🚨 CRITICAL WARNING: This protocol relies on LL-37 and BPC-157. Both are Schedule 4 Prescription-Only medicines. LL-37 is a powerful antimicrobial peptide that acts like a “smart antibiotic.” BPC-157 is a healing peptide. While effective, LL-37 can trigger intense “Herxheimer” (die-off) reactions if the bacterial load is high. This protocol should absolutely be supervised by a functional medicine practitioner to manage toxin release.
What is the Gut Repair Protocol?
If you have tried probiotics, FODMAP diets, and Rifaximin (antibiotics) but your bloating and food intolerances keep coming back, this is the “Nuclear Option.”
Chronic gut issues are often a vicious cycle: Bacteria overgrow in the small intestine (SIBO), they create toxins that damage the gut lining (Leaky Gut), and the damaged lining allows toxins into the blood (Autoimmunity).
This protocol attacks the cycle from both ends simultaneously.
- LL-37 (Cathelicidin): acts as the “Exterminator.” It breaks down the protective “biofilms” that chronic bacteria hide behind and physically punctures the bacterial cell walls. It kills the infection that standard antibiotics often miss.
- BPC-157: acts as the “Carpenter.” It rushes to the damaged intestinal lining and repairs the “tight junctions” (the mortar between the bricks). It stops the leaking, reducing systemic inflammation and calming the immune system.
The Science for Dummies: “The Exterminator and the Carpenter”
Imagine your gut is a house that has been infested with termites (bacteria). The termites have eaten holes in the walls (Leaky Gut).
1. LL-37 is the “Exterminator”
If you just fix the walls (take BPC-157 or Probiotics) but don’t kill the termites, they will just eat the new walls again. You need to clear the infestation. LL-37 is a potent fumigation. It strips away the termites’ nests (biofilms) and eliminates them. It cleans the house.
2. BPC-157 is the “Carpenter”
If you just kill the termites (take Antibiotics) but don’t fix the holes, the wind and rain (toxins) will still get inside your house. BPC-157 comes in immediately behind the exterminator and seals the walls. It rebuilds the structural integrity of the gut lining so it can defend itself in the future.
The Synergy: LL-37 removes the cause (infection). BPC-157 repairs the damage (leaks). Doing one without the other often leads to relapse.
Who Is Talking About This Protocol?
- Dr. William Seeds: In his protocols for “Gut Dysbiosis,” he specifically pairs these two. He emphasizes that LL-37 is necessary for “biofilm disruption”—essentially peeling away the slime layer that protects chronic infections like Lyme or Candida in the gut.
- Dr. Michael Ruscio: A leading voice in functional gut health. While cautious about peptides, he acknowledges that regarding SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), addressing biofilm is the missing link for patients who fail antibiotic therapy.
- Ryan Smith (Tailor Made Compounding): Has lectured extensively on using LL-37 to treat the “root cause” of autoimmune disease, theorizing that by sealing the gut with BPC-157 and clearing pathogen load with LL-37, you stop the immune system from over-reacting.
The Strategy: How It Is Used
Caution: LL-37 must be introduced slowly.
The “Ramp Up” Routine
- Duration: 4 to 6 weeks.
- BPC-157 Dose: 500mcg daily (Oral Capsules or SubQ Injection).
- Note: Oral BPC-157 (specifically “Arg-BPC-157” salt) is often preferred here as it directly coats the stomach lining.
- LL-37 Dose (The Ramp):
- Week 1: 50mcg daily. (Test tolerance).
- Week 2: 100mcg daily.
- Week 3-6: 150mcg – 200mcg daily.
- Timing: Inject in the evening.
The “Binder” Rule
When LL-37 kills bacteria, they release endotoxins (LPS). If you don’t catch these toxins, you will feel sick (flu-like symptoms).
- The Hack: Take a binder (Activated Charcoal, Zeolite, or GI-Detox) 30-60 minutes after your LL-37 injection to “mop up” the dying bacteria.
Necessary “Fuel”: Potentiation
- Probiotics (Spore-Based): Once the LL-37 clears the bad guys, you need to plant good guys. Spore-based probiotics (like Bacillus coagulans) survive the stomach acid best.
- L-Glutamine: 5g – 10g daily. The primary fuel source for intestinal cells. BPC-157 starts the repair; Glutamine provides the bricks.
- Bone Broth: High in natural collagen and glycine to support the lining.
Safety & Troubleshooting
The “Herx” (Die-Off) Reaction If you inject LL-37 and feel like you have the flu the next day (body aches, brain fog, fatigue), it is working. You are killing bacteria.
- The Fix: Do not stop. Reduce the dose by 50% for a few days, drink 3L of water, and increase your Charcoal intake. The symptoms usually pass in 3-5 days.
Injection Site Pain LL-37 stings. It is acidic.
- The Fix: Mix the LL-37 and BPC-157 in the same syringe. The BPC-157 helps buffer the sting. Inject slowly into an area with more fat (glute/thigh).
Autoimmune Flares In rare cases, boosting the immune system with LL-37 can flare conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- The Rule: If you have an active autoimmune condition, start at a micro-dose (20mcg) and monitor symptoms closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just use antibiotics?
You can, but antibiotics kill everything (good and bad bacteria) and don’t fix the gut lining. This protocol is more targeted and includes the repair component (BPC-157) that antibiotics lack.
Is Oral BPC-157 as good as injectable?
For Gut Health? YES. Actually, it might be better. Oral BPC-157 (stable version) washes over the stomach and intestinal ulcers directly. For a torn shoulder, injection is better. For SIBO, oral is excellent.
Does LL-37 kill Candida (Yeast)?
Yes. It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. It kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi (Candida). It is often used for patients with “SIFO” (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth).
Will I fail a drug test?
Maybe. BPC-157 is Prohibited (S0). LL-37 is naturally occurring but technically a “Growth Factor” relative. If you are a tested athlete, avoid this stack or check with ASADA/WADA specifically.