GLYCINE FIGHTS VIRAL INFECTIONS

Glycine fights viral infections. Viruses are in the news right now. As I write this, flu season is in full swing, and a new flu-like virus is breaking out in China.

NOTE:

We just went through the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s still out there. Let’s be clear: I do not advise others to get vaccinated against these seasonal viruses. This is a personal decision. I have personally chosen to get the flu vaccine each flu season. This does not mean you should.

I suggest you visit with your healthcare provider about this and make the best decision for your self.

Ok, let’s get started with some good news about preventing viral infections.

Glycine, a new weapon in the virus wars.

Well, not really new; glycine is an amino acid and a building block of many valuable proteins. Your body produces glycine, and you can get it from outside sources like foods (especially meat) and supplements.

The most abundant protein in your body – 30% – is collagen, which is 28% glycine. Obviously, glycine is a critical amino acid. But there’s more to glycine than collagen. It is a critical component of glutathione, our body’s primary anti-oxidant and inflammation modulator.

It also is a neurotransmitter that suppresses nerve transmission, and thus attenuates “spikey” nerve impulses.

Finally, it has recently been shown to extend the age of mice. Humans? No, but maybe.

There are more plusses for glycine, but this post is about its effects on viral infections. It is, after all, flu season, and COVID-19 is still a concern.

Glycine and viral infections:

Glycine toughens the extracellular matrix:

Other than filling the space between your cells and other things, you probably never thought about your extracellular matrix actually doing anything. It turns out, however, that, among other things, it is thickened by the production of collagen.

Collagen is a product of glycine and some other molecules. The point, however, is that under certain conditions, the collagen in your extracellular matrices will thicken and get stiffer, making it more difficult for viruses to move around in the gel.

This thickening is a complex process, but think of yourself and how quickly you could move around in a pool full of honey versus water. It works. This thickening slows viruses’ activity down while your immune system fights them off.

Glycine Blocks the viral capsid:

You probably don’t know what a capsid is unless you’re a virologist. Neither did I. It’s pretty complex, so I’m going to use a beer can opener to explain what a capsid does.

Your cell’s outer membrane has hard material on it to block intruders. You could liken this to the scales on a fish. This “armor” normally keeps things like a virus from getting inside the cell and taking over its operation.

Now, a virus has a thing called a capsid that works like a beer can opener. It pries open the armor on your cell membrane and lets other viruses flood in. A thin layer of glycine residue blocks the capsid from doing its mischief, thus protecting the cell.

Now, you can see where I’m going:

Most of the time, with what your body makes and with what you eat, your body has sufficient amounts of glycine. Unfortunately, you will likely need extra glycine when you are under a viral attack.

First, let me say that there is no downside to taking extra glycine. Your body will use the excess or get rid of it. It will not build up in your system or degenerate into something harmful.

That said, especially during flu season, taking extra glycine in supplement form makes a lot of sense.

If you read through the technical data, it turns out that depending on your diet and body mass, you would need 10 to 20 grams of glycine each day.

What now?

In full disclosure, I put ten grams of glycine powder in my coffee each morning and eat ten grams of collagen in the afternoon (mixed in my food or dissolved in a glass of water).

And like I always say, don’t do this because I do. Read the materials and make the best decision for yourself.

My intention in this article is prevention. Don’t wait until you’re sick to do this. It might help, but prevention is always better.

Finally:

Glycine has a lot of values, too many to talk about here. One thing I think has value is its potential life-extending ability. This has been shown in mice but not humans. Doing this kind of study in humans presents many difficulties and will probably never happen.

In my mind, with no downside to taking supplemental glycine, I’m not waiting to see. Glycine is staying on my list of anti-aging supplements.

OMY1

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