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GABA and theanine for easing anxiety, improving sleep and supporting immunity

March 20, 2020 By Trudy Scott 57 Comments

gaba theanine

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:

  • The Bidirectional Relationship between Sleep and Immunity against Infections

Sleep is considered an important modulator of the immune response. Thus, a lack of sleep can weaken immunity, increasing organism susceptibility to infection.

  • Short- and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption

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):

  • Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans

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.

  • L-Theanine as a Functional Food Additive: Its Role in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

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.

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.

bouquetofhope

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?

Additional Anxiety Resources
Click on each image to learn more

Filed Under: Anxiety Tagged With: anxiety, Coronavirus, GABA, immune function; questionnaire, immune system, immunity, microbiome, psychological stressors, Psychoneuroimmunology, serotonin, sleep, stress, theanine

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About Trudy Scott

Food Mood Expert Trudy Scott is a certified nutritionist on a mission to educate and empower anxious individuals worldwide about natural solutions for anxiety, stress and emotional eating.

Trudy is the author of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings and host of The Anxiety Summit now in its 4th season and called a “bouquet of hope.”

Trudy is passionate about sharing the powerful food mood connection because she experienced the results first-hand, finding complete resolution of her anxiety and panic attacks.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarGayle says

    March 20, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    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

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      March 20, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      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.

      Reply
  2. AvatarMarija Avercenko says

    March 20, 2020 at 4:32 pm

    Trudy, i love u..u are a real deal, thank u for all your work, it’s priceless.

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      March 20, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      Marija – thanks so much! You stay safe and calm!

      Reply
  3. AvatarStacey says

    March 20, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    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

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      March 20, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      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

      Reply
  4. AvatarShane (Shayna) Cassady says

    March 20, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    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

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      March 26, 2020 at 4:05 pm

      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.

      Reply
  5. AvatarJude Yeber says

    March 22, 2020 at 3:12 am

    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

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      March 26, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      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.

      Reply
  6. AvatarMalin Grund says

    March 23, 2020 at 6:20 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      March 26, 2020 at 3:40 pm

      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

      Reply
  7. AvatarMarlene Smits says

    March 26, 2020 at 2:57 pm

    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

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      March 26, 2020 at 3:37 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • AvatarMalin Grund says

        March 26, 2020 at 8:05 pm

        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!

      • AvatarTrudy Scott says

        March 27, 2020 at 6:30 pm

        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.

  8. Avataryas says

    March 27, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    Does GABA cause acid relux or belching?

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      March 27, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Avataryasmin says

        March 28, 2020 at 2:56 pm

        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?

  9. AvatarNerida Kirov says

    April 1, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      April 6, 2020 at 1:29 am

      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?

      Reply
      • AvatarNerida Kirov says

        April 6, 2020 at 2:21 am

        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.

  10. AvatarDe says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      April 4, 2020 at 12:46 am

      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/

      Reply
  11. AvatarMrs Rose Atlas says

    April 16, 2020 at 7:53 am

    1,Do you recommend L-Thiamine and or GABA with the following 3 conditions that are often found together.
    Hypothyroidism / Anxiety/ bi-polar (hypomania).
    2. What are starter dosages / safe ranges?
    Symptoms – late to sleep/ up early, disturbed sleep, daytime: trouble concentrating, memory issues, & trouble with daily tasks like showering
    PS- I had amazing gains with prescribed diet change (as you outlined in your book beating anxiety through diet) – helped me with overeating and gut issues. You are a SAINT!
    Thank you – A loyal follower —–Mrs Atlas

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      April 17, 2020 at 3:55 am

      Mrs Rose
      I can’t offer specifics via the blog but can share that GABA and/or theanine eases anxiety in those with hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder – if there are low GABA symptoms i.e. physical anxiety/stiffness/tension/insomnia/eat or drink to relax. I’m going to point you to the amino acids chapter in my book (The Antianxiety Food Solution) as the dosing and times are explained in great detail

      So glad to hear the diet recommendations from my book have helped with overeating and gut issues!

      Reply
  12. AvatarMarlies says

    May 1, 2020 at 3:51 am

    Hi Trudy, it was great listening to you during the Anxiety Summit. I have been taking GABA (twice 250 mg sublingual a day) to calm myself down. Is there a limit to how long you can take GABA? GABA is normally produced by the body. Does taking GABA supplements induce the body to produce less GABA over time? Like taking dexamethasone for more than two weeks makes the adrenal gland lazy, Marlies

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      May 1, 2020 at 6:27 am

      Marlies
      So glad you enjoyed the Summit! I have clients take it for as long as it’s helping and have them start to address diet, gut health, stress etc so it’s not long-term. There is no evidence to suggest GABA supps lead the body to produce less GABA over time.

