When you have low GABA levels you will have physical anxiety with stiff and tense muscles as well as feelings of stress, overwhelm and may even have panic attacks.
The amino acid GABA helps to raise GABA levels and ease these symptoms very quickly. I find that all GABA products are most effective when taken sublingually or opened on to the tongue. This is why I recommend the Source Naturals GABA Calm™ product.
It is a pleasant-tasting sublingual product that you can buy at your local health-store and in my online supplement store. It is a lozenge that contains 125mg GABA, 5mg magnesium, 50mg glycine, 25mg tyrosine and 20 mg taurine.
[Note: this product is a lozenge with 125mg GABA and is not to be confused with the Source Naturals, GABA Calm Mind, 750 mg tablets]This is my most popular and most effective form of GABA I use with my clients. Here is the product description from the Source Naturals site:
GABA Calm™ combines two of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters, GABA and glycine, with N-acetyl L-tyrosine, which is a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. In addition, taurine supports the calming effects of GABA. The lozenge form dissolves in the mouth for quick and convenient delivery.
The GABA, glycine and taurine are calming and the N-acetyl L-tyrosine (which boosts the catecholamines and can be more stimulating) counters some of the calming effects so you have a nice balance.
A typical starting dose could look like this:
- 1 x GABA Calm on waking
- 1 x GABA Calm mid-morning
- 1 x GABA Calm mid-afternoon
If this works well but you still have some anxiety, then you could try 2 each time and even 3 each time.
I have all my clients do an amino acid trial to determine what will work best for their own needs.
As with all of the amino acids we review the Amino Acid Precautions before starting GABA Calm. The only precaution for using GABA is low blood pressure. I have yet to see it be an issue but it’s something to watch.
Since GABA Calm does contain tyrosine please be aware of these precautions. I don’t have my clients use it in these instances:
- Overactive thyroid/Grave’s disease
- Melanoma
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Bipolar disorder
The amount of tyrosine in GABA Calm is so low it’s typically not an issue but I have my clients monitor their use of GABA Calm if they have
- High Blood pressure
- Migraine headaches
Some of my clients do fine taking this product at night and it calms them and helps them sleep. Here is feedback I recently received from someone:
I’ve been getting good results with taking 2 x Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges of late, especially at night if I can’t get to sleep. I have tried several GABA supplements but this one seems to be the only one that works for me
Others find it affects their sleep and can only use it for easing their anxiety in the day time.
When I was experiencing my anxiety and panic attacks I used to take GABA Calm™ during the day (1-3, 3 times day) and it completely stopped the panic attacks and eased my anxiety while I dug deeper looking for the other contributing factors (like gluten issues, low progesterone, heavy metals and more). I took 2 of the Country Life GABA Relaxer at night. This product contains GABA, glycine, taurine, inositol, vitamin B6 and niacinamide.
It’s a great product to use with children. Trish Soderstrom shared how she used this product with her daughter’s Lyme anxiety.
We’ve used Source Naturals GABA Calm sublinguals with good results. I learned about GABA helping anxiety and because I was treating my young daughter I purchased this because it was easy for her to take.
She’ll be sharing more during her interview on the Anxiety Summit: How We Used GABA for Lyme Anxiety.
Dr. Zendi Moldenhauer, PhD, NP, RN will also be talking about how she uses this product in her interview: Anxiety in children, adolescents and young adults: an integrative psychiatric approach.
I recently received this comment on another blog post where I mentioned GABA Calm™:
Checked out gaba calm. Sounded great until I looked at the ingredients: sorbitol and mannitol are listed as first ingredients. These fake sugars can wreak havoc on your system. Also natural orange flavor… Heaven knows what that is. Too bad, sounded great. Any other suggestions?
Here is my response to this: I agree we could do better but it’s still a very effective product since sublingual GABA is best for most people. Sorbitol and mannitol are not fake sugars but sugar alcohols that don’t affect blood sugar. Very large amounts of sugar alcohols can sometimes cause lose stool but none of my clients have reported this effect from GABA Calm since it contains a very small amount.
