Stress and anxiety suppresses immunity and so does poor sleep. One root cause of anxiety and poor sleep can be low GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels. When you boost low levels of GABA (the neurotransmitter) with the amino acid GABA (it has the same name as the neurotransmitter) or theanine (another amino acid), you feel calmer and you sleep better, and you indirectly support your immune function too. We also have research that directly supports the role that GABA and theanine may play when it comes to improving immune function.
This paper, Psychological Stress, Immunity, and the Effects on Indigenous Microflora, describes the field of PsychoNeuroImmunology which
has clearly demonstrated that the physiological response to psychological stressors can dramatically impact the functioning of the immune system, thus identifying one way in which susceptibility to or severity of diseases are exacerbated during stressful periods.
It’s important that we keep all this in mind as we deal with the coronavirus pandemic and during other times when we may be exposed to infections.
The authors also share that psychological stressors impact the microbiome contributing to increases in markers of inflammation even when there is no infection. As you may recall from the recent Anxiety Summit 5: Gut-Brain Axis there is a bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, with poor gut health having a direct impact on anxiety levels.
The sleep-immunity connection
Here is some of the research supporting the sleep and immunity connection:
Sleep is considered an important modulator of the immune response. Thus, a lack of sleep can weaken immunity, increasing organism susceptibility to infection.
Sleep abnormalities affect immune function in a reciprocal manner, leading to changes in proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukins 1 and 6, and C-reactive protein. The multitude of systems that react to sleep loss suggest effects beyond the central nervous system and include total body functioning.
The GABA and theanine anxiety-immunity connection
Here is some of the research supporting the more direct role GABA and theanine may play when it comes to immune function (and act as a relaxant and anti-stress nutrient at the same time):
GABA could work effectively as a natural relaxant and its effects could be seen within 1 hour of its administration to induce relaxation and diminish anxiety. Moreover, GABA administration could enhance immunity under stress conditions.
A number of recent studies have suggested that theanine administration can improve the body’s immune system….one particular study highlighted the use of theanine as an intervention to decrease the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms via enhancing gamma and delta T-lymphocyte function.
The authors cite one study where “administration of 200 mg theanine was found to have an “anti-stress” effect on pharmacy students” and “regulate dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain through the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.”
The low GABA type of anxiety
When you have the low GABA type of anxiety you’ll feel physically tense and overwhelmed, fearful and not be sleeping well. You may lie in bed stiff and tense and may also have unwanted thoughts and experience monkey-mind. It’s common to self-medicate with alcohol to stay calm or you may also use carbs to relax. When you use the amino acid supplement GABA, you get quick and very effective relief – when it’s used sublingually.
Already using GABA/theanine or have used it in the past?
If you are already using GABA or theanine you may find you need extra during this time of added stress. You don’t want to make the mistake of thinking “This is serious, I need to double-up.” The best approach is to monitor your low GABA symptoms and consider using an extra dose during the day or possibly more at night or possibly more at each dose. Use the trial method to monitor your response.
Someone in my facebook community said she was conserving her GABA and noticed her anxiety was creeping back up. Now is not the time to cut back on GABA.
If you’ve found benefit from GABA or theanine in the past but are not currently using it you may very likely feel the need for the additional support right now.
New to low GABA anxiety symptoms and using GABA/theanine?
If you suspect low GABA symptoms and are new to using the amino acids and do not have my book I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in to taking supplements: The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings. (get it out of the library if you’re watching your expenses.)
There is a complete chapter on the amino acids and one for pyroluria, plus information on real whole food, sugar and blood sugar, gluten, digestion and much more. If you’re not a reader there is now also an audible version.
Here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution and additional information on Anxiety and targeted individual amino acid supplements: a summary
Please also read and follow these Amino Acid Precautions.
This lists The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.
Stay tuned for the webinar I’ll be hosting and until then check out my interview on the Best Sleep Ever Summit. We may also make the GABA Quickstart online group program (with Facebook support and a live Q and A) available if there is enough interest.
