For many of us, anxiety is a daily battle. We worry about work, our relationships, and the future. Thankfully, there are treatments that can help to ease our anxiety. One of the most popular treatments is GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate communication between neurons in the brain. It is also the most abundant inhibitory transmitter in the brain. This means that it helps to prevent excessive brain activity in the brain. As a result, GABA can help to reduce anxiety.
What is GABA?
Gamma-amniobutyric acid, or GABA for short, is a neurotransmitter made from amino acids. It is the chemical responsible for the transport of signals from one nerve cell to another.
The synthesis of GABA depends on the conversion of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). This process occurs naturally in the body. This is what is needed to convert glutamic acid to GABA. GABA is able to calm anxious brain activity as it can slow down the activity in the brain that causes anxiety.
Some who are specialists in GABA and those that manufacture it claim that supplementing with GABA can help calm:
- Sleep irregularities
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
GABA has been called nature’s valium for its ability to improve relaxation and sleep
What food has the most GABA? or How can I get GABA naturally?
GABA on its own can not be found in everyday foods, but claims have been made that foods containing certain flavonoids and antioxidants can increase the production and activity of GABA in the body.
Foods that are rich in glutamic acid are:
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Citrus fruits
- Red wine
- Tea
- Buckwheat
- Peas, lentils
- Soy proteins
- Walnuts and almonds
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown rice
- Fermented dairy like yogurt and kefir
What does GABA supplementation do?
GABA supplementation assists the brain in blocking certain stress-causing signals coming from the central nervous system. This creates a calming effect. GABA is thought to play a significant role in significantly reducing nerve cell hyperactivity associated with fears, anxiety, and general stress.
Do GABA Supplements Offer Any Benefits?
Research has shown that GABA is important for protecting the brain from undue anxiety and depression. It has been determined in a 2011 journal study of Neuropharmacology that those who are predisposed to depression and anxiety are most likely to have low levels of naturally produced GABA. Scientists have yet to determine if taking GABA supplementation reaches the brain to produce beneficial changes, so much of the evidence of positive results from supplementation is anecdotal.
Those who have taken GABA supplements and experienced positive results have reported that GABA supplementation offers a number of benefits. It can help improve your mood, reduce stress and anxiety levels, and promote relaxation. GABA supplements can also help improve sleep quality and increase energy levels. Additionally, some research suggests that GABA supplements may help boost cognitive performance and memory.
What are the 3 best GABA Supplements to try?
We have done the research so you don’t have to. Our selections are based on quality, purity, absence of artificial ingredients or fillers, 3rd party testing and value.
1. NOW Supplements
What we love about Now Gaba Supplements:
- Effective neurotransmitter support
- Kosher
- Non-GMO
- Halal
- Soy Free
- Vegan
- 3rd party tested
- USA packaged and owned company
- Over 5200 ratings on Amazon with 4.5 stars
2. Horbaach GABA
What we love about Horbaach Gaba Supplements:
- Promotes calm and relaxed mood to help deal with occasional stress
- Non-GMO
- Free of artificial ingredients
- Pure
- 3rd party tested
- Free of all allergens
- 2500 ratings on Amazon with 4.5 stars
3. BulkSupplements.com Gamma Aminobutyric Acid Powder (GABA)
What we love about BulkSupplements.com Gaba:
- May help limit stress
- Supports brain help
- Promotes healthy mood
- Powder bulk container for custom dosages
- Mix into beverage
- Highest quality manufacturing
- 3rd party testing
- Free of all allergens
- Nothing artificial
- Over 1700 ratings on Amazon with 4.5 stars
Is glutamic acid the same as GABA?
Not quite; glutamic acid is what is needed in the metabolic process as a precursor of GABA production. It is something that the human body can synthesize itself, so it is non-essential, though it is thought that some people have a naturally low production of glutamic acid, causing anxiety and related conditions.
What are the symptoms of low GABA?
The inability to relax in a reasonable amount of time after a stressful event is a key symptom. Persisting low GABA leads to sleep and mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Does magnesium increase GABA?
Yes, magnesium increases GABA levels. It binds to the GABA receptors and stimulates them in the brain, which relaxes brain activity.
How do I increase GABA in my brain?
Researchers have found that vigorous bouts of exercise can increase GABA. In addition, exercise helps to switch on a regenerative substance in the brain called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)—helping create new and healthy brain cells and increase neuroplasticity, which prevents anxiety and depression.
Does zinc increase GABA?
Zinc is a mineral that’s needed for GABA production, so it stands to reason that supplementing with zinc could help raise GABA levels. Additionally, zinc has calming effects on the nervous system, which could also contribute to feelings of relaxation.
What are the side effects of GABA supplements?
Too much GABA supplementation could lead to:
- Muscle lethargy and weakness
- Headaches
- Sleepiness
- Digestive issues and an upset stomach
What happens if you take GABA every day?
Taking up to 120mg of GABA each day for up to 12 weeks is unlikely to cause any adverse effects. If they are mixed with other drugs, they may affect them, so talk to your healthcare provider.
There are a number of ways to take GABA, including supplements and medication. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or sleep issues, talk to your doctor about whether GABA might be right for you. It might be a welcome step to see if it helps before having to resort to prescription drugs.
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