What is GABA

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is found in almost every region of the brain and is the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the nervous system, is used primarily to help induce relaxation and aid in sleep disturbances. It is also a great tool used in the regulation of anxiety. For those of us who get overly excited, this helps balance the brain and keeps us in check.

Function and Uses

We live in a fast-paced world and no one is exempt from the stresses that go along with our hectic lifestyles. We are all stressed out! This is no secret—most of us are aware of this. But, did you know that stress is the silent killer! Stress causes cardiovascular problems, it has also been linked to certain cancers, and it has been linked to psychological disturbances as well.

However, we can combat this with GABA, which is widely used as a calming agent in the brain and it is commonly taken as a nutritional supplement to help alleviate stress and nervous tension. We are aware that many other drugs can increase the effects of GABA like valium, and alproate, etc., but we are also aware that they have dangerous addictive properties and serious side effects where GABA has none.

Some small studies indicate that GABA works effectively as a natural relaxant. Individuals noticed marketable improvement within an hour of taking this supplement. Moreover, instead of fretting about being stressed out GABA has been cited as potentially boosting the immune system under stressful conditions. What a Benefit!

Remember as stated above stress and anxiety, are debilitating conditions which create serious outcomes. They can interfere with our everyday life and performance, as well as shortening our life span.

Stress can also impair the ability to perform mentally, which in turn may enhance frustration, hostility, aggression, injury or worse. It can raise havoc by impairing the immune system, thus lowering resistance to disease and allowing degenerative and opportunistic diseases to occur. It is also a contributing factor of depression, a severe debilitating disease. Unfortunately, everyone is subjected to stress related factors at one time of another. According to research more than 25 million Americans alone suffer from some form of anxiety related illness. The old adage, “stress can kill” is no exaggeration!

In another area of interest, especially for bodybuilders and athletes, as well as health conscious individuals, Gamma-aminobutyric acid stimulates the anterior pituitary, leading to higher levels of Human Growth Hormone which as you know, increases muscle and prevents fat cells. GABA supplementation is a great option for all you muscle bound individuals! Gain muscle and reduce fat! That’s awesome!

GABA also has a physiological role in many systems outside the central nervous system, including regulating cardiovascular functions, regulating pituitary functions and growth, hormone production, mammalian fertilization, and healthy renal (kidney) function. Also, it is clinically demonstrated that GABA and GABA enhancing compounds, like the amino acid L-theanine, play an important role in stabilizing mood disorders.

Health Benefits

Besides the phenomenal benefits listed above GABA, according to recent studies also improves sleep cycles leading to a more restful sleep pattern, providing for that ever-welcomed good night sleep and as a bonus, it has powerful stabilizing effects on blood pressure.

If that is not enough, GABA is also a very effective analgesic, helping individuals who suffer from debilitating conditions such as arthritis and lower back pain, leaving them relatively pain free. This is a good thing, because eventually as we age most individuals will encounter some form of arthritis, chronic back pain or other nagging discomforts and it is nice to know that GABA, an effective all natural treatment is within reach.

GABA naturally stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete higher levels of human growth hormone (HGH). GABA signals the pituitary to naturally release HGH. HGH is a hormone that is widely known for its powerful anabolic (muscle building) effects, as well as lipotropic (breakdown and utilization of body fat) effects. Human growth hormone is produced stored and secreted by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.

According to research yet another area that GABA has benefited individuals is in the treatment of epilepsy and hypertension. Levels of GABA in the brain may influence seizure activity in individuals with epilepsy. GABA appears to inhibit nerve cells in the brain from firing and setting off seizures. Gamma-aminobutyric acid analog gabapentin has been approved in the Unites States for the treatment of epileptic seizures and post-herpetic neuralgia. It has also shown efficacy in controlled studies for treating neuropathic pain of varying etiologies.

Side Effects

It is great to report that fortunately, GABA is a relatively safe product if taken as directed, with only a few minor side-effects reported:

-mild tingling sensations in the face/neck area

-minor and brief heart rate changes which quickly dissipate

-breathing pattern changes, which are mild and brief

-slight sedation

Dosage Intake

The usual doctor recommended dose is 2 grams of GABA, four times daily, and is best taken on an empty stomach prior to sleep. However this is not the case for hardcore bodybuilders whose dose has been as high as 5 grams per dose.

GABA is safe at recommended doses. However, as with many other medications there may be a problem with interaction with other medications, so be sure to check with your doctor if you are on any other meds before taking GABA. There are no known negative side effects with the use of GABA, except for those minor ones stated above; however, at high doses GABA can actually increase anxiety and insomnia. Remember just because something is natural, doesn’t mean you should abuse it. So follow directions—be wise, stay safe and enjoy!

Facts

Addicts, regardless of what addiction, whether it be Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Caffeine, Food, Gambling, Shopping, Sex, even the Internet all have one thing in common, not enough of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

We feel good when neurons in the reward pathway of the brain release a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine provides a jolt of pleasure and normally excess dopamine is checked by GABA before becoming over activated. Studies indicate that individuals who suffer from addictive behavior patterns do not produce enough GABA to suppress over stimulated neurons, which in turn, are responsible for addictive cravings. Without enough GABA to dampen excitatory messages set off by these addictions and/or mental stimulants, the brain never appreciates that it has been satisfied.

Although in theory, a healthy person with a balanced diet should produce sufficient amounts of GABA, this is not always true. Imbalances can occur in many otherwise healthy people for various reasons; some are stressed while others are exposed to environmental toxins. Insufficient levels of GABA are associated with anxiety, depression, irritability, and insomnia.

It’s no wonder that many natural health experts recommend GABA. It is a safe and natural alternative tranquilizer promoting sleep by helping the body to relax, rather than promoting drowsiness. Individuals with sleep disorders, such as insomnia sometimes rotate GABA with other herbs, such as valerian and melatonin two other great products. GABA also produces Human Growth Hormones, which is invaluable in facilitating revving up the metabolism (fat loss). Also, did you know that HGH is a hormone that naturally decreases with age, so the replenishing of this product is essential in maintaining weight (it helps with weight loss). GABA also boosts energy levels and increases muscle mass. It is clear to me why GABA is one of the most popular products on the market!