If you choose not to use this product, I list other GABA products here on my supplements blog. Opening the capsule seems to be the best way to take GABA.
We are all different and many people do well with other types of GABA products as you can read here – GABA, the calming amino acid: products and results.
The blood brain barrier question comes up at least once a week. In fact, I was just asked this question last week:
Does a GABA supplement have to cross the blood brain barrier to be effective? A nutrition seminar I have been to, said it does not and GABA supplements are ineffective.
This is a myth and I am on a mission to change this thinking about GABA. GABA supplements are very effective for many anxious individuals.
I’d love to hear if you’ve used GABA Calm™ for anxiety, panic attacks, sleep and/or stress eating and how it’s worked for you. How often do you take it and how much do you take?
If you use it with clients I’d love to hear from you too.
If you use GABA Calm™ during the day and another GABA product at night please share that info too.
I’m sharing this information in preparation for my Anxiety Summit interview on GABA and dispelling the blood brain barrier myth. I’ll be sharing what we do know about how GABA works, what we don’t yet know and what we hope to learn through further research.
Hi Trudy,
I have a very ill 14 year old niece who is suffering from Lyme-induced CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demeylinaing Polyneuropathy)….Iberia condition is quite advanced. She experiences a very long list of symptoms…a few related to my inquiry are: severe pain …most difficulty with in brain….she often feels like she is having the worst migraine in the world…and she also suffers with severe anxiety/panic episodes also. When tested on a tilt table she also experienced severe ortho static hypo tension….and is not herself mentally….she has autoimmune encephalitis along with….would the Gabacalm product you write be contraindicated for someone like her do you think?? Thank you so much, Olive
Just wanted to jump and say that I use Gabacalm with my patients who have Lyme and I have one 15 year old patient with P.O.T.S. and mold toxicity and she has very low BP (80/50) resting without meds, and lower when she stands, but it has not made it worse and she takes up to 4-5 a day a few hours apart. (she may also possibly have Lyme Igenix results are not back yet) and she does GREAT on the GABA CALM from Source Naturals! I have found it to very effective for Lyme related anxiety. I keep it in my office for my patients and in my purse for anyone feeling anxious. I take it before bed or whenever I need it. It was one of my all time favorite supplements. Thank you Trudy for writing this article so I don’t have to keep telling people about it. I can refer them to your article!
Juli
Thanks for jumping in and sharing! It’s always great to hear great results like this from other practitioners. And it’s also good to hear that you haven’t observed an issues with GABA and low blood pressure
Hope you’re keeping well!
My pleasure Trudy. Was so happy to see this article. The N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and the Taurine should increase catacholamines and offset the low blood pressure effects from the Gaba right? I read that I think in Julia Ross’s book or maybe it was your book. I referred your book to an ER Doctor the other day. He said that Gaba Calm was “as addictive as valium, xanax and Ativan. I said there is some similarity with some of those meds, and that is why it works on anxiety, but I have NEVER in 20 years of practice as a Clinical Nutritionist working with nutrition for serious and chronic health issues seen someone get addicted to Gaba in this form. I did read about possible issues with Phenibut form of GABA but that is a whole different form and people should read the studies and warnings before taking the Phenibut I think. I felt like giving that ER Dr a Gaba Calm, a Brain Energy and or L-Theanine from Douglas Labs so he could focus his brain, and a copy of your book. 🙂
thank you so very much, Trudy and Juli!
My niece has both severe orthostatic intolerance with hyptotension and tachycardia. there have n=been times that her blood pressure is quite high also while resting. But mixed with the extreme headaches due to many factors (she was recently diagnosed with CIDP–chronic inflammatory demeylinating polyneuropathy), causing her neurological tissue to be literally raw as it is most likely severely demeylinated (further testing to determine staging still in process)…
but due to the head pain and potential for hypertension too, I’m wondering what the best and most natural recommendation would be with a gaba product be for her. currently one of the brain calming supplements we give is L-theanine, along with lots of omegas….and some other brain calming combined formula supplements….is there anything in particular that you would recommend staying away from at least?