      Reply
  13. AvatarAnne says

    May 1, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    Hi Trudy , thanks so much for all the info you share . I’ve had Graves Disease and some other autoimmune issues on & off for many years and anxiety for as long as I can remember ! I started taking Low dose naltrexone and was amazed how much better I felt because this has an effect on endorphins ! I think I was born with low endorphins ! Now I also use GABA and theanine as I need it. Seems to help with remaining anxiety and insomnia associated with my thyroid ! I have addressed diet and take some other supplements . I feel best I’ve felt in years . Appreciation to people like you that can think and work ‘outside the circle ‘

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      May 3, 2020 at 2:29 am

      Anne
      What wonderful results! Thanks for taking the time to come and share. I’d love to hear how much GABA and theanine has helped you? And what dietary changes you made?

      I’m curious if you also trialed DPA (d-phenylalanine) for it’s endorphin-boosting effects and can share how it compares to LDN?

      Reply
      • AvatarAnne says

        May 3, 2020 at 12:36 pm

        Hi Trudy I didn’t know about DPA until recently so have never trialled it ! I ve been on LDN for many years and started on it for autoimmune issues and reaped the benefits of it increasing endorphins . So much info out there on how it does that !
        I am on gluten free diet and mostly try to be whole food plant based ( not perfect)
        Taking 200 mg l theanine most days
        And 100mg GABA as needed up to 3 times a day especially helps if I wake up at night and can’t get back to sleep .
        I have tried melatonin and 5 htp but find it gives me a ‘ thick head’ . I don’t feel comfortable taking it .
        Thanks again for your info

  14. AvatarAnu says

    May 2, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    According to your blog and recent videos, L-theanine and GABA can be used in combination to reduce stress and promote better sleep. Please discuss the dosage (how much) and length (indefinitely?) of intake for both. I have recently read that: “Nutritional biochemists at the University of Shizuoka in Japan found that dietary intake of theanine reduces the synthesis of serotonin in the brain and increases degradation of serotonin. ” Please confirm or deny since I have been under the impression that the combination of GABA and l-theanine should increase the amount of serotonin produced. Thank you as always.

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      May 3, 2020 at 12:39 am

      Anu
      Dosage and duration depends on each person’s needs. We start low and do a trial. GABA and theanine increase GABA levels. Please share a link to the study you mention

      Reply
  15. AvatarAnu says

    May 3, 2020 at 7:49 am

    Trudy,

    I do not have a link as the person who sent it to me didn’t send it. But I will look. Please send a link to where I can find what is too much of GABA and L-Theanine as I started several years ago with a small amount up to 500mg GABA and 200 mg L-Theanine/day and it did nothing for me. It wasn’t until I read that larger doses may help that I increased that dosage to three times a day (slowly) and started getting results (that niagra falls rushing feeling has dissipated and I do not wake several times per night). Still trying…. Thank you for all that you do for those of us who medical doctors cannot help.

    Reply
  16. AvatarAnu says

    May 3, 2020 at 8:00 am

    Trudy, I just found the research papers for the research article: ““Nutritional biochemists at the University of Shizuoka in Japan found that dietary intake of theanine reduces the synthesis of serotonin in the brain and increases degradation of serotonin. ”

    Maybe you can review it. Thanks again. Anu

    Reply
    • AvatarAnu says

      May 3, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      Trudy, I just found the research papers for the research article: “Nutritional biochemists at the University of Shizuoka in Japan found that dietary intake of theanine reduces the synthesis of serotonin in the brain and increases degradation of serotonin. ”
      https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1271/bbb.62.816
      Maybe you can review it. Thanks again. Anu

      Reply
  17. AvatarNerida Kirov says

    May 9, 2020 at 2:02 am

    Hi Trudy,
    I have bought your book and read it but cannot find suggested dosage for sleep. As mentioned,I wake several times through the night. I have been taking Gaba. It helped me sleep deeper but I still woke several times. It is now not helping all that often to fall asleep. The form we have it in Australia is different to what you suggest. I am using a powder that is just GABA . should I take a higher dose?

    Reply
    • AvatarAnu says

      May 9, 2020 at 5:29 am

      Nerida, I have high cortisol 24/7 above the charts according to two cortisol spit tests in the past three years. I spent four years eating all the adaptogens my functional medicine doctors and naturopaths prescribed (and some I found on my own through extensive research). After close to five years of little or nothing results, and based on Trudy’s very informative blogs, I tried GABA during 2019 but only with small amounts as Trudy suggested. It did nothing in small amounts. So I slowly started to increase the dosage after having researched GABA. I worked my way up to the capsule form of GABA (500 mg) plus L-theanine (200mg) three times a day in February 2020 to diminish high cortisol rushing feeling and help me not to wake many times during the night. For the first month, it completely diminished the rushing feeling and I slept through the night! I felt fresh and rested from eight hours of uninterrupted sleep! In March (about a month later), I began to wake once during night and in April, several times during night with the rushing feeling returning at night when awakened. It seems as if the GABA/theanine combo has lost its original effect, much like what you say. I don’t think a higher dose is the answer. But I cannot tell you what the answer is as I am completely stumped myself. Perhaps Trudy can shine some light on this.

