Reading Time: 8 minutes
What I Discuss with Kyal Van Der Leest
- Kyal’s quick reference guide for understanding various peptides and their applications…05:28
- Background and impact of Australia’s “peptide scandal,” regulation of injectables, what’s banned today, and how that compares to recent US FDA action…07:04
- When to take peptides for best results, why digestive enzymes are actually contraindicated, and tips for enhanced bioavailability…14:51
- Why some peptides must be injected, how amino acid chain length impacts absorption, and how certain oral peptides (with good formulation) can be effective…19:29
- When and why to use GHK-Cu orally, its anti-aging, stem cell-enhancing, and skin benefits, and plans to add it to gut formulas…25:17
- Why guanidinoacetic acid absorbs better than creatine, the importance of methyl donors, impact on muscle mass, cognitive function, and supporting research…30:56
- Why NACET (N-acetylcysteine ethyl ester) outperforms standard NAC, its bioavailability, and roles in detox and brain protection…37:06
- Formulas: 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8 DHF), liposomal Dihexa, premium mushrooms, and strategies to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor for brain resilience…42:37
- Follistatin gene therapy, why natural boosters are often safer, the impact of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) on hormones, and strategies to elevate testosterone without TRT…51:03
- How to combine TB-4 and BPC-157 orally for next-level recovery, the regulatory landscape, and why accessibility matters for peak performance…54:35
In this “Best of LIFE Network” episode, you'll discover the fascinating realm of revolutionary peptides with two-time guest, Kyal Van Der Leest—a distinguished naturopath, nutritionist, supplement formulator, and the founder of LVLUP Health (use code BEN15 to save 15%).
You'll explore how these powerful compounds can rapidly repair tissues, elevate your energy by boosting NAD levels, sharpen your mind, and even naturally enhance sexual health, offering alternatives to medications like Viagra. Kyal and I will also unravel some of the most innovative peptides you may have never heard of (but should definitely get to know).
Additionally, we'll reveal the compelling synergies between peptides and functional fillers for optimized absorption, the wonders of COX-2 inhibitors for inflammation, and the multifaceted benefits of GHK-Cu for anti-aging and longevity. Kyal will also break down the science and applications of peptides like PEA for sleep and inflammation, 5-amino-1MQ for boosting NAD levels, and Tβ4 fragments for pain and wound healing.
You'll also delve into practical tips for maximizing the effects of these potent compounds, discover why Kyal advocates for funding and research in peptides, and how contamination concerns emphasize the need for good manufacturing practices. Our conversation broadens to encompass intriguing topics, including the nuances of gut health, innovative testosterone optimization methods, the significance of the blood-brain barrier in preventing neurodegenerative conditions, and much more!
Kyal Van Der Leest is the founder, formulator, and face of LVLUP Health, an Australian-based supplement company. Under his guidance, LVLUP Health (use code BEN15 to save 15%) has created a diverse range of cutting-edge supplements utilizing incredibly powerful ingredients that you may not have heard of before.
His formulations aim to simplify complex health protocols, reducing the need for multiple products by offering all-in-one solutions that make supplementation easy and effective. LVLUP products incorporate a unique combination of the best ingredients from functional medicine, naturopathy, and nutrition, targeting the multiple mechanisms driving health conditions. These include orally bioavailable peptides, herbal botanical extracts, isolated herbal constituents, bioidentical and activated nutritionals, and vitamins, ensuring the highest efficacy.
Without further ado, get ready for an enlightening journey into the world of peptides, packed with actionable insights that promise to elevate your fitness, health, and overall well-being. And if you didn't catch my first fascinating show with Kyal, you can check it out here.
Want to Hear More from Kyal Van Der Leest and Other Leading Health Experts?

Please Scroll Down for the Sponsors, Resources, and Transcript
Episode Sponsors:
Apollo: Apollo is a safe and non-invasive wearable that actively improves your sleep. Head over to apolloneuro.com/bengreenfield and use code BENGREENFIELD for $90 off.
Just Thrive: Just Thrive Probiotic is the only probiotic clinically proven to arrive 100% alive in your gut, wrestling in less bloat, better energy, and even clear skin. Digestive Bitters packs 12 science-backed herbs in one tasteless capsule that jumpstarts your digestion and supports GLP-1 production so cravings don’t control you. Visit justthrivehealth.com/BEN and save 20% with promo code BEN. See the difference for yourself or get a full product refund, no questions asked.
Sunlighten: Sunlighten's patented infrared sauna technology delivers the highest quality near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths to reduce inflammation, boost mitochondrial function, enhance detox pathways, and optimize recovery—backed by 25+ years of clinically proven, non-toxic innovation. Save up to $1,400 at get.sunlighten.com/ben with code BEN.
Formula IQ: Recuperate IQ by Formula IQ is a comprehensive copper supplement designed to support mitochondrial energy, iron balance, and metabolic health by pairing bioavailable copper with essential cofactors your body needs for proper utilization, which is especially crucial if you've been under chronic stress or supplementing with high-dose zinc. Try it at formulaiq.com and use code BEN for 10% off.
LeelaQ: Not only do LeelaQ’s products neutralize EMFs, increase ATP production, optimize HRV, and improve blood flow, but they've been third-party proven to do so in placebo-controlled double-blind studies. Visit leelaq.com and use code BEN10 for 10% off.