Thank you so so much!!
Olive
Olive
This blog has the supplements I have found to be useful with clients. I would pick a GABA only or GABA-theanine product and check with her doctor https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
I don’t know much about CIDP but since there is demyelination I would also suggest looking into autoimmune dietary approaches like the Wahls protocol.
Hello, are these patient become dependent on GABA? Or doe the supplement help them return back to homeostasis ( or in other words chemically balanced )
Ciara
There is no evidence in the research or clinically that the amino acid GABA used as a supplement causes dependence. It’s addressing low levels of GABA in order to create balance.
Olive
I’m sorry about your niece. I would talk to the doctor and ask about about doing a trial of a GABA only product (the tyrsoine in GABA Calm may be an issue with headaches)and then tryptophan. Both can help with Lyme related anxiety and panic attacks.
Zinc can also be low with Lyme disease and as well as helping with immunity it helps with anxiety.
Hi:
Thanks for taking questions!
You often write about how taking amino acids can have an immediate effect. I don’t notice much with GABA, but do notice an effect with Tryptophan or 5-HTP within several hours/overnight. According to the questionnaire, I need to address all amino acid areas.
Questions:
1. What causes some people to have an immediate response to amino acids and others hours? Do vitiman cofactors play a role?
2. When addressing the Amino Acid questionnaire, where do you start, and for how long do you trial? Would a week suffice?
3. How do you know it’s time to give up on an amino acid and move on? Or you’ve taken too much.
Thanks so much for your help and research in these areas.
Do I start with
Scott
You should find answers to your questions on these blogs:
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/which-amino-acids-for-anxiety-which-ones-how-long/
and
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-pyroluria-amino-acids-acids-troubleshooting/
and
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/how-to-do-an-amino-acid-trial-for-anxiety/
I have used GABA (several brands, just open capsule and sprinkle small amount under tongue) for years now, with calming results within minutes. It was recommended to me by 2 family members, both bi-polar, who were tested by Dr. Amen. I have also used it with my children (now adults); my daughter says it doesn’t work for her. (She has anxiety issues and occasional panic attacks, and Rescue Remedy helps her.) It does work to calm my 3 sons, but one says it makes him sleepy, and lasts into the next day, so he won’t take it. (Trudy, have you heard of this reaction? It seems extreme for such a small amount used. He is a college student and ‘medicates’ with caffeine, if that makes a difference.)
I plan to try GABA Calm with both this son and daughter, to see if/how it works for them.
Diane
We are all biochemically different and one form of GABA (or GABA combined with other aminos/nutrients) may work for one person and not another, also one person may need more and another do fine with much much less. Also anxiety has many underlying causes, with low GABA only being one of them.
For the daughter with anxiety and panic attacks I’d look into low serotonin and tryptophan too. For your son, his anxiety may not be due to low GABA at all but because of the caffeine.
May I ask how much helps you (in milligrams)? a sprinkle from a 750mg capsule is different from a sprinkle from a 200mg capsule.
I’d also love to share this example of how different we all are in my GABA interview on the summit – no names will be mentioned. May I please do so?
Trudy, I use 500 or 750 MG capsules, and get several doses from a single cap (so maybe 100/MG dose?) You absolutely may use any info/examples!
Btw, my son had mild depression /anxiety issues before regular caffeine use…
Thanks, good to know – do let me know how future trials go
hello,is gaba safe to try with constant bad headaches with spasms, neck +head ?
it is due to increased stress/ anxiety but its still a very bad headache.
Angy
When a client has headaches or migraines I use a GABA only product rather than GABA Calm because of the tyrosine which can make headaches worse. GABA itself can help headaches when there are muscle spasms/neck tension.