      Incidentally, looking for supplements free of gluten, GMO, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide (a neurotoxic agent), and other toxic additives, I have been using NOW GABA 500mg capsules and Nutricost L-Theanine 200mg capsules and cannot seem to find any research on which is the best bioavailable form (what’s the point of taking if they are not absorbed?). It seems no one likes to tell names of the supplements so I ask here, if anyone is reading, which supplements they have tried and in which doses, and for what particular condition. It may help someone else find their way to health….

      Reply
      • AvatarNerida Kirov says

        May 11, 2020 at 4:18 pm

        Thanks Anu, I am so overwhelmed. Just when I think I have broken through, bam, I’m back again. I started with Gabba, then also added tryptophan also. It seemed to work for a while. Now 2 nights of no sleep again. As I take the supplements in their raw pure form, it is hard to know how much I am taking as it seems to depend (I think )on the density of the powder! I was taking 1 metric tsp of Gabba as that is usually 5 gms, but I’ve since been told that a 1 gm spoon is 5gms with gabba so maybe I was taking huge doses from the beginning.. This did work I should say for a while, now I’m desperate again.!

    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      May 11, 2020 at 5:08 am

      Nerida
      I start low at 125mg GABA and increase to 500mg and sometimes 750mg for some folks. Some folks just use it at night and for others they find it helps in the day too. Since it only supports low GABA levels if sleep isn’t resolved we also look at other factors like low serotonin, high cortisol, gluten issues, caffeine, sugar, SIBO, parasites, low melatonin, EMFs/WiFi, medication side-effects etc

      Reply
  18. AvatarNerida Kirov says

    May 11, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    Thanks Trudy, I have looked at diet and also parasites etc… I also don’t take medication. I do also take 5 gms of compounded melatonin which is the one thing I have taken regularly now for a long time.

    Reply
    • AvatarAnu says

      May 11, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      Nerida, have you had your melatonin serum level checked? I found out mine is high yet I am awake several times every night. When I supplemented with melatonin, I was waking every hour all night… perhaps you should have your melatonin level checked – you may not need it.

      Reply
      • AvatarNerida says

        May 11, 2020 at 7:49 pm

        Mmm I’ll investigate that. Thank you Anu. Although I have had periods when I’m off it and still don’t sleep! In terms of the supplements you mention, I have been taking the Gaba, and Tryptophan in its raw state, which also makes the dosing a bit tricky. I thought it would perhaps be more effective but now, I really don’t know!

  19. Avatarnerida says

    May 13, 2020 at 1:30 am

    I am feeling very overwhelmed at the moment. Three days now of no sleep I have swapped to Tryptophan as I checked an organic acids test I had done a couple of years ago and yes, I am low in serotonin. and also very high in nightly cortisol. This is also not working, I am taking a level metric teaspoon twice a day. I really don’t know where to go with this.

    Reply
  20. AvatarAnu says

    May 15, 2020 at 9:50 am

    Nerida, I am also low on serotonin, high on cortisol, and wake several times during night not being able to go back to sleep. I tried melatonin (woke me up 6 times during night), tryptophan (made me agitated, muscle stiffness, and nervous but didn’t help sleep). Also tried Valerian Root and Ashwagandha. Nothing seems to help me relax during night waking with stiff shoulders up to neck – physical stress. So based on Trudy’s GABA blogs, I worked my way up to 500 mg GABA and 200 mg L-Thanine three times a day. Helps to relax a bit and sleep better only waking once or twice. I am gluten, caffeine, and sugar free, but have been diagnosed for SIBO many times for which I take Biocidin (by Bio-Botannical Research). I added magnesium powder to my evening tea along with one drop of Lavender and Roman Chamomile essential oil and now I’m sleeping almost through, waking once only about an hour after I fall asleep. I know everyone is different but worth a try. Not sleeping is horrible. Good luck.

    Reply
  21. Avatarnerida says

    May 15, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    Thanks so much for this Anu, I really appreciate it as I mentioned do feel quite lost . I’ve resorted to sleeping pills for a few nights before the cycle then seems to start again. (I very rarely take theses!). I have one question. I am in Australia and the thenine I have is a powder, every product seems to hae a different ratio for what a teaspoon is depending on the weight of the product.
    I have started taking theanine but am really only guessing as I don’t know how to accurately measure 200 ml.s
    I did take GABA for a while without the theanine and it stopped working. Perhaps I will start again from a small dose. I just need to find out how te measure the theanine powder!

