Glycine is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and has been shown to have a strong correlation to bone building and collagen forming. This makes sense considering the fact that collagen makes up 30% of our bones, and glycine makes up 75% of collagen itself. We technically produce our own glycine which helps to create further proteins that influences the production of bones, skin, ligaments, joints, hormones, and enzymes! Collagen, in particular, is important for the elasticity of our skin, where as in bones it makes the structure less porous. However, our production of glycine slows as we age which is why it is so important to continue to consume it
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🍽Vital food sources we can obtain glycine from are bone broth, gelatin, some fish, poultry skin and even legumes
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Conversely, glycine is not just an amino acid for structural purposes, but can also be helpful for many other things:
🔹️Glycine is a natural relaxant, hence can be helpful in reducing anxiety, aiding in falling asleep, as well as muscle recovery. Think about it, you know how everyone is taking magnesium supplements? Well, of the many types of magnesiums, magnesium glycinate is one of the most highly absorbable. In order for magnesium to be absorbed properly it needs to be bound to a molecule, and in this case would be glycine. This is why this supplement is usually recommended for anxiety, insomnia and post work out.
🔹️You know our master antioxidant glutathione? Well, we can’t make it without adequate glycine production, which would inhibit our detoxification process. In fact, glycine is critical for Phase 2 of our liver detoxification process which is part of the conjugation process aka converting fat soluble toxins into water soluble so they can be excreted out of the body.
🔹️It also works as an anti inflammatory and a rebuilding of the mucosal lining. So, if you have leaky gut, pain, swelling, bruising, etc., it might be worthwhile to try a scoop of glycine.