In summary, anxiety and sleep deprivation are not good for your immunity, and theanine and GABA can ease anxiety, improve sleep AND enhance immunity. With the expected surge in coronavirus cases, I do hope this has helped you to connect the dots.
From our garden to you … a little “bouquet of hope” as you navigate this awful time. I’m thinking of you self-isolating and sheltering-in-place and appreciating you if you are working in a hospital or doing other essential work!
Please share your experiences with GABA and theanine and feel free to ask questions. Let us know if you were aware of the connections to immune function and if you’ve noticed your immune system is stronger when using GABA or theanine?
Trudy thanks for turning me onto GABA. The relief I found using it was quick. I was wondering how long one should stay on it. I usually take it once a day but sometimes twice.
Thanks for helping me control my anxiety.
Gayle
Gayle
You’re most welcome. So pleased to hear the relief is quick! May I ask which GABA product helps you and how much you use? How quickly does you experience relief?
I have clients take it 2-4 times a day based on their needs/anxiety levels and more at night if sleep is an issue. In times of added stress more may be needed and given the immune function benefits I’m encouraging my clients not to cut back. But we also don’t need to overdo it. The ideal is to top up levels and at the same time address why GABA is low so it’s not needed. Eating real whole food, optimizing digestion, addressing the microbiome.
Trudy, i love u..u are a real deal, thank u for all your work, it’s priceless.
Marija – thanks so much! You stay safe and calm!
Hi –
I have been prescribed 200 mg of Gabapentin which I take at night for anxiety as well neuropathy. Is this the same as GABA ?
Thank you,
Stacey
Stacey
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid and is not the same as the drug called gabapentin which does have many possible side-effects, including memory loss and lack of concentration. You can see them all here https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323681.php
Hi Trudy I just got your book and my first delivery of GABA (Now brand 750mg) and Tryptophan (Lidtke L-tryptophan Sleep & Mood 500mg) I havnt been able to concentrate enough to read a book in years but am giving yours a shot …so far it’s slow going but getting there.
Is it okay to take 1 each both in the morning and at night? I’ve noticed that my anxiety dropped immediately the first day of taking morning only but by late afternoon I’ve got slight anxiety and now notice this electric buzz feeling which I only seldom had before. Should I take a second dose of each?
Also, some online stores won’t ship Tryptophan to Australia. What’s that about?
I’m really enjoying your posts and webinars when I can see them. After all these years so much rings true with me! Thank you so much
Shayna
Shane
Glad to hear your anxiety dropped immediately and you’re enjoying my posts and webinars! I suggest going straight to the amino acids chapter as I explain the timing there. I do recommend trialing one amino at a time so you know which one is helping. I do find 750mg is often way too much GABA to start.
Thank you for the information you give. What I am not sure about, do you take Gaba and L Theanine or L Theanine, which is best?
Thanks
Jude
Many of my clients do well on GABA only, some on theanine only and some on a combination. It’s a matter of doing trials.
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for spreading your knowledge even more so in these times of increased anxiety and worry in the world. I have a question regarding theanine, I have previously bought a brand with theanine and inositol in it and was wondering if I can take that at night? (My anxiety is normally worse at night time and I struggle a bit to sleep at certain times). Also, I’m currently on 10mg Escitalopram and was wondering if you know of any interactions between SSRI and Theanine and inositol? Thank you so very very much for getting back to me!
Malin
I like the combination of theanine and inositol and know of no interactions with SSRIs but it’s always best to check with the prescribing doctor and your functional medicine practitioner
Hi Trudy,
Do you know dr. Andrew Saul? He has been a long time expert on high dosage vitamine c. And might be interesting for you to interview. Marlene
Marlene
Thanks and yes Dr. Andrew Saul and Orthomolecular.org are great resource for information about vitamin C – and I appreciate all their recent efforts in sharing so much as it is an amazing vitamin. However they do not feel that it’s an issue for folks with dietary oxalate issues http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v09n05.shtml I’m gathering some case studies and research and plan to reach out to them for their commentary
Do you use vitamin C? How much and which form? And do you do well with it?