Resources from this episode:
- Kyal Van Der Leest:
- LVLUP Health (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- LVLUP Peptide (Cheat Sheet) Quick Reference Guide
- Ben Greenfield Life Podcasts and Articles:
- A Done-For-You “Shotgun” Formula For Fixing Your Digestion (The Gut Repair Formula), Oral Peptides, Mold & More With LVLUP Health’s Kyal Van Der Leest.
- Age Reversal In Mexico: Follistatin & Klotho Gene Therapy, The Right & Wrong Kind Of Stem Cells, NK Killer Cell Infusion, Nerve Blocks & More With Adeel Khan.
- The Dark Side Of Peptides: Why You Need To Proceed With Caution When Using These Powerful But Potentially Carcinogenic Molecules.
- The New Probiotic Strain That Allows You To Eat Carbs Again, How GLP-1 Peptide Actually Works And Why It’s Not Intended For Everyone, With Pendulum’s Colleen Cutcliffe.
- Solosode 471: Why Ben Greenfield Drinks One Serving Of Alcohol Per Day, The Effects Of Alcohol On Longevity, How To Detox After Partying, The Best Supplements For Drinking & Much More
- Fringe Supplement Stacks You’ve Never Heard Of, The Best Nootropic Combinations, The Latest Keto Support Compounds, Supplements That Act Like “Exercise In A Bottle” & Much More With Shawn Wells
- Studies:
- Guanidinoacetic acid as a performance-enhancing agent
- The Potential of Guanidino Acetic Acid to Reduce the Occurrence and Severity of Broiler Muscle Myopathies
- Dietary guanidino acetic acid is an efficacious replacement for arginine for young chicks
- The Particular Story of Italians' Relation with Alcohol: Trends in Individuals' Consumption by Age and Beverage Type
- Books:
- Other Resources:
- Ben Greenfield's Ultimate Peptides Resources
- BPC-157 (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- GHK-Cu (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- KPV (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- PEA (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Botanobolic with GAA and Icarin (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Complete Liver Complex with NAC and NACET (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- VIP (use code BEN to save 15%)
- TB-500 (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Total Recomp with Dihydroberberine (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- AKK (Akkermansia) (code GREENFIELD saves 20% off your first month's subscription)
- TUDCA (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Larazotide (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Paraxanthine (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Thymosin β-4 (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- 5-amino-1MQ (use code BGL10 to save 10%)
- Thymosin α-1 (use code BGL10 to save 10%)
- Melanotan (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
- Eterna Health Follistatin Therapy
- GI Ultimate Repair (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Larazotide
- NAD
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Red Light Therapy
- Kion Creatine
- Ultra Binder by Quicksilver Scientific (use code GREENFIELD15 to save 15%)
- Creapure
- Limitless Life Nootropics (use code BEN to save 15%)
- Pendulum (code GREENFIELD saves 20% off your first month's subscription)
- Tailor Made Compounding
Upcoming Events:
-
WaterBreak Summit 2026 — March 27–28, 2026
Experience an insightful two-day gathering that brings together faith-forward teachings, practical health strategies, and no-nonsense conversations about fitness, metabolism, hormones, gut health, and sustainable lifestyle change. Across keynote talks, expert sessions, and community connections, you’ll learn actionable frameworks to help you steward your body wisely in a culture flooded with fads, misinformation, and quick fixes. You can choose General Admission for full access to both days, or upgrade to VIP for an exclusive Friday dinner with speakers and guests before the conference begins. Click here to join us!
-
“Become Boundless” Longevity Retreat — April 29–May 3, 2026
Join Ben Greenfield and Dr. Matthew Cook in Nassau, Bahamas, at Champion Spirit Country Club for the “Become Boundless” Longevity Retreat. This immersive, all-inclusive experience centers on daily workouts and mobility training, advanced longevity and recovery therapies, expert-led workshops and Q&As, guided breathwork and meditation, and organic, nutrient-dense meals. You’ll have hands-on access to leading-edge modalities, including hyperbaric oxygen, cryotherapy, contrast therapy, cold plunges, red light sauna, and performance-focused treatments, all woven into a luxury, ocean-adjacent training environment designed to support deep recovery, resilience, and sustained vitality. Explore details and reserve your spot here.
Stay tuned for future updates—and you can always keep up with my LIVE appearances by checking out bengreenfieldlife.com/calendar!
Do you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for Kyal Van Der Leest or me? Leave your comments below, and one of us will reply!
7 Responses
LVLUP doesn’t carry botanibolic. Who does?
No cheat sheet sent. Quick enough to send me text messages to buy products.
Hi John, sometimes this will get sent to your spam folder. I’ll send it over to you directly, though!
Great episode!
Ive gone to where you said to get cheat sheet and it just goes to the podcast episode.
Please send it to my email or tell me how to get it?
Please try this page and check your spam folder, too: https://lvluphealth.com/pages/bgl.
If that doesn’t work, let me know, and we will send you the cheat sheet via email directly.
No cheat sheet?
I put in two requests at two different emails and nothing!
Hey Donna! Did you input your email on this page? It may have gone to spam. https://lvluphealth.com/pages/bgl
If that doesn’t work, we can send you the cheat sheet via email directly.