Today I’m sharing a success story where GABA, used as a supplement, helps a teenage boy sleep for the first time in years and also helps reduce his carbohydrate cravings. This boy’s mom, Calle, shared their wonderful story on this blog post – GABA for ending sugar cravings (and anxiety and insomnia):
Got some GABA for our ASD [autism spectrum disorder] child. He has not slept well for years. We had tried all kinds of stuff. I am a healthcare pro and have studied and read and tried so much. But this stuff is a true miracle. For the first time in years my child sleeps. He sang and was all smiles from ear to ear for the first three days.
And then she posted this a few days later (and how shocked they both were!):
Our son has also really noticed a difference in his carb cravings since doing GABA. He went to grandma’s house and was not tempted by 6 pies, tons of cookies, sweet rolls etc. We were both shocked. This is a kid who would mow through tons of cookies, rolls and pastries.
I love getting feedback like this and am so happy for them!
There is no study on the use of GABA as a supplement for helping sleep problems in those individuals with ASD/autism spectrum disorder. Here are two papers for further reading until such a study is done:
Studies indicate that between 50% and 83% of individuals with ASD have sleep problems or disorders.
This review approaches sleep in autism from several perspectives: Sleep-wake mechanisms and problems, and brain areas and molecules controlling sleep (e.g., GABA and melatonin) and wake maintenance (e.g., serotonin, acetylcholine and glutamate).
GABA concentration in the sensorimotor cortex of adults with ASD was lower than in neurotypical adults (decrease by 17%). Interestingly, GABA concentrations were positively correlated with self-reported tactile hypersensitivity in adults with ASD.
If you’re new to the amino acids here is a quick summary about GABA: low levels of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter typically leads to anxiety, fears and panic attacks, with the anxiety showing up as a physical kind of anxiety with muscle tension or muscle spasms. Low GABA levels can also affect sleep especially when there is muscle tension. Folks often describe that they lie awake feeling stiff and tense. And as with all neurotransmitter deficiencies there is also the carb/sugar and/or alcohol (in adults) cravings as a way to self-medicate.
In this instance low GABA only resulted in sleep issues and carb cravings for Calle’s son. No mention was made about anxiety but it’s possible he was not able to articulate that he felt anxious. I don’t know if Calle’s son experienced tactile hypersensitivity (common in ASD) but if he did this may have factored in with his sleep issues.
In her comments Calle also shared this and it’s so true: “Healing is like learning to dance, you stumble, step on toes and learn to trust your body.”
I appreciate Calle for sharing her son’s story and I’m sharing it here so you can see yet another way GABA can address symptoms and improve someone’s life (and improve things for the rest of the family too). If her son can now sleep after years of sleep challenges then anything is possible.
Keep in mind that this blog goes beyond a teenage boy with an ASD diagnosis who has sleep issues and craves carbs. It could be applicable to anyone – male or female, adult or child – who has low GABA levels that contribute to his/her sleep issues and carb cravings (and often physical anxiety symptoms too).
How have you used GABA as part of your own healing journey or for your child or other family member and have you found the journey to be like a dance?
If you’re a practitioner, do share how you have helped your clients/patients by using GABA.
Feel free to post your questions here too.
I’ve been using N-acetylcysteine for my ASD. It helps me get to sleep without ruminating, and I don’t pick at my face so much. I tend to pick my skin when I am anxious. I am a lot more relaxed, too. I take 1800 mg about an hour before going to bed; usually as I am getting in the shower right after my exercise session.
Taking supplemental betaine Hcl +pepsin and digestive enzymes helped my digestive issues, too; I just have to be careful that I don’t take too much betaine. It will give me diarrhea if I have taken too much. I usually need 1 pill for each 6 g protein I consume. It has cleared up my gas and constipation issues and helped my period pain, too; now when I have abdominal pain, I know I need to go and I do. I also do not need so much B12 and D supplements, as I break them down better.
