Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide: Therapeutic Uses for This Powerful Peptide

What if I told you there was a compound that could potentially treat conditions like COVID, autoimmunity, and mold toxicity? Then what if I told you that your body naturally produces a plethora of this compound on a daily basis?

The compound I’m referring to is a remarkable little molecule known as vasoactive intestinal peptide. Today we’re going dive into exactly what vasoactive intestinal peptide is, and explore some of its promising potential therapeutic uses.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Function

Vasoactive intestinal peptide, more concisely referred to as VIP, is a polypeptide molecule composed of 28 amino acids. VIP is a potent peptide hormone that’s found in significant concentrations throughout your body – and particularly in your brain, heart, respiratory system, and endocrine organs. 

Considering “intestinal” is in its name, it’s also no surprise that VIP plays a pretty hefty role in gut health. Some of the key ways VIP influences gut health include:^1,2 

• Enhancing gut integrity: VIP helps maintain a healthy intestinal wall by reinforcing the epithelial cells that make up that wall. It does this by promoting differentiation, proliferation, and cell adhesion of your intestinal epithelial cells.
• Supporting a healthy microbiome: VIP is antimicrobial toward certain bacteria and promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Regulating gastric secretions: VIP regulates both stomach acid secretion as well as water and ion absorption in the large intestine. 
• Promoting healthy digestion: VIP aids proper peristalsis by inhibiting smooth muscle contraction and by triggering mucus secretion by Goblet cells. 

It’s easy to see why VIP is so important to gut health – but the gut isn’t the only function this mighty molecule impacts.

What Else Does Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) Do?

Vasoactive intestinal peptide also plays a critical role in a number of functions throughout your entire body. Some of VIP’s most remarkable functions include:^3,4,5,6

• Vasodilation: VIP is able to effectively influence your smooth muscles. VIP has a powerful dilating effect – causing the smooth muscle in your blood vessels, respiratory tract, digestive tract, and other organs to dilate and relax.
• Circadian regulation: VIP plays a crucial role as a neurotransmitter in your sleep/wake cycle.
• Immune modulation: VIP decreases inflammation by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
• Neuroendocrine-immune communication: VIP also bolsters immune health by promoting and enhancing communication channels between your immune system and the rest of your body.
• Regulation of embryonic development: VIP regulates the growth and embryonic development during neural tube closure. This can influence the function and size of the developing fetus’s brain.

Now that you have an understanding of some of the important roles VIP plays in your body, let’s take a look at some of the ways we may be able to harness the power of this peptide.

Therapeutic Uses for Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)

Considering VIP has such widespread and crucial influence, it’s no surprise that this powerful peptide has been the focus of intense research. And this research has uncovered some promising results that could have a significant impact on our ability to treat some hefty conditions. Let’s take a look at a few.

VIP in the Treatment of COVID 

VIP is currently being studied as a treatment for the emerging COVID-19 viral infection. 

You see, VIP binds to receptors in the cells of your lungs – protecting the cells and the surrounding pulmonary epithelium by inhibiting the virus’s ability to replicate. Once it binds to the cells in your lungs, VIP also blocks the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevents cellular apoptosis, and upregulates the production of a compound known as a surfactant which is crucial for proper oxygenation.⁷

VIP in the Treatment of Respiratory and Cardiac Conditions

COVID-19 isn’t the only respiratory condition that VIP can have therapeutic uses in. Thanks to its powerful effects on smooth muscle, VIP can reduce vascular and bronchial constriction – improving blood circulation and opening up airways. 

Pair this with its potent anti-inflammatory properties and it’s easy to see VIP’s potential in addressing certain respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. There’s growing evidence that VIP may in fact be a powerfully effective treatment for conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).⁸

VIP in the Treatment of Mold Toxicity and Related CIRS

Exposure to toxic mold can lead to the persistent immune response known as chronic inflammatory response syndrome, or CIRS. This unrelenting inflammation can cause debilitating and serious symptoms that can send your body into a downward spiral. But VIP is quickly making its way into the spotlight as a pillar of mold toxicity and CIRS treatment. 

Studies have found that restoring appropriate levels of VIP is crucial for downregulating the systemic immune response seen in CIRS. VIP modulates the immune response, balances hormones, and alleviates symptoms.⁹ 

VIP in the Treatment of Autoimmune and Degenerative Disorders

VIP is well-known for its effects on inflammation and the immune response. This peptide’s ability to downregulate inflammation, promote a healthy and balanced immune response, and foster effective communication among your immune system and the rest of your body makes VIP a key player in your immune health. And there’s mounting evidence that upping VIP levels can combat and even reverse some of the effects of autoimmune and degenerative disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.^10,11

How Can I Increase My Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Levels?

Maintaining healthy levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide requires a big-picture approach. VIP doesn’t exist in a vacuum, so it’s impossible to simply increase your VIP levels without addressing the entirety of your overall health. So, some of the best ways to support your body’s natural production of VIP is to commit to some healthy lifestyle habits such as:

Building Most of Your Meals Around Health-Boosting Foods:

Processed and sugar-laden foods can throw your whole body out of whack – from your hormones to your gut health. An unhealthy diet can put a damper on your body’s production of vital molecules including vasoactive intestinal peptide. Try building most of your meals around foods like:

• Inflammation-fighting vegetables and fruits – fresh or frozen are best. And the more variety the better!
• Satiating healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and nuts or seeds.
• High-quality protein like grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and fresh eggs. I recommend checking out Butcher Box to get fresh quality and ethically raised meat delivered straight to your door. And you can always squeeze in a tasty protein shake for an extra boost of protein.

