“Glycine does so much but the body in disease conditions depletes it so rapidly. Take for instance rheumatoid arthritis—almost everyone suffering from this disease is low in glycine and could benefit from supplementation. That is millions of people right there.”
Glycine (2-aminoacetic acid) is one of the most important amino acids and a neurotransmitter. The body produces glycine, synthesized from other natural biochemicals such as serine, choline and threonine. Glycine can be also consumed through high-protein food like meat, fish, eggs, dairy and legumes. This non-essential amino acid does so very much within the human body just as if it were separate nutrients, each doing their role, interacting differently due to the body’s needs. I used to prescribe L-Glycine to most of patients for stimulating their immunity since it works with our pancreas and our blood sugar levels. I found that when I added L-Glycine with Thymus Gland, it could increase the absorption levels of Thymus Gland to the cells to stimulate the production of T-cells for immunity. Any time a nutrient can be further transported through the blood stream to the cells is a victory and since absorption through digestion can be limiting a breakthrough like this needs to be capitalized upon.
A dynamic duo
I had some great success when using L-Glycine and Thymus Gland extract in practice—this combination is not a standard treatment but for my patients using my protocol it made quite a difference for treating a rare condition known as Evans syndrome; my research suggests potential benefits. L-Glycine helps regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, while Thymus Gland extract helps to modulate the immune response. In Evans syndrome, an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks blood cells, specifically red blood cells, platelets, and sometimes white blood cells. This intervention—using L-Glycine and Thymus Gland extract—if effective, could help restore immune balance and reduce the destruction of blood cells. This same protocol worked well with my AIDS patients as well, as it maintained their T-cell count while helping to restore immune balance and reduce the destruction of blood cells.
Evans syndrome is a serious condition, and treatment should always be overseen by a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new procedures, especially if you are dealing with any pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
The many benefits of glycine
What makes L-Glycine so versatile is how it integrates in regulating glucose levels and insulin secretion, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes. Studies have suggested L-Glycine as a potential aid in managing type 2 diabetes due to its impact on glucose metabolism. Glycine supplementation, particularly in the morning, can enhance insulin secretion, especially in individuals with a family history of type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that glycine can help reduce post-meal (postprandial) blood sugar spikes by increasing insulin secretion particularly at higher concentrations. This effect may be amplified by an autocrine feedback loop involving insulin also through the interactions of the glycine receptors sites throughout the body helping the cells and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in pancreatic β-cells take up glucose more effectively.
Additionally, glycine supplementation may help reduce systemic inflammation and improve glucose homeostasis since glycine can enhance the body’s response to insulin. This blood glucose connection offers a wide range of other potential health benefits. Research has shown its ability to improve insulin sensitivity, potentially leading to better blood sugar control with circulating glycine levels especially with those patients who are consistently low with type 2 diabetes. Glycine supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal—such a welcome relief for those in need.
L-Glycine’s interaction with glucose regulation may possibly interact with gut hormones and insulin potentiation influencing help with weight loss by facilitating the body’s use of glucose for energy rather than storing it as fat, which potentially contributes to lower blood sugar levels. In addition, glycine also plays a role in liver health by reducing fatty liver, which affects 25% of the Canadian population.[1]
In addition, glycine benefits heart health by enhancing nitric oxide utilization; glycine may contribute to better cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. When our insulin levels are naturally in balance with glycine, it contributes to the production of red blood cells since glycine helps with our hemoglobin, which is essential for healthy red blood cells and oxygen transport.
As an amino acid, glycine works as a protein builder in the body: it enables the production of collagen (an essential component of muscles, tendon, skin, and bones), it also aids with production of serotonin (a hormone and neurotransmitter affecting sleep and mood) and creatine (a nutrient used for energy, weight loss and improved athletics). This is important because “[c]reatine plays an important role in the regulation of cellular energy in high energy demand organs such as the inner ear. It is also believed to play a protective role.”[2]
Sleep problems are so often associated with endocrine and metabolic disorders because the entire endocrine system is involved in and affected by sleep. This means that when people do not get enough slow wave non-REM sleep[3], they are more prone to metabolic disorder, weight gain, and cardiovascular risk. Glycine is a non-pharmaceutical option for people with disordered sleep, especially those having a tendency to waking up in the middle of the night. It might promote the prolongation of stage 3-4 sleep in the first sleep cycle and prevents sleep fragmentation without sedative or hypnotic side effects.
According to Dr. Bannai, a Japanese researcher, “this amino acid has an affinity for the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is the brain’s master circadian switchboard. By maintaining the low core body temperature during sleep, glycine increases sleep stability, and improves sleep quality. The sleep-restorative effects appear as a tertiary benefit.”[4]
Glycine could be beneficial for improving prostate health by reducing inflammation, combating oxidative stress, and regulating cell growth. Its anti-inflammatory properties help lower the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer by modulating immune responses. Additionally, glycine’s role in antioxidant defense and cell cycle control may protect prostate cells from damage and abnormal growth, though further clinical research is needed.
Glycine can also help with some of the side effects of the jab like tinnitus, the ringing in the ears; here is the protocol you could apply:
I would suggest the following for 14 days before seeing a difference.
- L-Glycine capsules twice per day: take 3 capsules with breakfast and 3 capsules about 15 to 20 minutes before bed—it helps the body get a better night’s sleep
- 1 GABA twice per day with food
- 1 Zinc Picolinate twice per day with food
- 2 Adrenal Glands with breakfast
The problem is that most people do not take enough glycine when supplementing, it should be taken on a daily basis. “The recommended glycine dosage varies depending on the specific health goal, but generally ranges from 3 to 5 grams per day for most adults.”[5] Glycine does so much but the body in disease conditions depletes it so rapidly. Take for instance rheumatoid arthritis—almost everyone suffering from this disease is low in glycine and could benefit from supplementation. That is millions of people right there.
Life Choice L-Glycine
Life Choice L-Glycine is fermented which is different from the chemically extracted version due to the amount of enzymes; fermented contains up to 30 enzymes, chemically extracted 3-5 enzymes. Fermented glycine is also vegan (from sugar cane or sugar beets), whereas the chemical extraction is from sewage sludge, duck feathers, human or horse hair. Life Choice L-Glycine is also halal and kosher.
References:
- BRC Healthcare. 2024. Glycine Dosage: Optimal Amounts for Various Health Benefits. https://brcrecovery.com/blogs/glycine-dosage/
- Díaz, Luis Antonio et al. 2022. The establishment of public health policies and the burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Americas. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35430032/
- Goldman, Erik. 2011. A New Approach to Promoting Healthy Sleep. http://epubs.democratprinting.com/publication/?i=93004&article_id=920001&view=articleBrowser
- Moradi, Vahid et al. 2024. Role of creatine in sensitivity and function of the auditory and vestibular system. https://avr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/avr/article/view/204#:~:text=Background%20and%20Aim:%20Creatine%20plays,such%20as%20the%20inner%20ear
[1] Díaz, Luis Antonio et al. 2022.
[2] Moradi, Vahid et al. 2024.
[3] Non-REM sleep can be devided into four stages: stage 1 – the state between ordinary wakefulness and sleep; stage 2 – light sleep; stages 3 and 4 – “deep” (slow wave) sleep. Since 2007 stage 3 and 4 are considered as one single stage.
[4] Goldman, Erik. 2011.
[5] BRC Healthcare. 2024.