Crystal
Thanks for sharing about your success with NAC – what wonderful results. I have blogged about this here -Trichotillomania: NAC, GABA, tryptophan, inositol and zinc? https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/trichotillomania-nac-gaba-tryptophan-inositol-zinc/
Gut health and good digestion is foundational and I’m an advocate of digestive enzymes
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Hi Trudy, this is so interesting! My daughter has ADHD, has a lot of trouble sleeping and is really drawn to carbs as well. She is also highly anxious and prone to outbursts as she cannot regulate her emotions. I was wondering if it would be possible to know which brand of GABA Calle used for her son, and how much she gave him?
Beanie
This mom used NOW GABA as a powder. I don’t know what dosage was given and when. It’s very individual and based on unique needs. I typically have clients do a trial with 125mg GABA Calm or open a GABA-only product (sublingual is always best). For sleep issues using it before bed is most helpful. For some folks some of the benefits carry over the next day and help with cravings and for others adding GABA in the day is needed too.
Addressing low GABA often helps with ADHD too – the lack of focus can be triggered by anxiety and when the anxiety is resolved, focus improves. More on that here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-children-adhd-focus-issues-irritability-anxiety-tantrums/
When I hear “prone to outbursts as she cannot regulate her emotions” I would also look into low serotonin and address that with tryptophan and/or 5-HTP if there are other low serotonin symptoms: trouble sleeping also happens with low serotonin, cravings in the afternoon/evening, worry, fears, phobias, panic attacks, obsessing, negative self-talk etc.
Following…what dosage was given and when?
I also wonder, not just about the dose, but also what is a good brand/form of GABA to try with children. I have a child with PANS who is prone to anxiety. Thanks.
Sydney
We always start with the questionnaire/symptoms and a trial of GABA if there are low GABA symptoms i.e. physical anxiety. For a adult 125mg is a typical starting dose and less for a child. If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like 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/store/aafsbook.html
With PANS/PANDAS we also look into possible low serotonin and use tryptophan and/or inositol. Feel free to search the blog for additional information on these topics.
My online group programs are helpful if you have questions and need guidance
You can find products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Please keep us posted on how things go
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Mary Beth
This mom used NOW GABA as a powder. I don’t know what dosage was given and when. It’s very individual and based on unique needs. I typically have clients do a trial with 125mg GABA Calm or open a GABA-only product (sublingual is always best). For sleep issues using it before bed is most helpful. For some folks some of the benefits carry over the next day and help with cravings and for others adding GABA in the day is needed too.
What’s the best source of GABA? (Is it contained in warm milk?)
Is there a good nutraceutical brand/source that I can buy?
Dr. O’Connell
All protein sources contain GABA and there are higher levels in fermented dairy compared to raw or pasteurized milk.
You can find quality GABA products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Also wondering if Gaba was given twice a day, morning and evening? We’ve never tried that, but see a calmer child from a morning dosage.
Mk
GABA is typically dosed throughout the day and can be used up to 4 or 5 times based on need. When someone is new to the amino acids I recommend my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” as a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html It makes for an educated mom 🙂
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
I would like to know how much gaba an adult with anxiety should take.
Thanks
Eileen
Hi Trudy long time reader here. I’ve used GABA for several years for anxiety as well as sleep. My son who is almost five years has difficulty staying asleep. We use melatonin to help him get settled at night. Do you think GABA would be something we could safely at his age?
Jennifer
I have used tryptophan and GABA (very low doses) with kids this age (with success) but we always start with diet and blood sugar control – those changes alone make a huge difference. However I do see kids often mirror what works for mom and when mom understands the amino GABA after using it herself it easier for her to trial in her children.
Please do keep us posted on how things go. And if you don’t have my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” it is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Thanks so much, Trudy. I will give these a try.
Thank you for getting back to me, Trudy. I am definitely going to give these a try.
