I have been using supplements since 1998. I discovered Glycine quite recently (2014) and it has been one of my favorite supplements ever since. I have been really happy and impressed with the results I gotten when it comes to improving sleep quality and HGH (Human Growth Hormone) production.
CAUTION: Medical Disclaimer
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My experience with Glycine
After sustaining a severe injury during my time in the army, my sleep patterns were heavily disrupted. Melatonin came to the rescue (you can read about it in my older article) and while it did work miracles, I needed something to cycle off with since melatonin is a hormone. This is where Glycine came to the rescue.
Even after the first dose, I saw immediate results (deeper sleep) plus I felt more rested when I woke up. Little did I know that after a couple of weeks, the effect would get exponentially stronger!
When it comes to sleep quality, getting lean and waking up more refreshed it worked great for me and I would highly recommend it.
What is Glycine?
Glycine is actually an amino acid. It falls in the category of “non-essential amino acids” because our bodies can make it from other processes. It is used in many biochemical processes in the body such as the creation of muscle tissue and proper energy conversion (from glucose).
It is found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy and legumes (beans, lentils etc). It is also found in all the cells of our body and especially in higher concentrations in the prostate gland. Typically a normal diet should contain around 2 grams of glycine daily.
Glycine benefits include:
- The combination of glycine and antioxidants can help protect from cancer and free radicals.
- Glycine works as an inhibitory neurotransmitter which means it can potentially treat epilepsy, hyperactivity and bipolar depression.
- Glycine has a big impact on cognitive processes and can support the central nervous system. For this reason, it is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, obsession and even anxiety and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.
- Enhanced sleep quality is also one of the benefits associated with glycine (since it has a calming effect on the mind) and as result of this, less fatigue.
- It has been reported to protect the liver from alcohol, treat upset stomach (since it has an antacid effect) and the kidneys by shielding them from side effects of certain drugs used after an organ transplant.
- Better healing of open wounds is also reported when putting glycine on the wound as it increases collagen production.
When and how to take it
Glycine is usually available in tablet or powder form. I prefer the powder form as it has better value for money, is more versatile and plus its sweet taste makes it an excellent sweetener for post workout shakes or shakes before bed.
- For better sleep, take before bedtime.
- For wounds and leg ulcers apply glycine directly to the skin.
Safety and side effects
While Glycine is considered safe, reported side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, slight drowsiness and in some cases mild digestive problems.
- Other less-reported effects are aggravation of schizophrenia symptoms when glycine is taken with certain other schizophrenia medication.
- Also allergy symptoms such as itching, wheezing, skin rash, swelling of the mouth, swallowing difficulties and problems in breathing.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Since no studies can indicate the full safety of this supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is best indicated to avoid use if you belong in this category.
Contraindications or interactions with other medication/substances:
Consult with your doctor before using this supplement and if you have any of the following conditions or take the following medication/substances:
- Schizophrenia: Medication for treating schizophrenia can interact with Glycine so this combination is contraindicated. It is advised to check with your doctor for clearance if you plan on taking Glycine supplements.
Do I need to cycle off?
While cycling is not required, I always advise 3-6 months of use followed by 1 month off.
Dosage
Over the past 20 years I have experimented with literally hundreds of herbs, supplements (and other natural products) and was finally able to discover the right doses for amazing results.
If you wish to learn more about the dosages that I use with my clients for different purposes (better health, hormonal balance, stress management, testosterone boost and more) or how I combine this herb/supp with others, leave a comment below or reach out to me for a consultation through the “Hire me” link.
Closing notes:
As you can see there is a way to get better sleep and Growth Hormone release with glycine. Remember that more growth hormone means better fat loss, muscle gain and anti-aging support. But that’s not all. Glycine is also a strong antioxidant, can protect your liver and detox your system, support your cognitive processes and so much more. I personally believe it is a great addition to your supplement stack in order to take your health to the next level.
Have you ever used Glycine? If yes, what was your experience with it? Let me know in the comments below and get the discussion going.
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by Nick Sigma
C.W.C, E.H, YRT-200
Studies:
- Glycine inhibits angiogenic signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
- Glycine intrastriatal administration induces lipid and protein oxidative damage and alters the enzymatic antioxidant defenses in rat brain.
- Evidence that glycine induces lipid peroxidation and decreases glutathione concentrations in rat cerebellum.
- Cyclosporin A increases hypoxia and free radical production in rat kidneys: prevention by dietary glycine.
- The inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine modulates macrophage activity by activation of neutral amino acid transporters.
- High-dose glycine added to olanzapine and risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia.
- High-Dose Glycine Treatment of Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder in a 5-Year Period
- Subjective effects of glycine ingestion before bedtime on sleep quality
- Glycine ingestion improves subjective sleep quality in human volunteers, correlating with polysomnographic changes
- The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers
- Stimulation of gastric acid secreted by glycine and related oligopeptides in humans. Wald A, Adibi SA.
- Glycine aggravates ischemia reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury through N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor activation in rats.
- Effects of a hydrolyzed collagen dressing on the healing of open wounds in dogs.
Sources:
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