GABA
Synopsis
GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, responsible for calming neural activity and helping maintain emotional, cognitive, and muscular balance. It functions as a natural "brake pedal" in the central nervous system, preventing overexcitation of neurons and promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and sleep. GABA counterbalances excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate to maintain nervous system stability.
GABA is produced from glutamate through the action of the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase and is influenced by vitamin B6. It exerts its effects by binding to GABA receptors (GABA-A and GABA-B) in the brain, facilitating the influx of chloride ions, which hyperpolarize the neuron and inhibit its firing.
Low GABA levels or poor GABA receptor sensitivity are associated with anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, panic attacks, and mood disorders. Factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, and overexposure to stimulants can deplete GABA levels or impair its function. Some medications, like benzodiazepines, mimic or enhance GABA activity to produce calming effects.
Natural Remedies
Meditation and deep breathing: Naturally increase GABA activity in the brain.
Regular exercise: Especially yoga and aerobic activity, shown to elevate GABA levels.
Healthy sleep patterns: GABA is crucial for initiating and maintaining restful sleep.
Limit stimulants: Excess caffeine or stress can reduce GABA effectiveness.
L-theanine (from green tea): Boosts GABA and promotes calm without sedation.
Fermented foods and probiotics: Support GABA production via the gut-brain axis.
Magnesium and vitamin B6: Key cofactors for GABA synthesis and receptor sensitivity.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
hops
l-theanine
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus brevis
ashwagandha
chamomile
green tea
schisandra chinensis
magnesium
passionflower
rhodiola
zinc
vitamin B6
valerian root
7,4-Dimethoxyflavone
7-Methoxyflavone
Agmatine
Agmatine Silicate
Agmatine sulfate
Albizia julibrissin
Aminobutyric acid (unspecified)
Amyloban
Barbed Skullcap
alkaloid
Alkaloids
amino acids
Aniracetam
Aniracetam
Apigenin
Apigenin
Baccosides
Bacopa
Bacopa (unspecified)
Bacopa glycoside (unspecified)
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopasaponin (unspecified)
Bacopasides
Bacopin
bacoside
Bacosides
Bacosides (mixed)
Bacosine
Bilobalide
botanical (unspecified)
Brahmi
Brain
Brain
California poppy
California Poppy
Capitate Valerian
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
Decarboxylase
DHA-conjugated phosphatidylserine
Dihydromyricetin
Doxylamine succinate
English Lavender
Erythrina (unspecified)
Flow agent
food additive (unspecified)
GABA
Gamma amino beta-hydroxybutyric acid
gastrodia
Gastrodia
Gastrodin
Hericenones
Homotaurine
Honokiol
Hops
hyperforin
hyperforin
Indian Coraltree
Indian Valerian
Jujube seeds
Jujubosides
kanna
Kava kava
kava root
Kavalactone
Kavalactones
Lavandula (unspecified)
Lavender
lavender
lemon balm
Linalool
Lithium
Lithium
Lithium
lithium orotate
Lupulinum
Magnesium Taurinate
Magnesium threonate
Magnolia
magnolia
Magnolol
Mesembrine
Mexican valerian
Mulungu
N-phenylacetyl-L-Prolylglycine ethyl ester
Nicotine
Nitrous Oxide
Passiflora (unspecified)
Passionflower
Peptides (unspecified)
Phenibut
Phytocannabinoid (unspecified)
phytocannabinoids
Picamilon
plant (unspecified)
polygala root
Pyroglutamic Acid
Safranal
Sceletium
sceletium
Sedanenolide
Silk Tree
Skullcap
skullcap
Skullcap (unspecified)
Tagara
Tetrahydropalmatine
Theanine
Theanine
Uncaria rhynchophylla
Valerenic acid
Valerenic acid derivatives
Valerian
valeric acid
Wogonin
Xylaria nigripes
l-taurine
Taurine
Taurine alpha-ketoglutarate
Taurine Alpha-ketoisocaproate
Taurine arginine alpha-ketoglutarate
Taurine citric acid
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile (not specified)
Chamomile (unspecified)
l-tryptophan