Sandra shared this heartening feedback on how GABA helped right after the passing of her mum. She also voiced her surprise that it could have such a profound effect at a sad time like this, asking me if this was possible:
I recently started taking GABA Calm lozenges. I settled on a small dose of one lozenge at bedtime. Initially I took this for tense neck and shoulder muscles due to years of anxiety.
What I have noticed in the past month is that I seem quite calm although I do still have tense neck muscles.
Last week I experienced a profound bereavement with the passing of my mum who I have been caring for. I am genuinely surprised at how I have handled this stressful situation including the funeral. I have always been quite emotional and I have found myself, although sad, sitting in a feeling of peace and calm most of the time.
Is it possible that the GABA Calm is contributing to this? It was my understanding this product would assist with my tense muscles but I feel like it has helped me tremendously with my mindset, emotions and mood.
I look forward to your reply.
I offered my condolences for the loss of her mum and said how heartened I felt, hearing that she had a feeling of peace and calm most of the time. And the fact that GABA had helped with the stressful events of the funeral and her mindset, emotions and mood. I would expect the feeling of peace and calm, and helping reduce overall stress. The calming amino acid supplement, GABA, has long been recognized to help ease the more physical type of anxiety.
But because the amount of GABA she was taking didn’t help with her tense muscles, some of the benefits may have been as a result of GABA reducing the distressing unwanted thoughts. The emotions and mood are added benefits that we don’t always hear about with GABA but are not unheard of (more on this below).
I thanked Sandra for sharing this wonderful feedback, letting her know I’d share it as a separate blog, so we can offer support to others in similar situations. I’ll also be sharing this blog with her so she understands some of the mechanisms better too. In fact, I only made the unwanted thoughts connection after having responded to her.
GABA helps with inhibition of unwanted thoughts
In the past I’ve blogged about how Scientists identified a mechanism that helps us inhibit unwanted thoughts:
We are sometimes confronted with reminders of unwanted thoughts – thoughts about unpleasant memories, images or worries. When this happens, the thought may be retrieved, making us think about it again even though we prefer not to. While being reminded in this way may not be a problem when our thoughts are positive, if the topic was unpleasant or traumatic, our thoughts may be very negative, worrying or ruminating about what happened, taking us back to the event.
Scientists have identified a key chemical within the ‘memory’ region of the brain that allows us to suppress unwanted thoughts, helping explain why people who suffer from disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and schizophrenia often experience persistent intrusive thoughts when these circuits go awry.
Professor Anderson, Dr. Schmitz and colleagues showed that the ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts relies on a neurotransmitter – a chemical within the brain that allows messages to pass between nerve cells – known as GABA.
GABA is the main ‘inhibitory’ neurotransmitter in the brain, and its release by one nerve cell can suppress activity in other cells to which it is connected.
Anderson and colleagues discovered that GABA concentrations within the hippocampus – a key area of the brain involved in memory – predict people’s ability to block the retrieval process and prevent thoughts and memories from returning.
You can read more on the blog post here: GABA helps with inhibition of unwanted thoughts
If you are using the GABA with success already and experience the loss of a loved one, you may find you need to increase your dose for a period of time.
There is individual variability in the capacity to cope with stress during bereavement
Research supports that there is “individual variability in the capacity to cope with stress” during bereavement and there are differences in symptoms and physiological changes. This paper, Long-term immune-endocrine effects of bereavement: relationships with anxiety levels and mood, identified changes in depression, anxiety, adrenocorticotropin and cortisol plasma concentrations, beta-endorphins, and reduced “functional activity of natural killer cells.” And the two different groups of people in the study had different symptoms and physiological changes.
GABA and glutamate, and the HPA axis in depression/bereavement
The above paper doesn’t mention GABA but growing evidence indicates that glutamate and GABA, and the HPA axis/corticotropin-releasing hormone, plays a role in depression and presumably bereavement too. This may be another mechanism that led to the feelings of calm that Sandra experienced.
You’ll need to figure out your unique biochemical needs
When you experience the loss of a loved one, you’ll need to figure out your unique biochemical needs and address them one by one. You may need GABA support like Sandra and/or may find you need serotonin support (with tryptophan or 5-HTP) and/or may need endorphin support (with the amino acid DPA/d-phenylalanine).
Both GABA and serotonin support also helps to address sleep problems. DPA helps especially with the emotional pain and weepiness, and if you’re self-medicating with comfort foods while grieving.
