GABA mixed in water and swished in the mouth of an adult male, before a meal, prevents his esophageal spasms, and stops his frequent choking and vomiting, and allows him to swallow his food. A colleague shared her husband’s swallowing issues after she read my blog post about using GABA powder inside the check for laryngospasms.
This is what she shared:
That [blog] made me think that [GABA] might be useful for my husband‘s esophageal spasms. He frequently can’t get food down during a meal because of them.
So he started mixing 500 mg GABA in a little water and swishing it around his mouth and then swallowing it at the beginning of each meal. Since he started doing that he has not had one spasm, or vomiting episode.
It’s wonderful to hear about her husband’s success with GABA and this unique application of swishing around GABA powder (mixed in water) in his mouth before a meal (I’ll share more on this aspect below).
I asked if they know what the causes of his esophageal spasms are but they don’t yet know:
We can’t figure it out. It appears to be all food. I would expect there to be a trigger-food, but we can’t find it.
The GABA has completely stopped it. Last night we went out to dinner and he forgot to bring GABA with him and immediately started choking. So he went to the nearest vitamin store, (of which there is only one)! Fortunately it was open. As soon as he got back to the restaurant and took his GABA, he was fine.
GABA does work so well for him and offers him some relief while they continue to search for other underlying root cause/s. Until these are found, GABA is supporting overall low GABA levels, associated with physical tension-type anxiety, intrusive thoughts, stiff and tense muscles in other areas of the body and also stress-eating and self-medicating with alcohol in order to relax. More on low GABA symptoms here.
My input on his dosing and swishing
Regarding the dosing and swishing method I have this input:
- 500 mg GABA is the ideal dose for his needs but this is considered a high dose to start. For low GABA tension-type anxiety, I have clients start with a trial of 125 mg GABA and go up from there. I’d recommend the same approach for someone with issues like this gentleman experiences.
- GABA is most effective when used sublingually or by opening a capsule on to the tongue or by using GABA powder on the inside of a cheek, rather than swallowing a GABA capsule. For this reason, his method of swishing GABA mixed in water is excellent for achieving the spasm-reducing and relaxing benefits quickly. For some folks doing this 30 minutes before a meal may be more effective than doing it right before eating.
The diagnosis can vary from person to person
The diagnosis can vary from person to person. But as long as there are spasms that are affecting swallowing, doing a trial of GABA is worthwhile in order to determine if it will help.
One example is eosinophilic esophagitis where
Clinical manifestations in infants and toddlers generally include vomiting, food refusal, choking with meals and, less commonly, failure to thrive. Predominant symptoms in school-aged children and adolescents include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), food impactions, and choking/gagging with meals, particularly when comprised of foods with coarse textures. Other symptoms in this patient population include abdominal/chest pain, vomiting, and regurgitation.
The predominant symptom in adults is dysphagia [difficulty swallowing]; however, intractable heartburn and food avoidance may also be present.
One paper, Esophageal microbiome in active eosinophilic esophagitis and changes induced by different therapies discusses the role of the microbiome and how “an increase in levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) …is known to exert a role in esophageal motor function.”
Finding the other root causes (other than low GABA)
Regarding finding the root causes, other than low GABA, this is an important aspect that does need to be pursued. Here are some of the many factors worth considering:
- Finding food triggers. This can be challenging but an obvious one is gluten which can play a role in eosinophilic esophagitis. Dairy and environmental irritants can be issues too.
- GERD/reflux needs to be ruled out or addressed. Food sensitivities are often a factor here too.
- Vagus nerve issues can play a role in digestive issues like this. GABA and vagus nerve exercises helped my cough and voice issues. I recorded all my exercises on video and you can find these here. Fortunately I didn’t have any swallowing or choking episodes at that time but have had a choking episode more recently (GABA did help) so I know how scary this can be.
- Pyroluria, a social anxiety condition needs to be ruled out or addressed too. This is because nausea, gagging and choking are common symptoms for some individuals.
- I’d also consider a tongue tie. I just finished reading Tongue Tied: How a Tiny String Under the Tongue Impacts Nursing, Speech, Feeding, and More (my Amazon link) by Richard Baxter, DMD, MS. The focus on babies and children but adults can also benefit from addressing tongue tie issues later in life.
- Addressing gut health and the microbiome may be one of the keys, as outlined in the paper above.
This is not a comprehensive list and a full functional workup will help to identify all possible root causes.