Trudy,
I have a son that just started GABA after I recommended from following you all these years. He has given up Adderall, Alcohol, and Nicotine all this past six months and feeling so much better than the past ten years of his life. He is 32. He had been diagnosed with ADD in his early twenties. He has symptoms that fall under low GABA and tried a chewable PharmaGABA 100mg tablet yesterday. He took 2 tablets (200mg total) with his meals three times the past two days and said he felt it work immediately. I told him I thought perhaps on a podcast I heard dosing 30 minutes before meals or an hour after was best? Or did I misunderstand that. I know your book says “between meals”. Thank you so much for your prompt response.
Mary Beth
Wonderful to hear the chewable pharmaGABA worked immediately. The amino acids are best used away from protein so yes 30 minutes before meals or an hour after is best. 5-HTP is the exception and can be used with food/protein. Your son will likely find he needs less doing it this way and it’ll be more effective.
Good for him getting off Adderall and quitting alcohol and nicotine! It can be tough when using just will-power alone. I guide folks with quitting using the amino acids to help make it easier. Even so, addressing low GABA levels after the fact will make it so much easier to stay off without having to use will-power. It’s also worth considering imbalances in other areas too especially if these alcohol and nicotine addictions are replaced by sugar, carbs and caffeine addictions.
I am suspect he has low serotonin levels as well but not sure how he would incorporate 5-HTP along with GABA. I was waiting to see how GABA alone does. I don’t want to mess up his balance but he does struggle with the mental depression and ocd type negative thinking as he is dealing with the stress of losing a job as he has eliminated his addictions. Not to mention his ADD type challenges. So he has a lot on his plate. Thanks for your prompt responses. They have been so helpful.
Mary Beth
I do one amino acid trial at a time for this reason – so we know what is working and how – and then trial the next one
Mary Beth
Just wanted to share that I did an entire blog post on this topic and shared some additional information that you and your son may find helpful https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pharmagaba-eases-physical-anxiety-in-a-young-man-who-has-recently-given-up-adderall-alcohol-and-nicotine/
Thanks again for sharing your son’s story and success on the blog. Please keep us posted about his further success.
Hi Trudy. I have severe anxiety and panic and intrusive thoughts . I try gabba 100 mg at night and morning and it doesn’t seem to do anything . I’m on meds that don’t work either . Any suggestions would be helpful . The panic is severe and I’m triggered by so many things . Thanks so much
Melinda
Keep in mind 125mg is the starting dose for GABA and we increase from there. Also anxiety, panic and intrusive thoughts are also common with low serotonin.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like 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/store/aafsbook.html
My online group programs are helpful if you have questions and need guidance
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hi! I left a comment prior and question about how I take gabba as 100 mg doesn’t have any affect for severe anxiety and panic . I am also on meds that are not helpful . Many thanks
Hello Trudy,
Thank you for all the great and hard work you do. I have an 8 year old son he is not autistic or been diagnosed with ADHD how ever I had noticed some anxiety and worry thoughts after getting sick of colds, flu, ear aches.. and being on several sessions of antibiotics. On my last parent/teacher conference his teacher keep referring to his lack of focus, and that his grades were because he gets easily distracted but ones she does one on one with him he does good. What do you think it may be? How can I help with with his lack of focus and easily distracted issues?
Thank you!
Claudia
You are most welcome. It’s a matter of finding his root causes. You may find these articles helpful
– ADHD: 5-HTP melts have been a miracle for one of my adopted kids https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/adhd-5-htp-melts-have-been-a-miracle-for-one-of-my-adopted-kids/
– Children who garden have fun, eat more vegetables, and have less anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/children-garden-anxiety-depression-adhd/
– GABA for children: ADHD, focus issues, irritability, anxiety and tantrums https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-children-adhd-focus-issues-irritability-anxiety-tantrums/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like 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/store/aafsbook.html
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hello Trudy, I’m concerned as to whether or not supplemental GABA has the potential to affect nerve transmission in a negative manner such as neurodegeneration, potentially leading to Parkinson’s and/or Peripheral Neuropathy, as do Benzodiazepines which use the GABA pathway. Please advise. Thank you.