Interesting. I did read a lot about vitamin c yesterday and even watch a movie called The Vitamin Movie and they spoke a lot about the benefits of high dosages of vitamin c, would you say one should be careful with vitamin c since they can cause kidney stones or are you saying that’s not proven yet? (I’m a Swede, My English is quite good but find it hard to comprehend large amount of research texts at times). Thank you again!
Malin
There are some individuals who have dietary oxalate issues (many with no kidney stones) and vitamin C can be problematic for them. There is not much awareness outside the community that has these issues. I’m working on a new blog on this topic and hope to have something ready in a week or so.
Does GABA cause acid relux or belching?
Yas
GABA typically prevents reflux/belching as GABA is involved in lower esophageal sphincter relaxation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20663054. Too much could potentially cause it to relax too much but it’s the first time I’ve heard of this. I have my clients stop and add back when if they suspect something has changed.
Thank you! I also meant to ask you if there is a max. dosage on GABA. I saw that a few sellers have as high as 750 mg but I was not sure if there is danger in taking more. I have been experiencing for over a year belching and have done all sorts of test ( upper endo, ultrasound, sibo test) everything came back normal my gastro wants me to take gabapetin, but I do not want to due to the side effects. I am hoping to get the same results with GABA, so far I took it for 3 days and i do not see results. I know that you do not like high dosages but I tried 100 mg and then next day 300 mg and then 750 but I am still belching. I tried today with l-theanine but still no success. Do you have any other recommendations? should I try longer?
Hi Trudy, hearing you speak on the sleep summit gave me some new hope. I haven’t slept an entire night for 38 years, I have been diagnosed as having fibromyalgia but really feel it is more related to exhaustion and adrenal fatigue.
I have what I feel is mostly mild anxiety but it gets worst through exhaustion and a couple of panic attacks. I have tried everything you can name (except your protocol) I group through times (presently) of at least 2 nights a week of no sleep.
Even when I do fall asleep I am up weeing at least 6 times a night, often more. I have checked and there are no medical reasons for this. I also restrict fluids at night. Most of the time I cope because it is all I know but the brain fog, body pain lack of interest in life is getting overwhelming. I also have an exceptional diet, no parasites no dairy minimal carbs.
I heard you say 4 doses of Gabba how are they split? Thank you so much for your help. I know there is a lot here but I am overwhelmed and exhausted!
Nerida
GABA is best used on waking, mid-morning, mid-afternoon and bed-time for anxiety and physical tension/pain and bed-time only for sleep and tension/pain at night. With fibromyyalgia we also always look at low serotonin which can impact sleep and pain too
When I hear “up weeing at least 6 times a night” and brain fog, body pain/fibromyalgia, insomnia – my first thought is dietary oxalate issues. What does your typically 3 day diet log look like?
Is this covered in your book Trudy? I was going to make an appointment but I see there is a waiting list. I usually have coconut milk kefir smoothie with cherries or Blueberries, protein powder flax seed and psyllium with all my added powders I take for breakfast, lunch is usually salads with a little protein dinner chicken or fish (sometimes pasta gluten free) and vegies, usually broccoli, zucchini etc. sometimes nuts.
Thanks so much for your help!! My husband is a respiratory therapist on the front lines and I am tormented about both of us getting it. We are taking all the right vitamins and taking all precautions but this virus is incredibly contagious !! Will be getting back on GABA !! Love your articles!! You are a BLESSING!! May God be with you!!
De
We appreciate your husband and feel for you both. I do hope him and his colleagues have sufficient PPE equipment.
Being smart with immune support and support for anxiety and fear is so important – well done! It sounds like GABA has helped you in the past?
Now if only we could get this message about nutrients out to more of the folks working in hospitals.
Also making sure you saw my newest blog post specifically for nurse/doctors and others working in hospitals https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-psychological-trauma-of-coronavirus-nutritional-support-for-doctors-nurses-and-their-loved-ones/