Related blogs: young boy with choking episodes, lump-in-the throat sensation, anxiety and globus pharyngeus
Here are some related blogs that you may find useful
- Paroxysmal laryngospasm with low GABA physical-tension-type-anxiety: Is GABA powder rubbed on the inside of the cheek a solution? (this is the blog that inspired my colleague to have her husband do the GABA mouth swishing)
- GABA helps a stressed young boy with episodes of “choking” or tightening in his throat
- GABA is the answer after 40 years of a lump-in-the-throat sensation, nervousness and muscle tension at work
- Anxiety and globus pharyngeus (lump in the throat): GABA to the rescue?
Resources if you are new to using GABA as a supplement
If you are new to using the the amino acid GABA as a supplement, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see the low GABA and other low neurotransmitter symptoms).
If you suspect low levels of GABA or low serotonin 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 team you or your loved one is working with.
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 GABA products that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.
If you don’t feel comfortable reading my book, doing the low GABA symptoms questionnaire and doing trials of GABA on your own, you can get guidance from me in the GABA Quickstart Program (online/virtual).
If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. It’s an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.
Have you experienced throat or esophageal spasms and difficulty swallowing with choking and/or vomiting.
And do you have the low GABA physical-tension-type-anxiety symptoms? What else is a trigger for you and do you have a diagnosis?
If you’ve already been using GABA with success for easing your anxiety, have you noticed a reduction in your swallowing issues?
Have you ever used GABA in this way to help your swallowing issues?
If you’re a practitioner please share what you have seen?
Feel free to ask your questions here too.
Hello Trudy! I follow you for years and absolutely love your work. How would you get rid of an antidepressant with Gaba? Should it be taken mornings and at night the antidepressant? Should the antidepressant be tampered down? Or can it be just subsituted? Thanks in advance!
Chris
Thanks for the kind words. Tryptophan or 5-HTP are typically used when tapering an SSRI, not GABA. When someone is not a client I have them read this blog and work with and discuss with the prescribing doctor as there is the risk of serotonin syndrome with SSRIs and tryptophan/5-HTP https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/taper-from-antidepressant-tryptophan-amino-acids/
If this is not possible I’ve had client’s work with a knowledgeable pharmacist (with the doctor’s monitoring) or find a new doctor or share my book with him/her.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
Many elderly persons have difficulty swallowing ( even if their food is puréed and liquids including water are thickened. They cough, choke and vomit. When they do get food in they frequently “pocket” the food in their mouth because they cannot swallow it. This is dangerous , particularly in Senior Care Homes , where the Care Aides feeding these people can be unaware that the food is being pocketed and simply put more food in. So then, in addition to choking and vomiting, the resident can conversely also end up sucking the food or liquids down into their lungs, thereby causing pneumonia which means they are given diuretics with no replacement for depleted electrolytes or additionally must have their lungs drained by medical procedure.
One of the residents I refer to in this Senior Care Home is my 92 year old mother who entered the Care Home 4 years ago (2018) after a a first broken hip after a fall on asphalt after losing her balance closing a car door in 2014, and two years later a second fall breaking her other hip, leaving her at that point walker, then wheelchair bound., and subsequently had to leave her family home.
She has much difficulty making her voice work in audible unmuted decimals. Her brain is telling her what she wants to say and I know what she is trying to say because I am her daughter but she cannot seem to make the muscles work.
In any event, my mother is no stranger to GABA nor other nutritional supplementation and nutrition for a lifetime prior to what she is allowed and provided in the Care Home which is abysmal.
SO, I am going to try the 500 mg. of GABA sublingually prior to meals. Unfortunately I will regretably have to sneak it in and give it to her but I cannot be there for 3 meals a day 7 days a week so it will not ensure the Care Aides will not just walk away and Not feed her. So what is the point of “paying “for being a Care Home and suffering the abuses.
I have not even touched the tip of those icebergs
I am from West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada? I am a retired Senior Immigration Officer . My mother’s forte is and always has been nutrition and she is exceptionally accomplished in same.
Thank you for listening.
Cherry
I’m sorry to hear about the swallowing and speaking issues your mother is having. And yes swallowing issues or disphagia is very common in the elderly.
This paper, Dysphagia in the Elderly, has the stats – “The true prevalence of dysphagia is higher in the elderly population than the general population. Although the prevalence of dysphagia in the Midwestern US population was reported to be 6% to 9%, its prevalence in community-dwelling persons over age 50 years is estimated to be between 15% and 22%. The prevalence of dysphagia is even higher in those residing in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, where up to 40% to 60% of residents are reported to have feeding difficulties.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999993/
As you can see from the above paper, there are many possible root causes. Esophageal spasm is listed as one cause so if there are spasms that are affecting swallowing, doing a trial of GABA is worthwhile in order to determine if it will help.