JBV
There is no evidence to this effect and there is actually evidence showing GABA may help in Parkinson’s disease. More here – GABA and tryptophan for pain and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease? https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-tryptophan-pain-anxiety-parkinsons-disease/
Apologies for the delay on your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
I have thoroughly embraced your book and blogs on amino acids and pyroluria. It is all very helpful. I have been able to identify pyroluria in myself and several of my clients and the additional supplements have been game changers. I am very appreciative of your work.
My question is about GABA side effects. I have used GABA myself w some pretty clear benefits, especially r/t sleep (tryptophan made me too tired the next day). I did have some mild headaches in the beginning that went away, but more recently I am pretty clear the GABA gives me stomach pain. Also, 2 clients I started on GABA recently complained of significant headaches within 24 hours. I have had them drink more water and back off on dose though they only started with low doses (GABA calm 125mg lozenge 5x/d for one, and Stress Arrest 1 cap for the other).
Would appreciate any feedback you have about side effects of GABA and best way to deal with them. Thank you.
Carol
I would trial GABA-only products with anyone who reports adverse effects like you describe. I blogged about similar effects here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/why-does-chewable-gaba-make-me-run-to-the-bathroom-and-what-gaba-do-i-use-instead/
You will likely find my practitioner training to be very helpful. We also have an active FB community for engaging with other practitioners and getting feedback. More information here https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/balancingneurotransmitters/
Apologies for the delay on your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Our son was having extreme ocd and anxiety, which turned into rage at times. When I saw this behavior start to increase, I followed what I’ve read what you’ve said about gaba and gave it as a powder. 5 minutes he was a different person! Our functional doctor had said to give 3-500 mg if behaviors increase, but SL worked so much fast then the usual hour! I am truly grateful to you Trudy!!!! It’s a life changer!! You’ve got a fan in me now!!!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
Bonnie
Thanks for your kind words and for sharing these wonderful results your son experienced with GABA. I’d love to hear how much GABA helped and which product you used? Did you make any dietary changes too? And the GABA helped with extreme OCD, anxiety and rage? I ask because OCD and rage are typically related to low serotonin. If GABA helps I’d like to dig deeper into the research and find some other mechanisms.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hi! I have a 4 yr old that has so much difficulty falling asleep and won’t sleep through the night. Our naturopath suggested GABA at a high dose of a 700mg cap split into a morning and evening dose. From what I’ve seen online that seems to be a really high dose for a tiny 35lb girl. I’d love to hear your opinion and get your advice on what may help her sleep. We’ve exhausted all other options. She also takes 1/4 tsp glutamine in the mornings.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!
Jacqueline
I would not recommend that high a starting dose for a child this young. 125mg is a typical adult dose and 1/4 of this would be more appropriate.
When 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. What is her diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc? Much of this can affect sleep.
With sleep we also look at sleep hygiene (dark, cool, quiet room), screen-time, low serotonin, low melatonin, high cortisol, SIBO, parasites, blood sugar balance, dietary factors like histamine/glutamates/oxalates and collagen consumption, meds side-effects, mouth-breathing/tongue-tie/sleep apnea and EMFs. You mention you’ve exhausted all other options – I’m curious to hear if you’ve looked into and addressed or rule out the above?
As you explore low GABA, if you feel like you need guidance and support, consider joining the online GABA Quickstart program so you can get help figuring it out https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
Thoughts on GABA while breastfeeding? I took 3 squirts quicksilver GABA nightly while I was pregnant but curious if I can continue while breastfeeding? Thanks!
Lauren
Neither tryptophan or GABA have been studied during pregnancy and breastfeeding but a free form amino acid blend (that does contain tryptophan) is often very helpful.
Other approaches to improve mood, reduce anxiety and help with sleep while nursing include exercise, yoga, diet and bright light therapy/full spectrum light, tapping/EFT, vagus nerve support. Dr. Aviva Romm writes about herbs for anxiety and specifies which are safe while nursing https://avivaromm.com/7-herbs-anxiety/
If you are new to other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. Much of this helps with low mood, cravings and insomnia too. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
Of course it goes without saying – nutrient-dense food, allowing time to recover and a good support system is so important at this time too.