Glorious Glycine

Glycine, glycine, where have I seen you before? I know we’ve met, but I don’t recall under what circumstances. Hmm, I think I’ve got it – you were a guest of my friend, magnesium glycinate, at a party, and during our conversation you were so calming that I had the best sleep of my life that evening. I’m so glad to run into you again!

I’m being facetious, but I first recognized the word “glycine” from a form of magnesium (the kind that I found most tolerable for me) called magnesium glycinate, but I didn’t realize that it was THAT glycine. It makes sense now to me, because whenever I would take magnesium glycinate prior to bed, I would have deep, restorative sleep, and, sure enough, that is one of the benefits of glycine (classified as a non-essential amino acid because our body can produce it on its own).

The detective on me wanted to know more, and what I discovered was impressive.

Glycine’s benefits are many, and include:

Relaxing the nervous system – it aids in better sleep and I notice that, when taking glycine for this reason, I don’t experience that gradual, foggy slope into sleepdom, which I never quite liked. Instead, at some unexpected point soon after taking it – 4mg in my case 30 minutes before bed – I simply fall asleep).

Serving as an antioxidant – it serves as a producer of cell-protector glutathione and is thus an antioxidant (many people take a glutathione supplement, not realizing that glycine is the cart before the horse so to speak).

Building muscle – it is a foundational source for muscle development, including tissues and collagen. This has been terrific for someone like myself who leans lean and needs some help building tone. It’s also great to get that skin support via the collagen, and I do see a difference in my skin quality.

Aiding in metabolism – it breaks down fats and harmonizes blood sugar, which surprised me at first because glycine actually has a sweet taste (I had to double check that I wasn’t raising my glucose levels by taking it! For this reason, glycine can be used in foods for some sweetness when regular sugar or the usual sugar substitutes are not good options).

What do I take? Vital Nutrients Glycine Powder, 4grams, 30 minutes before bed, directly under my tongue or with a small amount of water. It’s been one of my greatest discoveries and I hope it will be helpful to you, too! (please note, I am not a doctor, so consult with your doctor first before taking any supplements).

Thank you, glycine! I’m so glad we have met!