For someone who has used GABA in the past with success and knows they can handle 500 mg I’d feel comfortable having them try this prior to a meal. If not I’d start lower. If it does help, GABA could always be mixed into a water bottle to be sipped before other meals. And the staff and doctor informed of the need and benefits. Please do share what the outcome is if you decide to go ahead.
I’d also look into medication-induced dysphagia which “is recognized far less frequently, not paid due attention, or accepted in silence; particularly in older patients” ….”many active agents can have a negative effect on swallowing and medication-induced dysphagia caused by polypharmacy is not uncommon, particularly in old age” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26148562/
With voice issues I’d also explore the Tongue Tied book and see if a PT or OT assessment may help too.
For last three months I’ve been getting this horrible nausea feeling especially a week before my period is due, especially before meals. I took it that my menopause was soon going to happen and this was one of the indications. But I read Trudy’s post on Fb, I knew I had to give it a shot. Even though I’ve been taking GABA but in water before meals, this nausea was not going away. So last night I took 500mg of GABA powder and put it directly on my tongue after about half an hour after dinner and instantly the nausea vanished. Morning again before breakfast instead of taking GABA in water I took it directly on my tongue, I instantly felt settled. Thanks Trudy!
Shalini
This is an interesting benefit of using GABA on the tongue – to take away nausea. Were you having choking or vomiting too? And difficulty swallowing?
Can you clarify if you used it before or after the meal? You say half an hour after dinner and before breakfast?
The drug gabapentin has anti-nausea effects (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24668130/) so I’m going to look into anti-nausea mechanisms of the amino acid GABA and see if there is a gallbladder connection. When I hear nausea I think gallbladder issues, zinc being used on an empty stomach and pyroluria.
Trudy, last night when I used it on tongue, it was after dinner, approximately half an hour later. Even though I had taken my night time GABA dose before my dinner time with water, it didn’t help, but having it on the tongue directly instantly stopped all nausea. But in the morning today, I used it before I had breakfast, just when I usually take it in water with other vitamins, say 5 minutes before breakfast.
I’ve never had vomiting but had been having nausea and yes now I remember as you asked, I also get perpetual choking episodes while eating, even though I talk very less while I am eating. This choking has also been happening for a year or two, and sometimes when I am talking, I suddenly loose my speech and start coughing. I don’t really know if GABA would help me, but I would continue to take GABA daily twice a day before meals on my tongue and would then see if my choking and coughing goes away. Will keep you updated. I also noticed that when I have this nausea I also have a lot of gas in my stomach.
In your opinion should I try putting GABA under my tongue or over the tongue is just fine? because that definitely gave me instant relief. Zinc, I never use empty stomach, it is daily with meals.
One thought, is their a possibility that GABA interferes with any B-vitamin or minerals in your opinion?
Shalini
Thanks for the additional clarification on timing. Now can you clarify how you used GABA before. I think you are saying you had been swallowing GABA capsule with water and your other supplements? Since this blog is about swishing GABA powder I think I misunderstood.
Anywhere in the mouth is fine – on or under the tongue or even in the cheek. I’m not aware of GABA interfering with B vitamins/minerals.
Trudy, do you have a powder form of GABA that you recommend? Or a capsule that can be opened into water when eating out?
Felicia
I list some GABA-only products and GABA-theanine products (can be opened) and Now GABA powder on the supplements blog https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Can you please share what happens with you and let us know how GABA helps if it does?
Thank you, I will. I ordered the powder for my son and will update once he receives and starts using it. . . Just curious if the lozenger dissolved under the tongue before a meal would have the same if effect?
Felicia
The lozenge may work just as well but more than one may be required if a higher dose is needed to get results. It also does take longer for the lozenge to dissolve.
Hi Trudy if you use an antidepressant with Gaba can it worsen your ulcer. I fo have a ulcer snd taking medd for it. I am using altosex and lenament gor my ulcer. But it is still very sore and i get nausus as well when the pain is extremly painfull. Thanks
Jane
One of the precautions is not to use amino acids when you have an ulcer. I recommend discussing with your doctor.
I also recommend looking into Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and NSAID use (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140150/).
Hi Trudy,
Thank you so much for this post. This is the first time I’ve seen my problem addressed. And maybe found some help.