Focusing on a healthy, well-rounded diet is one of the core pillars of health and will promote healthy and balanced levels of all of your essential hormones and signaling molecules.

Prioritizing Your Gut Health: 

It’s no surprise that there’s a direct link between vasoactive intestinal peptide levels and your gut health. Take steps to keep your gut happy and healthy by giving it the tools it needs to maintain a strong secure intestinal wall and a flourishing healthy microbiome. I recommend:

• Taking a daily probiotic
• Regularly getting a healthy dose of collagen
• Incorporating supplements like Gut Immune and Gut Calm
• Eating gut-friendly fermented foods like kombucha and sauerkraut

Simple tweaks to your lifestyle can make monumental impacts on your gut health – which then have a positive effect on just about every other aspect of your health.

Logging Plenty of Sleep

Sleep deprivation is a surefire way to leave all of your body systems running on empty. Sleep is an often-overlooked pillar that’s essential for overall well-being. So don’t skimp on your sleep.

If you have a hard time falling asleep, there are several ways to naturally “hack” your way to a better night’s rest. Here are a few of my favorites:

• LipoCalm: This premium sleep formula contains a powerful blend of botanicals perfectly calibrated to help you drift off more quickly and get a more restful slumber.
• Dream Powder: This innovative formula supports your body’s natural production of hormones and neurotransmitters (like catecholamines and GABA) that help you ease into a more relaxed state and get better quality sleep.
• Sleep Essentials: This comprehensive formula naturally promotes and enhances your sleep cycle by boosting your synthesis of sleep-supporting compounds like serotonin, melatonin, and GABA.
• PEMF Therapy: Pulsed electromagnetic therapy directs pulsated bursts of electromagnetic energy into your cells. This pulsating energy can actually help shift your brain waves into a more relaxed state and help lull you into a deep, tranquil sleep.

These all-natural sleep-boosting aids can help you get the recommended 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep your body needs to function optimally.

Concerned About Your Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Levels?

If you’re concerned about your VIP levels or have a condition (like those listed above) that you think may benefit from treatment with vasoactive intestinal peptide, I cannot overemphasize the importance of working with an experienced integrative and functional medicine practitioner. They will help you identify any “upstream” issues causing your “downstream” symptoms. 

And if vasoactive intestinal peptides could potentially help you address the root cause, your functional medicine practitioner will help you come up with the best plan to begin treatment. There are a number of ways to take vasoactive intestinal peptide – whether it’s inhaled through a nebulizer or nasal spray or taken in a pill form. A functional medicine practitioner will work with you to develop a treatment plan specifically for your unique condition.

If you’re new to the functional medicine approach or aren’t sure how to go about finding the right doctor for you, I suggest heading over and reading my article How to Choose a Good Integrative and Functional Medicine Doctor.

When It Comes to Your Health, You’re in the Driver’s Seat

Vasoactive intestinal peptide is a fascinating and powerful molecule that’s showing promising results when it comes to addressing various serious health concerns. And while this mighty peptide is certainly shaping up to be a powerful tool, at the end of the day it is exactly that – a tool in our toolbelt. 

True health requires a big-picture, top to bottom approach. There’s no single molecule, or pill, or lifestyle “hack” that can bring you vibrant health. Truly radiant health starts with you in the driver’s seat, making the day-to-day choices that support your well-being – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

And that’s why I’m dedicated to empowering my patients and readers with the tools they need to create their own vibrantly healthy lives. If you enjoyed this article, head over to my blog – it’s chock-full of fascinating science-backed articles just like this one. And if you’re ready to take it even deeper, you can sign up for my newsletter and get all my best tips and resources delivered directly to your inbox. All you have to do is enter your name and email address in the form below.

Now it’s time to hear from you. Were you surprised to hear all of the roles vasoactive intestinal peptides play in our bodies and health? What steps are you taking to support healthy VIP levels? Leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below!

References:

1. Frontiers | Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Deficiency Is Associated With Altered Gut Microbiota Communities in Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice | Microbiology (frontiersin.org)
2. Recent advances in vasoactive intestinal peptide physiology and pathophysiology: focus on the gastrointestinal system (nih.gov)
3. Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
4. Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in osteoarthritis | Journal of Biomedical Science | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)
5. Definition of vasoactive intestinal peptide – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms – National Cancer Institute
6. Frontiers | Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Deficiency Is Associated With Altered Gut Microbiota Communities in Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice | Microbiology (frontiersin.org)
7. VIP: A COVID-19 Therapeutic that Blocks Coronavirus Replication by Jonathan Javitt, Jihad G. Youssef :: SSRN
8. Prospect of vasoactive intestinal peptide therapy for COPD/PAH and asthma: a review | Respiratory Research | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)
9. (PDF) Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings (researchgate.net)
10. Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in osteoarthritis | Journal of Biomedical Science | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)
11. The Anti-Inflammatory Mediator, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Modulates the Differentiation and Function of Th Subsets in Rheumatoid Arthritis (nih.gov)