    Reply
    • AvatarAnu says

      May 15, 2020 at 7:02 pm

      Nerida, Nutricost sells L-Theanine 200mg on Amazon. Don’t mess with approximate dosages. GABA alone did not work for me.

      Reply
  22. Avataryasmin says

    May 29, 2020 at 4:28 pm

    Hi Trudy,

    First of all thanks for your time! I was curious to know if you thought that GABA would be just as powerful as Baclofen. My doctor wants me to take baclofen in order to relax the upper stomach muscles due to chronic belching. I was researching to find anything natural that would be just as potent. Of course magnesium was one and Gaba and l-theanine. Is there anything you would recommend and do you think GABA is as powerful as 5mg of Baclofen 🙂

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      May 29, 2020 at 11:35 pm

      Yasmin
      Baclofen is often used for muscle spasms and GABA helps with stiff and tense muscles and muscle spasms. If trials with my clients to figure out if GABA will help.

      With chronic belching we also look for the root cause and address this – gluten and other food intolerances, low stomach acid, poor bile production etc

      Reply
  23. AvatarGary says

    May 29, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    Hi Trudy,

    I weaned off of Abilify, Lamictal and Zolft on October 8. So about 8 months now. About two weeks after my last dose, I started having insomnia, which has lasted since then. I have zero problems falling asleep. I wake up multiple times and am generally wide awake around 5 and lie in bed hoping for more sleep until 7 am.

    I have tried so many remedies: melatonin, valerian, reishi, CBD oil, THC edibles and tinctures, lavender and four prescription medications. The best so far has been Agar 35 which is a Tibetan herbal mix of Chinese and ayurvedic herbs. After reading your blog I tried GABA Relaxer for a little over one week. It did not help. I then moved onto Source Naturals GABA Calm. Nothing.

    I am so desperate. My assumption is that this is withdrawals from getting off of the depression medications.

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      May 29, 2020 at 11:27 pm

      Gary
      Unfortunately medication tapers can wreak havoc with sleep. The root causes can be varied and low GABA is just one. A good trial with GABA, starting low and increasing over a few weeks is the best way to confirm this. I wouldn’t consider a little over a week enough time for a trial. I also look at serotonin support and high cortisol.

      Reply
  24. AvatarNicole says

    May 30, 2020 at 7:47 pm

    Trudy, is it safe to take GABA supplements with a low dose of escitalopram (Lexapro)?

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      June 17, 2020 at 2:34 am

      Nicole
      I have many clients use both and recommend discussing with the doctor

      Reply
  25. Avatarrose says

    June 26, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    Hi Trudy,
    Thank you for the MP3 and ebook! The teaching on the MP3 is great in
    that it has drawn a definitive line for me regarding the various effects amino acids can have. I needed that clarification once more! I now have GABA powder resourced from RN Labs, 1ml=500mg. Time for the experimental sublingual process to begin:) Oats test showed high on tryptophan, so I will probably add Theonine instead? Does that make sense? I also have Resilian, captioned ‘For Emotional Resilience,’ by Metagenics.

    I love your expression, ‘wired and tired’ as it explains exactly how many of us feel at times, especially when health matters seem to get in the way of doing what we enjoy! My aim is to feel both relaxed and energised:grounded yet alert. I have noticed that the muscles in my body are quite tense. I wasn’t aware, but now that I am I can pay attention to
    that.

    A great weekend ahead, listeneing to replay.

    Cheers,

    Rose.

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      June 26, 2020 at 8:51 pm

      Rose
      You are most welcome! These are the products I use with clients https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ Feel free to compare them with the ones you are looking at or better yet consider individual single amino acids for ease of trials and increasing based on results.

      Keep in mind I have clients trial tryptophan or 5-HTP if they have low serotonin symptoms even when they have serotonin markers out of range on the OAT. Sufficient vitamin B6 prevents tryptophan conversion to quinolinic acid.

      I’m curious what your results are for 5-HIAA, quinolinic, kynurenic and quinolinic/5-HIAA?

      Reply
  26. AvatarMary C says

    October 31, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    I take theanine as needed for anxiety and it definitely helps. A nurse practitioner told me that GABA was not safe, but I’m not sure what her reasons were. Do you know of any studies about its long-term safety?

    Reply
    • AvatarTrudy Scott says

      November 28, 2020 at 2:35 am

      Mary
      Her concerns may be related to the Blood Brain barrier questions – more on that here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/dr-datis-kharrazians-gaba-challenge-for-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier-is-a-theory-and-we-still-have-much-to-learn/

      She may also be referring to phenibut or GABApentin which do have issues

      Reply

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