I’ve been having chocking incidences for years. The first time I was a teenager. Sometimes I go many months/years without one and other times it’s every month. My throat freezes, I can’t breathe and I make that wheezing sound trying to catch my breath. It’s very scary and I’m afraid I’ll do it when I’m out or driving. There is no pattern. It can happen just sitting, with no food involved. It does appear that I just “swallowed wrong”. I describe it as a seizure in my throat.
I don’t have many symptoms of low GABA. I’m not anxious, stressed, or have panic attacks, and I sleep well. Tense muscles come from working out every day. I do sometimes stress eat and sometimes have invasive thoughts. But I never view these as a serious problem.
My question is should I take GABA every day, and how much, or just have the powder on hand for when I have an chocking event?
I don’t want to take too much and have side effects but I would like to avoid another incident.
Thank you for your help.
Yvonne
Tense muscles, stress eating and invasive thoughts AND choking incidences may be enough to indicate a need for GABA – either as needed or regular use to get levels up.
I also blog about this here – Paroxysmal laryngospasm with low GABA physical-tension-type-anxiety: Is GABA powder rubbed on the inside of the cheek a solution? https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/paroxysmal-laryngospasm-with-low-gaba-physical-tension-type-anxiety-is-gaba-powder-rubbed-on-the-inside-of-the-cheek-a-solution/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
If you feel like you need guidance and support, consider coming and joining the GABA Quickstart so you can get help figuring it out https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
Will be trying the GABA for oesophageal spasm. Currently controlled by breathing, but any extra help will be welcome. Thank you.
Peter
Please do let us know how things go. Do you happen to know the cause and how long has this been happening?
My mother is 98 and has been “sundowning” for a couple of years. It starts around 3pm, sometimes earlier. Some days it’s no big deal. It is on those other days when she starts and then it goes to anxiety, agitation, then she can get sort of defiant which is so not her. She is a gentle soul, friendly, and kind so this is difficult on her as well as our family. I just started to use my pestle and mortar to crush up a 125mg GABA CALM supplemment (source naturals) and I mix a little into her flavored yogurt when I start to see her having difficulty. I give it to her throughout the day. She only gets the 125mg amount so I feel safe with that. I believe that I do notice it lessens her anxiety. I pray that this will be helpful for her because that anxiety can be really draining for her. I will keep you posted. I have not noticed any adverse reactions. Thank you Trudy for all your info.
Marsha
It is wonderful to hear this lessens her anxiety and this is a smart way to use the GABA Calm. It seems GABA may be involved in Sundown Syndrome https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.00910/full
When I hear symptoms like this – anxiety, agitation, defiance – especially with the 3pm start I also think of low serotonin since it starts to decline afternoon into evening. I’ve seen symptoms improve with tryptophan and/or melatonin. I’m not sure if your mother has dementia but this may be a helpful read – Sundown Syndrome in Persons with Dementia: An Update http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246134/
Please keep us posted on further progress
And let me know if I can use this in a future blog post. It’s a topic I’ve been meaning to write about Sundown Syndrome
I don’t know if I have exactly the symptoms others here have, because I have also a cough that feels “deep”. I know I have a diaphragm hernia and I have been using a fairly new neuromuscular “thing” called IQoro to exercise the muscles all the way down from the lips to the belly (which you can’t in any other way). It has helped me a lot. But I have still problems with singing (I’m a singer). My vocal cords get irritated almost at once when I start singing and I have to cough. So I haven’t been singing for a whole year! I also feel I have to clear my throat all the time when I speak and laugh, even when I’m silent.
This IQoro is made in Sweden by doctors and dentists after many years of research and it has been very successful for diaphragm hernia. They mean there is gastric juice coming up, building a layer on the vocal cords. The address is iqoro.com and you can read it in English. Maybe it can help someone else!
Lena
Thanks for sharing and wonderful it’s helping. It’s new to me and fascinating so I appreciate you for taking the time to comment. I found this information for others to read https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/79510
How long have you been using it and how long did you notice improvements? And how long do you do the exercises each day?
Do Let us know if you decide to look into GABA and if it helps too.
You may find this blog helpful – Vagus nerve rehab with GABA, breathing, humming, gargling and key nutrients https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/vagus-nerve-rehab-gaba/
Hi Trudy,
Can I ask if it safe to take GABA with Lamictal? I will refer my client back to her GP to also ask but was interested to hear your thoughts. She has terrible anxiety.
Kind regards,
Stephanie
Stephanie
I would refer to prescribing doctor or pharmacist. Research is mixed some stating it enhances GABA production and other research saying it has no effect.
I do also offer amino acid training for practitioners. As well as the valuable content, it’s an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids. More here https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/balancingneurotransmitters/