Dr Read’s “Return to Work Protocol”
As summer comes to an end, many of us return from vacation feeling refreshed but aware that maintaining our energy and well-being requires more than just a seasonal break.
To truly transition back into our routine lives -work, school and daily responsibilities- feeling strong, focused, and balanced, we need to build on the right foundation. It is important to find ways to keep our energy levels high and maintain the well-being that we felt during our vacation.
Maintaining the sense of renewal that we gained during the summer is key. That’s why Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read is sharing her “Return to Work Protocol,” a set of recommendations designed to make this transition smoother, healthier, and more sustainable.
First let’s review briefly the 5 pillars of good health, as emphasized by Dr. Read and redefined in last month’s newsletter. These essential elements support not only physical vitality but also emotional resilience—both crucial as we move into the busy months ahead:
Good Nutrition – Fuel your body with whole, nourishing foods that provide sustained energy and essential nutrients.
Appropriate Exercise – Find a routine that suits your lifestyle and keeps you moving—whether it's daily walks, strength training, or yoga.
Restorative Sleep – Prioritize quality sleep to support recovery, mental clarity, and immune function.
Stress Management – Learn to recognize your stress triggers and build healthy strategies to cope, like meditation or breathwork.
Emotional Self-Care – Make space for what feeds your soul—connection, creativity, reflection, and joy.
Without these five pillars, achieving optimal health becomes much more difficult. But with them, you create a sustainable, holistic approach to thriving—not just surviving—as the seasons shift.
Energy and stress management are two major goals that many of us strive to keep at optimal levels.
To support both physical energy and endurance, Dr. Read recommends starting with peptides specifically designed to enhance these areas. CB4211 is a modified analog of the mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c, designed:
to support energy generation at the cellular level.
to enhance mitochondrial function by improving the efficiency of the electron transport chain
and boosting ATP production.
Additional reported benefits include:
anti-inflammatory effects
improved muscle endurance and strength
and protection against muscle atrophy—all linked to enhanced energy metabolism.
CB4211 has also demonstrated trends toward weight reduction and liver fat decrease, suggesting it may be a valuable addition for weight maintenance following weight loss.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), primarily known for stimulating the natural production of growth hormone (GH).
By increasing GH and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) levels, Tesamorelin can have a range of metabolic benefits, including enhanced energy levels, improved fat metabolism, and increased lean muscle mass.
These effects contribute to better physical performance, endurance, and overall vitality—making Tesamorelin a potential therapeutic option for those looking to support energy metabolism, reduce visceral fat, and maintain muscle strength, especially in the context of aging or metabolic stress.
Let’s not forget the need to support energy through the NAD pathways. A few months ago, Dr Read announced the introduction of a new reformulated supplement combining both NMN and 1 MNA in the same capsule. This unique combination enhances the impact of the original NMN as a producer of NAD⁺ and at same time reduces the risks linked to excess intake.
Research shows that high NAD⁺ supplementation without support may deplete methyl groups during its metabolism, affecting DNA methylation. neurotransmitter production and detoxification. This could affect mental function and increase cancer risk.
The idea of adding 1-MNA to the original NMN 1 counteracts the side-effect of methylation depletion. 1-MNA supplementation may act as a "sink" that reduces methylation strain.
In addition, 1-MNA adds anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective effects to the benefits of NMN itself improving circulation and supporting cardiovascular health
Returning to work can feel mentally overwhelming — especially when you're greeted by a long list of tasks. So how can you prevent anxiety from creeping in and manage stress in a healthy, productive way?
In addition to regular exercise and mindfulness or meditation techniques, the nasal spray peptide Selank may offer a natural and effective boost for stress relief. Known for its calming, anti-anxiety effects without sedation, Selank works by modulating the balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and by influencing the GABA system.
Selank can help support mental clarity, emotional balance, and a smoother return to your routine. It is helpful for “post-vacation transition.”
Quality Sleep
Getting quality sleep is one of the most effective ways to prolong the benefits of a vacation. To maintain this, it's important to practice good sleep hygiene after returning—such as avoiding late bedtimes and limiting excessive caffeine intake.
For those who need extra support to unwind at night, the supplement Cortisol Calm may offer a natural solution. It helps calm the mind and promote uninterrupted sleep by addressing elevated nighttime cortisol, a common cause of waking up in the middle of the night. Cortisol is a hormone released in response to stress, primarily by the adrenal cortex, but also by intra-abdominal fat cells.
Cortisol Calm contains a synergistic blend of three Ayurvedic adaptogens—Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Magnolia—along with a small dose of L-theanine, a calming amino acid and GABA precursor. Taken as two capsules at bedtime, this formula supports healthy cortisol balance, stress resilience, and emotional well-being.
Dr. Read recommends adding one extra capsule of L-theanine for enhanced effects. L-theanine is known to promote alpha brain wave activity, helping to calm the sympathetic nervous system and encourage a state of relaxation for deeper, more restful sleep.
Strong Immune System
Another important area to focus on is keeping our immune system functioning at its highest possible level. Fall will be here before we know it, bringing with it an increased risk of respiratory infections—most commonly viral illnesses, but also the potential for bacterial superinfections. Strengthening our immunity now can help us stay resilient in the months ahead.
One of the most essential nutrients for a strong immune system is Vitamin D. Often called the "sunshine vitamin," it plays a key role in modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that adequate Vitamin D levels can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including colds, flu, and other viral illnesses.
As we move toward fall—with shorter days and less sun exposure—it’s important to check your Vitamin D levels and consider supplementation if needed. Keeping your levels in an optimal range can make a significant difference in how well your body defends itself.
Regular use of Colostrum in winter may help reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections, improve recovery times, and strengthen overall immune resilience.
Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by mammals after giving birth, rich in antibodies, growth factors, and immune-modulating nutrients. While it Is essential for newborns, bovine colostrum supplements have gained popularity for their potential to boost the immune system in adults—especially during cold and flu season.
In winter, our immune defenses are often challenged by:
Increased exposure to viruses (indoors, crowded spaces)
Lower vitamin D levels due to less sunlight
Higher levels of stress and inflammation
Colostrum helps by:
Providing immunoglobulins (IgG) to help neutralize pathogens
Supporting gut health, where over 70% of the immune system resides
Enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms
Finally, for those considered “at risk” — such as individuals with a history of recurrent infections, frequent travel, long work hours, or regular exposure to the public — Dr. Fradin-Read recommends adding the peptide Thymulin to your immune support regimen.
Thymulin is a naturally occurring peptide hormone secreted by the thymus gland, an organ essential to the development of the body’s immune system—especially during childhood and early adulthood. Thymulin plays a key role in modulating the activity of T-cells, which are central to the immune response.
As we age, thymus function declines—a process known as thymic involution—which can weaken immune defenses. This is one reason older adults may be more susceptible to infections and slower to recover.
Thymulin peptide therapy has gained interest in integrative and regenerative medicine for its potential to:
Enhance T-cell function
Support immune regulation
Improve resistance to infections
Help balance inflammatory responses
By supporting thymus activity, Thymulin may act as a valuable tool—particularly during times of increased immune stress, such as the fall and winter months.
A Final Note: Weight and Metabolism
The last topic part of this newsletter focuses on weight and metabolism. While some may have used their vacation to get active, build muscle, and even shed a few pounds, many of our patients also took the opportunity to indulge a little—enjoying extra food, wine, and well-deserved relaxation. As a result, a few added pounds (often 4–5 lbs) are not uncommon.