If you have high cortisol you may benefit from Seriphos or Lactium.
Keep in mind that nutritional support is immensely helpful during caregiving too. Here is just one example: When using the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) I have more resilience and more buffer in the caregiving work I do, and just the oops’s of life
Helping Sandra ease her still tense neck muscles
For her ongoing tense neck and shoulder muscles I suggested a higher amount of GABA may be needed. She reported back that taking it in the morning made her sleepy and a couple of times she noticed a headache.
When GABA in the day causes sleepiness I have clients use less GABA more frequently or to take more at night to carry over the next day. In this case probably a GABA-only product because of her headaches.
She did share that GABA was her starting point with the intention of including tryptophan for ruminating and fearful thoughts which do stop her from participating in various activities. Low serotonin does cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain and it’s possible this is contributing to her ongoing tense neck and shoulder muscles, and tryptophan may be the solution.
We also address low magnesium if applicable. I’d also suggest looking into dietary oxalates too and getting checked for physical issues by a chiropractor and/or osteopath and/or physical therapist.
You can read our discussion on this blog.
Resources if you are new to using GABA or tryptophan or DPA as supplements
If you are new to using GABA or tryptophan or DPA as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances, including low GABA, low serotonin and low endorphins).
If you suspect low levels of any of the neurotransmitters and do not yet have my book, The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings, I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and using amino acids on your own so you are knowledgeable. And be sure to share it with the practitioner/health team you or your loved one is working with.
There is an entire chapter on the amino acids and they are discussed throughout the book in the sections on gut health, gluten, blood sugar control, sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues (which include rage/anger/irritability/self-harm).
The book doesn’t include product names (per the publisher’s request) so this blog, The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements, lists the amino acids that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs. You can find them all in my online store. The above oral lavender products are available in my online store too.
If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.
If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. This is also a paid online/virtual program with an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.
Has GABA or tryptophan or DPA helped you after the loss of a loved one? How did each one help?
Were you surprised that they would help so much?
If you were using the aminos with success already did you find you needed to increase your dose for a period of time?
What else has helped you at a time of loss?
If you have questions and other feedback please share it here too.
Thanks for all you do !
Could you please explain the differences between using DPA and DLPA ?
Do they produce same, similar, or different effects ?
Do both impact endorphins ?
How do you choose between them … or must one simply try both and see which works due to metabolic individuality ?
Bill
You are most welcome. There are a number of differences in effects/benefits but both impact endorphins (with DPA having more of an effect). We choose between them based on symptoms. I explain the differences here – What is the difference between DPA and DLPA (amino acids) and which one do I use for weepiness, heart-ache, pain and energy? https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-dpa-and-dlpa-amino-acids-and-which-one-do-i-use-for-weepiness-heart-ache-pain-and-energy/
During bereavement I recommend DPA over DLPA.
Feel free to share why you feel you may need these amino acids and do share an update when you do
I’m in a state of constant anxiety. Many stressors at work, in life, and then we had to put the cat down and I watched and it traumatized me. Now I fear death and am afraid to travel, be separated from loved ones…The doctor put me on escitalopram. The heart palpations and panic attacks are gone but I’m still having some disturbing /distressing thoughts, shaking, nervousness, head feels full, sometimes I twitch. Teary at times still but not as bad as before I started the medication. I’ve noticed I’ve been able to settle better on some days when I take supplements like B50, omega-3, CoQ10, iron, vit C, D3, zinc, and probiotic rheuteri and rhamnosus, in the morning and l-theanine at bedtime. I’m not sure which one of these helped. I just know I felt a little better. I’m 56 and postmenopausal. Should I take GABA? How do I find peace?
Julie
Sorry to hear you’re struggling. I have clients add one new nutrient at a time so the know which one is helping – and then adjust that one up to see if more offers better results. We do this before adding a new nutrient like GABA esp when theanine is being used.
Since you’re new to the amino acids, my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” has an entire chapter on the aminos with detailed info on doses and times. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ I also cover all the nutritional aspects for helping to ease anxiety
Trudy,
I purchased your book a while back and put myself on GABA Calm as well as Lidtke L Tryptophan and Theanine Serene. I’ve had severe anxiety and panic attacks as well as problems sleeping thru the night. These supplements have helped, but I had worked myself up to 6-8 GABA Calm within a 24hr. Period. I eventually developed rashes under my breast and elsewhere which I was told that it was candida. I’m assuming it’s from the mannitol and sorbitol sugar alcohols in the GABA. I stopped the GABA all together and I miss it. I don’t know how little if at all I can take without developing this problem again. Do you have any suggestions please?