Is Gaba calm ok to take after malignant melanoma dxd 5 yrs ago. Cancer free after surgery at that time(5 yrs ago).
I’m not a computer person and don’t know exactly what I am suppose to do after posting my question.
Lillian
You did fine…post it and wait for the automatic email that is generated telling you I responded. Then you can come back and reply again if you’d like to
Lillian
Since it contains tyrosine, I would not use GABA Calm with anyone with current or prior melanoma. I would use another GABA-only or GABA/theanine product.
Trudy!
Could you explain the relationship between tyrosine and malignant melanoma. I also have a hx of Graves, Hashimoto, Hypothyroidism. Possibly a Lyme exposure in 2014 w/ bullseye. Exposed in Sweden. Lab drawn in Hawaii sent to.mainland. Result neg/ pos. COULD THIS POTENTIALLY have anything to do with the increased anxiety, low energy and body ache for the past two years? I’m trying to get to the Root of my sluggishness. I’m working on hi anxiety, low energy etc.
Would appreciate a reply now when your summit is over. Lillan
Lillian
Tyrosine is known to be contraindicated with melanoma and Graves so should not be used
Both thyroid conditions and Lyme can be factors in anxiety, low energy and body ache. A GABA-only product would be my choice to help the anxiety while trying to find the root cause.
Hi Lillian,
I just read your post. I suggest you get re tested for Lyme using the Igenix test for just Lyme $275 (have a doctor order it or search online) and then for all of the co-infections you can use MDL Labs which is $30 or nothing depending on your insurance. Much less expensive than doing all of them with Igenix ($750) It does sound like you have Lyme to me. The other thing is to do the 23andme genetic SNP test if you can and take it to a LLMD (Lyme Literate MD) or a practitioner who knows how to interpret your genetic SNPs (varaints) and work with them. I have not seen a person yet who had the bullseye not have a positive Igenix Lyme test. (yet). Sorry to keep jumping in Trudy but it sends me an email all the time. I love reading your comments on the Amino Acids and mood issues.
Thanks Juli and yes I agree we always need to get to the root cause and address it. Thanks for offering this Lyme advice! I refer my clients to a Lyme literate doctor if there is any inclination of Lyme being a factor or if the basic nutritional work isn’t having an impact. As you know many people with Lyme don’t ever recall having had a tick bite or bulls eye rash
I take Theanine Serene from Source Naturals, 2 tabs a night. It has helped me immensely from debilitating panic attacks, but I still have anxiety. I take two magnesium malate in the morning, also from Source Naturals, but could I add one of these to further chill me out, or is that enough GABA?
And my anxiety is very physical, by the way. I have had multiple areas of pain that send me into panic, which worsens the pain.
Heather
Glad to hear Theanine Serine helps so much (http://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1783 – 500mg GABA, 200mg theanine, 450mg taurine). I do trials with my clients and start low and then increase to see if they get added benefits. If we were working together I’d do the same with Theanine Serine and/or possibly add extra GABA.
With the physical pain I’d look at DPA to boost endorphins, tryptophan to boost serotonin (often a factor in pain) and look at other ways to address the pain (gluten, nightshades, oxalates etc)
Thank you so much for your reply. I will look into these ideas. A few I have tried (gf/Paleo for five years, and I have tried going without night shades). But I can definitely look into the rest. Thanks again for your amazing resources and knowledge.
I’ll be looking forward to the presentation especially the portion on the blood brain barrier. I’ve read that people who do experience oral GABA effects are those that have leaky gut syndrome which is why GABA absorbs for them. Would love to get your thoughts on this.
Second question: would you take GABA instead of inositol or both? For students who are always under the pressure of tests, how would we use these two substances to curb anxiety and would that make people sleepy? Thank you
Margaret
Both could help. GABA is for the low GABA physical type of anxiety and inositol for ruminations and obsessiveness or obsessive thinking. Too much of both could make you too sleepy.
