Low GABA Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution
This questionnaire will help you identify whether you may have low levels of GABA. Check off any of the symptoms below that apply to you:
Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed
Feeling worried or fearful
Panic attacks
Unable to relax or loosen up
Stiff or tense muscles
Feeling stressed and burned-out
Craving carbs, alcohol, or drugs for relaxation and calming
If you checked off 3 or more symptoms, you may have low GABA levels.
You may benefit from taking a supplement containing GABA. GABA is the most important calming neurotransmitter, and is also an amino acid. Low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety, agitation, stress, and poor sleep. If you have sufficient GABA, you’ll feel relaxed and stress free. You won’t have anxiety or panic attacks, and you won’t eat sugary foods or other starchy foods or feel like you need a glass of wine in an effort to calm down.
Try some yoga, which has been shown to raise GABA levels. It’s also important to do whatever you can to reduce stress in your life. In addition to yoga, try tai chi, meditation, taking walks outdoors in a peaceful environment or taking a vacation.
It’s amazing how many women tolerate low-grade anxiety. I’m working with a client at the moment, who came to me because she has low energy and arthritis. It turns out, based on the Low GABA Questionnaire, she has low grade anxiety and stiff/tense muscles. Based on her Low Serotinin Questionnaire she also has mild depression, imposter syndrome and negative self-talk. When I asked why these were not on her list of health objectives, she said they were just so much a part of her everyday life, that she really didn’t think there was anything she could do about it. I’m pleased to report that there is plenty we can do and did do and she is feeling a LOT better after a few short weeks!
Worry and anxiety can be a result of low GABA and also low serotonin, so you may check off anxiety in both this questionnaire and the Low Serotonin Questionnaire. I’ll address this in a future post.
This questionnaire is taken from chapter 6 of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings, now available in major books stores, at Amazon and via www.antianxietyfoodsolution.com.
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Trudy Scott (CN), Certified Nutritionist is the founder of www.everywomanover29.com, a thriving nutrition practice with a focus on food, mood and women’s health. Trudy educates women about the amazing healing powers of food and nutrients and helps them find natural solutions for anxiety and other mood problems. Trudy’s goal for all her clients (and all women): ”You can be your healthiest, look your best and feel on-top-of-the-world emotionally!”
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Trudy,
I think the questions you ask are so helpful to people who are looking for help with chronic health issues. Thanks for sharing this.
Sue
Thanks Trudy! You always have such great, thoughtful information to remind me about my health.
Trudy,
My yoga class twice a week is now a part of my life. I look forward to it more than sleeping or eating dinner.
Mitch
everywomanover29 Reply:
December 22nd, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Mitch
It’s great that yoga is a part of your life – it makes such a difference in this stressed out world of ours! some me-time! yes!
Trudy
Hi Trudy,
Thanks for sharing. I can relate to wanting a glass of wine.
You tips are always helpful and I appreciate how willing you are to support us in our journey to be healthier.
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
everywomanover29 Reply:
December 22nd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Lisa
Watch that wine, especially if you are self-medicating to feel better!
Trudy