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I’ve Been Taking This Brain Upgrade For Years (And You’ve Probably Never Heard Of It)

Sharper thinking in 30 minutes. Better memory all day.

Jan 22, 2026
∙ Paid

You probably know about glycine. And you probably take 3 grams before bed for deeper sleep and lower body temperature. Smart move. I do too.

But there’s a methylated version of glycine that doesn’t just help you sleep. It upgrades your brain’s ability to learn and remember. And I’ve been taking it for years.

It’s glycine with one small change: a methyl group (one carbon + three hydrogens) attached to it. That’s it.

But that tiny change meaningfully alters how your brain uses it.

While glycine helps you relax and sleep, this compound does something extra: it stops your brain from removing glycine too quickly from the spaces between your neurons.

Think of it this way:

  • Glycine = adding more fuel

  • This methylated version = keeping the fuel in the tank longer AND adding more at the same time

You get double the benefit from one molecule.

Why Your Brain’s Learning Switch Matters

Before I tell you what this compound is, you need to understand how your brain actually learns and forms memories.

Your brain has receptors called NMDA receptors. These are like switches that need TWO keys to turn on:

  1. Glutamate (the “on” signal)

  1. Glycine or D-serine (the “permission” signal)

When both keys are in place, the switch flips, calcium rushes into your brain cells, and your brain can:

  • Form new memories

  • Learn new skills

  • Adapt to new information

  • Get rid of old, useless connections

Here’s the problem: Your brain doesn’t keep enough glycine hanging around these switches. Your body cleans it up too fast, before it can do its full job.

This is where the methylated compound comes in.

Unlike regular glycine, this molecule turns on your brain’s learning switches without them getting tired and shutting off, meaning they stay on longer and work better.

The research backs this up. Studies show this compound may improve working memory, focus, and how well you learn and remember.

At 1-2 grams daily, I notice sharper thinking within 30-60 minutes and better focus when writing or working through complex problems.

The Compound: Sarcosine (Methylated Glycine)

The molecule I’ve been using for years is sarcosine, also called N-methylglycine.

It’s glycine with a methyl group stuck to it. That’s the only difference in structure. But in your brain? Completely different game.

Unlike regular glycine, sarcosine stops your brain from cleaning glycine out of the spaces between neurons too quickly.

Most importantly: there’s solid human data showing it works.

The full article includes:

  • How sarcosine’s dual mechanism works in your brain

  • The human clinical studies and what they found

  • Exact protocol and dosing

  • Why the methylation matters

  • What you can stack it with

  • Safety profile and who shouldn’t take it

  • How to source quality sarcosine

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