Re the BBB…to clarify… the thinking is that GABA only works when you have a leaky brain/permeable BBB (which may be a factor when you have a leaky gut – which may be caused by gluten https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26184290)
Thank you so much! This was very helpful. Looking forward to your talk
Hi Trudy,
I have been trialing the GABA Calm product for about 1.5 weeks now. I’ve tried taking 1-2, 2x during the day (mid morning and mid afternoon) and than as much as 250 mg at night. I experienced slight reductions in anxiety, but nothing significant. It sounds like from this article it is safe to take up to 3 lozenges 3x/day. Is that the maximum dose you would recommend of this product? When trialing amino acids how do you decide when to increase the dose, try a different GABA product, or try a completely different amino acid all together? How much time do you recommend trialing one product before deciding it’s not working? Thank you! Looking forward the summit!
Jill
I have some clients who are benefiting from lesser amounts use even more than 3 each time. We typically switch to a higher dose GABA (like 500 or 750mg) to make it easier.
You can see additional information on trialing here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/how-to-do-an-amino-acid-trial-for-anxiety/
See you on the summit!
Hi Trudy, I just finished your book. I have a couple questions – what do you recommend for your patients who do have an overactive thyroid (in place of GABA)? Also, I was comparing your recommendations of multivitamin/mineral amounts – do you prefer a brand? I’ve been taking Shaklee multivitamin/multimineral with iron for a few months now but it’s looking like dosage amounts are as high as you recommend. Wasn’t sure if you had a “go-to” you prefer..
Thanks so much!
Breanne
Breanne
GABA is fine with overactive thyroid – it’s the tyrosine in the GABA Calm that is not
Here is my supps blog which has links to other GABA only products and the copper free multi I like
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Hope you’re enjoying the book!
Hello Trudy,
I just stumbled your article on FB about GABA calm.
I have had physical symptoms like tightness just under the breast bone..I haven’t been able to wear a bra for over an year..my diaphragm area gets so tight, it chokes on my esophagus..lots of bloating and burps..that it’s hard to take a full breath sometimes..Ot like there is a tight belt where my diaphragm is. I had been taking Prozac, Zoloft for a while..it did help some but not anymore..
I think my flight and fight system is not turning off.
Do you recommend taking GABA calm?
Shipra
It’s hard to know if GABA will help until you try it. I can’t offer specific advice via the blog but if I was working with you I’d consider a trial https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/how-to-do-an-amino-acid-trial-for-anxiety/
If SSRIs helped that could be a clue that tryptophan may help too
And also look into possible vagus nerve issues https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/vagus-nerve-rehab-gaba/
Thank you for replying..
yes I have read quite a bit about calming the vagus nerve. Would you recommend both? GABA and tryptophan?
I read the vagus nerve article, and am pretty sure it’s my vagus nerve..thank you for the info
Hello Trudy,
I ordered GABA calm today..I am planning to start a
Trial soon..what’s the best time to take GABA calm, before going to bed or
In the morning.
I plan to add Lidtke tryptophan as well, maybe after a week.
Let me know what you think?
Shipra
I’m afraid I cannot do individual consults via the blog. I share what I do with clients in this blog so please use that as a guideline. It is best to do one at a time so you know what effects they are having
Hello Trudy,
I tried GABA calm..it works really good..except it does give me a little headache..My dreams are pleasant and I remember them 🙂
I kept on waking at night few times..but was very sleepy and went right back.
Shipra
Glad to hear it’s helping with sleep. Tyrosine can cause headaches and migraines and in this case a GABA only product works well for my clients.
Is it ok to take Vit. C 1000mg when you are taking amino
acids
GABA should not pass the BBB Blood Brain Barrier if it does it means you have a leaky BBB and this should be repaired !
Aaron
I do not believe this to be a true statement and I’ll be talking about this in my GABA talk on the upcoming Anxiety Summit http://www.theanxietysummit.com
I would love to hear where you are getting this information from and if you can point me to some research supporting this fact. I’d be much obliged. I’m really trying to change this way of thinking until we have hard evidence that this is the fact.
