Glycine: A Powerful Amino Acid for Midlife Women's Health

Glycine, classified as a non-essential amino acid, holds significant importance for women navigating the challenges of midlife. While the body can produce some glycine, my clinical experience reveals that many women may not produce sufficient amounts. Certain conditions are also responsible for depleting glycine levels. Incorporating glycine through dietary sources or supplements could prove beneficial.

The Building Blocks of Health: Amino Acids and Collagen

Picture amino acids as vital puzzle pieces constructing various proteins in the body. Glycine stands out as a key building block for collagen, the body's most abundant protein critical for maintaining healthy hair, skin, nails, muscles, cartilage, blood, and bones. Research even suggests a potential estrogen-like osteoprotective effect of glycine on bone health during menopause, potentially reducing age-related muscle loss.

Fueling Muscles and Protecting Cells: More Than Just Collagen

Glycine's versatility extends to building creatine, which supplies energy to muscles and supports brain health. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in forming glutathione, the body's master antioxidant, offering protection against premature cellular damage and aging.

Balancing Mood and Promoting Sleep

Functioning as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, glycine calms the brain, aiding in mood regulation and sleep promotion. Research suggests that its potential to lower core body temperature may underlie its benefits for sleep, addressing the common issue of nighttime awakenings due to heat. Studies also indicate that glycine induces a deeper sleep with increased time spent in REM sleep, promising a more restful experience.

Cognitive Health and Beyond: A Multifaceted Ally

Beyond mood and sleep, glycine exhibits a calming response, potentially easing anxiety, anger, and mood swings. Its role in maintaining cognitive health and potential links to neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's, are subjects of ongoing research.

Holistic Health Benefits: Blood Sugar, Liver, and Heart

Glycine's positive impact extends to blood sugar control, improving insulin sensitivity, regulating blood sugar levels, and preventing diabetes. It plays a liver-protective role and may help decrease fatty liver. Additionally, by enhancing nitric oxide utilization, glycine contributes to heart protection, reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting healthy arteries. It is also a key building block for hemoglobin, which is essential for healthy red blood cells and oxygen transportation.

Inflammation Control and Immune Regulation

With anti-inflammatory properties and immune-regulating actions, glycine proves itself as a versatile ally in maintaining overall health.

Glycine Depletion

I mentioned at the start that certain conditions deplete glycine and in these cases, you will need even more. I also told you that glycine is a building block for several proteins such as collagen, creatine, and glutathione. If the body has a higher demand for these they will take from your reserve leading to glycine depletion. The conditions that may also contribute to glycine depletion include obesity, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and depression. 

Glycine Safety

Glycine is typically a very safe amino acid but I should also let you know that it is possible to overdose with glycine and even natural products have cautions, medical interactions (such as clozapine), and contraindications (like anuria). If in doubt check with your healthcare provider or book a consultation in with me.

Incorporating Glycine Into Your Routine

Rich dietary sources of glycine include meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. Some vegan foods contain glycine and these include seeds, nuts, and legumes.

Alternatively, standalone glycine supplements or combination products are available. Many people choose to add glycine to their daily routine by mixing it into coffee, tea, soup, smoothies, or other beverages.

The name "glycine" itself originates from the Greek word meaning sweet, a fitting descriptor for the potential sweetness it can bring to your health journey.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of the incredible benefits of glycine.

I’m happy to announce in 2024 I have extending my consulting hours. I have created 4 more appointment slots each week so if you have been thinking about working with me, I now have time to see you.  Consider booking a complimentary discovery call with me so we can chat about your health goals and see if we are a good fit to work together. Discovery Call link

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22293292/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25533534/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26563333/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211124720313644#:~:text=Two%20current%20hypotheses%20regarding%20the,higher%20rates%20of%20acyl%2Dglycine