Naturally produced GABA works by diminishing brain activity and causing relaxation. However, when the level of naturally produced GABA reduces, you are at risk of suffering from anxiety.
What is GABA?
GABA is a neurotransmitter amino acid in the brain, and it functions as a chemical messenger. It is an anti inhibitory neurotransmitter, which inhibits various brain signals and decreases activities in the nervous system. GABA binds to the GABA receptor in the brain and causes calming effects.
GABA is found naturally in many teas including green, black, and oolong tea. Even some fermented foods like kefir and yogurt have GABA in them naturally.
GABA for Anxiety & Panic Attacks
The significant benefit of GABA is producing a calming effect on the brain.
GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system.
When GABA attaches to a protein in your brain known as a GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect.
Being able to inhibit neural activity allows GABA to facilitate sleep, anti-anxiety properties, and stress relief. Not only that but GABA also plays a very important role in muscle tone.
GABA reduces the action of neurons and brains and alleviates symptoms of stress. It leads to overworking of your mental system, which causes mental fatigue.
There are many studies that show GABA as an effective choice for natural anxiety and stress relief.
One small study of 13 adults showed GABA to be effective as a relaxant and anxiety reliever, with slowed brain waves seen within an hour of taking the supplement. This study also found that a boost to the immune system also occurred with GABA, suggesting supplemental GABA may enhance immunity in people undergoing mental stress.
Is GABA Safe?
Yes, GABA is produced naturally in the body, and supplements with GABA are considered safe. There are no reported drug interactions with GABA.
How Much GABA for Anxiety?
The dosage for sleep, stress, and anxiety begins from 100-200 mg of GABA, and the doses might be higher depending on your level of stress. Most patients take 10-20 mg for high blood pressure. You need to get a recommendation from your doctor if you are under high blood pressure medication.
You need to take the GABA supplements 30 minutes before sleep, 15 minutes before engaging in a stressful activity, or anytime you feel anxious. You can get GABA supplements in capsules and pills form.
Before purchasing GABA supplements, it would be best to check the labels and ensure you know all the other ingredients. The supplement fact label provides health information, which includes the number of active ingredients.
Medication Interactions
GABA can interact with some other medications and its important to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements.
- High Blood Pressure Medications: GABA naturally lowers blood pressure so if you’re taking a high blood pressure medication, it’s important to talk with your doctor.
- Neurally Active Medications: People taking brain-affecting medications should consult their physician before taking GABA.
Natural Sources of GABA
If you do not want to take a GABA supplement for maximum stress relief and would rather intake more foods that contain GABA then check out the foods below:
- Tomatoes
- Fish
- Berries
- Beans and lentils
- Red wine
- Eggs
- Mushroom
- Bone broth
- Soybeans
- Broccoli
In Conclusion
GABA is an emerging amino acid that is giving a lot of people natural stress relief without addicting drugs and alcohol. If you suffer from anxiety or stress, a GABA supplement good be a good natural alternative. Gamma-aminobutyric acid plays an essential role in our bodies by causing relaxation of the mind.