Look up the work of Dr. Datis Kharrazian, he put this in his popular and very good book “why isn’t my Brain Working”, apparently the Gaba molecule is too big to pass a healthy BBB, pretty sure there is at least one study on this like this one: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6677191
Having said that, like you, I see 1000’s of people helped by Gaba, so we can draw a couple of possible conclusions there:
1. Maybe it is small enough
2. Many people have “some level” of Leaky Gut (This IS true, regardless of Gaba concerns, and especially in people who are “not well”)
3. Both the above
https://www.quora.com/Do-Gamma-Amino-Butyric-acid-GABA-supplements-cross-the-blood-brain-barrier-and-effectively-reduce-anxiety
Some studies show it affects Brain, of course we don’t know Gut Health of the subjects used.
A couple of other interesting papers:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1571855/
http://www.phyllisbronsonphd.com/Graphics/BronsonGABA.pdf
Quote, ” it appears to act on the CNS directly without crossing the blood/brain barrier.”
The important point that is so strangely never talked about with this is I am pretty sure “Some” Gaba gets manufactured in the GUT, and there are likely receptors there too, and of course the Gut and Brain “talk” all the time, so even if Gaba does not cross the BBB, maybe that is why it still helps so many people.
—
There is a “potential issue” with using Gaba for people with downregulated Gaba receptors like people who took Benzos or Cipro, as there are some studies (LONG TERM mostly) that show doing so could “potentially” slow the process of up-regulation
The bottom line I think is Gaba definitely works for many people, not for others, and may not be right for everyone
Hi Jason
GABA is one of my favorite topics to talk about and share info about – I was actually asking because I like to find out where folks are getting their information from.
Thanks for posting all this here! I look forward to reading through the links you’ve shared here and reaching out to Phyllis Bronson (her work is new to me!).
Here is the link to my recent GABA talk on season 4 of the Anxiety Summit – I go into the research a great deal and share case studies and other practitioner feedback https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-blood-brain-barrier-trial-anxiety/
And yes I agree – as with all nutrients and nutritional approaches – GABA “definitely works for many people, not for others, and may not be right for everyone”
I’d love to hear more about your interest in this area?
Hi Trudy thanks and you’re welcome. I knew you did a talk on it in the recent Anxiety Summit (have it but have not listened yet) but did not see your own article on the very topic until after I posted 🙂
Well I have used and recommended Gaba for years, and then when I was “Floxed” myself it was a very hot topic in those Groups as you know, and this pushed me to do much more research on it as I was luckily not really needing it myself but was counseling more and more people who did
Cheers
Jason
Jason
I’m sorry to hear you were “Floxed”. I was not aware that GABA was a hot topic in those groups as I’ve only just become aware of the fluroquinolone dangers when I “found” and interviewed Lisa Bloomquist this season 4 of the summit.
I’d love to connect and learn more about what you have found
Thanks Trudy I was able to heal from that fairly quickly but it is one NASTY experience as you probably gathered from interviewing Lisa.
I would guarantee that many of your past clients were Floxed and that was what triggered their anxiety and other issues, they give this stuff out like Candy after all and new people are injured every single day 🙁
Sure that sounds like a plan send me an email 🙂
Talk soon, Jason
Jason, and Trudy
Thanks for posting. I’m curious what genomic snps might be related to a down regulated GABA receptor. Do you have a citation for that research? I was wondering if it was GABRA2…this gene seems to be involved in alcohol abuse, essential tremors, and pain perception in the spinal cord. I’m wondering how any GABA product might interact with homozygous and heterozygous variations on this gene as well as variations on the GAD1 gene…I do understand that symptoms and signs need to addressed and not the snp in isolation.
