Synopsis of GABA
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 to support GABA
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 support GABA.
amino acids
ashwagandha
California poppy
chamomile
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
green tea
hops
kava root
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus brevis
lavender
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
passionflower
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
rhodiola
sceletium
schisandra chinensis
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
gastrodia
kanna
7,4-Dimethoxyflavone
7-Methoxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia julibrissin
Amyloban
Agmatine
Agmatine sulfate
Apigenin
Alkaloids
Agmatine Silicate
Aminobutyric acid (unspecified)
alkaloid
Aniracetam
Aniracetam
Bilobalide
botanical (unspecified)
Baccosides
Bacopin
Brain
Barbed Skullcap
Bacosides (mixed)
Brahmi
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa (unspecified)
Bacopa
Brain
bacoside
Bacosides
Bacopasides
Bacosine
Bacopasaponin (unspecified)
Bacopa glycoside (unspecified)
California Poppy
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Capitate Valerian
Chamomile (not specified)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Chamomile (unspecified)
Dihydromyricetin
DHA-conjugated phosphatidylserine
Doxylamine succinate
Decarboxylase
English Lavender
Erythrina (unspecified)
food additive (unspecified)
Flow agent
Gastrodia
GABA
Gamma amino beta-hydroxybutyric acid
Gastrodin
Honokiol
Hericenones
Hops
hyperforin
hyperforin
Homotaurine
Indian Valerian
Indian Coraltree
Jujube seeds
Jujubosides
Kavalactone
Kavalactones
Kava kava
lemon balm
Lithium
Lithium
Lithium
Lavender
Lavandula (unspecified)
Lupulinum
Linalool
Magnolia
Magnolol
Magnesium Taurinate
Mulungu
Magnesium threonate
Mexican valerian
Mesembrine
Nitrous Oxide
N-phenylacetyl-L-Prolylglycine ethyl ester
Nicotine
Picamilon
Pyroglutamic Acid
Passiflora (unspecified)
Peptides (unspecified)
Passionflower
Phenibut
plant (unspecified)
Phytocannabinoid (unspecified)
Sceletium
Skullcap
Safranal
Silk Tree
Skullcap (unspecified)
Sedanenolide
Taurine alpha-ketoglutarate
Taurine Alpha-ketoisocaproate
Taurine arginine alpha-ketoglutarate
Theanine
Taurine
Theanine
Taurine citric acid
Tagara
Tetrahydropalmatine
Uncaria rhynchophylla
Valerenic acid
Valerenic acid derivatives
Valerian
valeric acid
Wogonin
Xylaria nigripes