Debbie
This kind of adverse reaction to GABA Calm is new to me but anything is possible. In situations where one form of GABA isn’t tolerated but works to help ease anxiety, I have clients switch to another GABA product like a GABA only or GABA/theanine product. I list some of the many products I use with clients here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
If you do find you need guidance and support – GABA Quickstart program https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/ You get specific feedback because I gather a mini health history.
I am curious to hear if you’ve had rashes like this from sugar alcohols in the past? I’d also want to check the other products added at the same time.
Trudy
Thank you for getting back. I I’ll try some of your other recommendation and see how I do.
I have stopped sucking on xylitol Ice Chips because I was consuming a lot of them and the candida rashes came back.
Debbie
Keep us posted and let me know what xylitol Ice Chips are?
Hi Trudy,
Xylitol Ice Chips are mints for the mouth that are sweetened with xylitol but also contain 2% or less of cream of tartar sea salt calcium stearate and come in different flavors. They are considered a candy.
Hi Trudy,
I’m terribly sorry for your loss. I lost my dad two years ago and miss him daily. Just today one of my last photos of us together shortly before he passed came on my phone as a memory. Oh, what a memory. I focus on the positive and the wonderful blessing he was to my mom, me and all his offspring. I know he is in a much better place with the Lord and at peace. Knowing that brings me peace and comfort.
I will pray that you find the peace and feel God’s arms around you as you experience the many little signs that your mum is still with you.
Hugs,
VP
Vicki
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.
I am so sorry for your loss too – I love your focus on the positives
Dear Trudy, My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Mom.
May you find comfort in your cherished memories… Sending lots of love.
Sharon
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me. The cherished memories will always be special
Trudy, I am so sorry you lost your mother!
Take care of yourself in this difficult time.
Liz
Liz
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.
Trudy my condolences on the passing of your mother. I hope you got comfort in the time you spent together last year. Thank you for all your content. I’m an avid reader and follower. Your book helped me tremendously and I reference it often.
Amy
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. My own mother is 87 with heart issues & I’m dreading the day she passes because I will be devastated, she’s been my lifelong best friend. I can only imagine your pain & hope that your good memories of your time with her will help mitigate the loss.
Laura
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me. Take care and enjoy your time with your mother.
Very sorry for your loss, Trudy. A sad time in all our lives, difficult to accept, difficult to overcome.
A big hug from me
Maria
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.
So sorry to hear about your mum
Marianne
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. I imagine those Hawaii sunsets on the lanai each evening mean even more right now. Remember that and your lives together…. the good moments, the triumphant moments, the lessons from what may have seemed to be the bad moments and all those in between small moments that make our lives precious. Sending love and light to you and your family for peace and comfort.
O
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me. And yes those sunsets will always be special
Thank you for sharing the loss of your beloved mom with all of us. May the memorial service and time with family go well. Do allow yourself to grieve in whatever way is best for you and for however long.
Charmaine
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.
So sorry for the loss of your mom. So glad you had time with her recently.
Joy
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.
Trudy I am so sorry to hear that your dear mum passed away.
I must say I get so many emails about health as I did a lot of searching on the internet but unfortunately lost my husband last year with prostate cancer after 60 years of marriage but I have always enjoyed your posts and have your book.
Your posts have been invaluable to me especially with the grieving and I must say I am a great fan of GABA. It has calmed my mind and also helped me to sleep better
I have also tried Tryptophan but keep coming back to GABA, so thanks for your posts and I hope you get some comfort from being with your family
Ursula
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.
I’m so glad to hear GABA has helped you so much. It’s been immensely helpful to me during this time too
I am so sorry to hear about your loss too
My Condolences
Trudy, I’m so sorry for your loss. I must have missed your newsletter last week, but I always appreciate you and your communications.
You are a very special person, Trudy. I have always been impressed by your genuineness, your integrity, your compassion, your wisdom, and of course your expertise.
You are very much in my heart.
Sending much love and blessings on your head
❤️
Barbara
Thanks so much for your kind words – it means so much to me.