease risk.
VO2 Max
Maximum oxygen consumption during exercise. A key measure of cardiovascular fitness and predictor of longevity.
Volume vs Intensity
Two primary training variables: volume is total work performed (sets × reps × weight), while intensity is relative effort or load (%1RM or RPE).
Wearable Technology
Devices like Oura Ring, WHOOP, and Apple Watch that track biometrics such as HRV, sleep, recovery, and activity for performance optimization.
Weight Loss
The process of reducing body mass, ideally through fat loss while preserving lean tissue. Achieved through caloric deficit and lifestyle modifications.
Zone 2 Training
Low-intensity aerobic exercise at 60-70% of max heart rate. Builds mitochondrial density and metabolic efficiency.
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