Collagen can’t live without it.
We talk about COLLAGEN all of the time and I love the beauty collagen from Riman that I use. WE can go more into that another time as we discuss all the types of collagen and what they do.
But today let’s talk about glycine. Think of glycine as the glue in your collagen scaffolding. It literally holds your skin and muscles together. Our ability to make collagen is tied to our estrogen levels. When estrogen dips, collagen production tank. . . and that’s when glycine becomes your skin’s lifeline. Skip the glycine and watch your skin start to droop, sag, and take on that crepey texture. Honestly, nobody has time for that mess.
Sleep, too.
Glycine chills your nervous system and may help you fall into a nice deep-sleep cycle where growth hormone and collagen rebuilding actually happen. Beauty sleep is a real thing. Actually that is when a lot of good things happen. Muscle building, brain cleaning and collagen repair while you snooze.
It’s anti-inflammatory and anti-aging.
High methionine from meat-heavy diets spikes homocysteine and inflammation unless glycine steps in to balance it. It supports homocysteine metabolism, liver detox, muscle protein synthesis revs up, and systemic stress reduction and – YES – it is amazing for sleep. What that means is we get to wake up less puffy, fewer flare-ups, and a calmer body that can finally focus on energy and repair instead of in survival mode.
How to Use It Safely
- Dose: 3–5 g (½–1 tsp) once or twice daily
- Timing: Evening is best, imo. That’s when I use it.
- Optional Stack: Combine with collagen peptides + vitamin C + a balanced mineral supplement that has zinc and copper.
Capsules exist, but powder is queen, in my opinion. It is slightly sweet, dissolves in anything. Toss it in yogurt, protein shakes, or try one of the bedtime drinks below. Currently I’m using capsules due to my travel schedule, and they are more convenient.
Putting the pieces together
Many women over 50 discover that collagen powder “doesn’t work” and it is not because collagen failed, but because glycine was missing or not enough.
Glycine is the rate-limiting amino acid for collagen synthesis. As we age, dietary glycine drops while demand rises (when have we heard THAT before about processes in our body). Without enough glycine along with cofactors vitamin C, copper, and zinc, the body can’t assemble collagen into firm skin, joints, or healthy connective tissues. Instead, the amino acids we are consuming get diverted to inflammation control, detox or a number of other processes while leaving our skin’s builder cells (fibroblasts) starved of the exact raw material they need to lay down new collagen fibers.. . .and that’s why we hear “this collagen did nothing for me.”
Give it 8–12 weeks. When glycine levels rise, collagen finally gets built. Skin thickens, joints ease, and the glow shows up.
I’ve attached a couple of drink recipes (printable recipe cards) you can use in the evenings as a bedtime nightcap.
The first is a Glycine Latte that you can sip on in the evenings. The other is a savory night time mug of warm goodness.
Enjoy
Linda
Disclaimer: I am a holistic nutritionist, not a medical doctor. The information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, diet, or lifestyle change. Individual results may vary.