Warm Regards,
Robin
Hi Robin. Hopefully Trudy has looked into those SNP connections, unfortunately I have not. There are just too many SNP’s!!! My Genetic focus has been on Methylation mostly up to now
Good healing to you
Jason
Jason,
Thanks for your reply. I meant to also thank you for the link to the Phyllis Bronson paper. The GABRA2 gene I mentioned is relevant to the GABA-a receptors she mentions in her review. Thank you for alerting me to her work. I’m privileged to consult with many women coping with autoimmune, chronic pain and mood/anxiety issues at perimenopause. Many self medicate with wine, beer or martinis. Many are encouraged to use SSRI/SNRI for perimenopause/menopause symptoms. I’m studying everything I can around Glutamate/GABA, other neurotransmitters, estrogen and progesterone and methylation and detoxification pathways to better support people through this transition.
Robin
You’re very welcome Robin. Honestly I would not spend too much time on the Genetics, I think they play a much smaller part than some of the experts in those fields want us to believe, and many of the Enzymes are actually screwed up more from Mercury than anything else.
Autoimmune comes down to 3 things IIRC, I think 1 is a possible infection, I forget the 2nd and the 3rd is Gut Health, which is an epidemic all by itself, I really can’t overstate the importance of Gut it is tied to the entire body as Autoimmune Diseases show, affects Brain in a very big way, it is almost always a factor with “sick people” with all the “attacks” that are on it in today’s World, and they are extremely numerous.
Fibo and other Chronic Pain issues can be from someone taking a Fluoroquinolone (Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, people can have delayed reactions from these too), Heavy Metals, Gut issues again, these are big root causes.
As you allude too SSRI’s will get someone no where, as will the other vices cited. Its all about Root causes, and putting bandaids on symptoms until the root is rooted out and corrected. Here is what can take a while to understand and figure out, is many of what people “think” are the roots, are not, and they have their own root, which might have another root itself. Here is an example = Anxiety Symptom -> Hormone imbalance -> Adrenal insufficiency -> Candida -> Mercury -> Detox Issue. The inexperienced Counselor might stop at the Hormone imbalance and treat that and not look further into the WHY only the have patient relapse later, or even at one of the next rungs on the downward ladder to the actual root behind them all.
Mood Anxiety stuff has a ton of potentials, Hormones/Adrenals, NT’s, Toxins just as you cite esp Mercury (and other Metals like Copper) & Cipro (and other AB’s) & Benzos (and other Pharmaceuticals), too much Glutamate in Diet and other nasties, many more, Gut again, oh the Gut I tell ya, I have yet to see a “sick person” with good Gut health. Diet is critical not just for Gut health, but to give the body what it really needs and as I’m sure you know the Western Diet has next to none of those things, this is where the downward spiral often starts.
Take care
Jason
Great discussion and I agree on how important the gut is. I do feel our genes play a role but don’t think we know enough yet, certainly in terms of knowing this: if we have a defect/polymorphism is it actually expressing and causing issues?
This paper mentions the OXTR gene and social anxiety: Novel developments in genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of anxiety (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26575296). I have seen a correlation with this gene and folks with pyroluria. It also seems to be common with post-partum depression and I’ve had feedback from a few women who report a correlation. I’m not familiar with the others mentioned in this paper.
A number are mentioned in this paper: Are there depression and anxiety genetic markers and mutations? A systematic review (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25106036). The ones I’ve read the most about and seen the most research on are: serotonin (5-HTTLPR), GABAergic (GAD) and dopaminergic (COMT). I’ve seen individuals with and without these gene defects have anxiety/depression issues.
Trudy and Jason,
I wanted to add a couple more thoughts to our discussion. Thank you Trudy for these additional links. I truly appreciate your generosity and deep knowledge. I agree with you both that the gut rules.
Jason, the other leg in the stool for autoimmune issues is genetic vulnerability, variations (often in multiple genes) will influence which organ is targeted. Also, Interestingly, zonulin production and gut permeability will be influenced by variations in the HPR gene because variations here tend to influence haptoglobin plasma levels. I think I am biased towards learning as much as I can about genomics because i have an hereditary connective tissue disorder that went undiagnosed for decades. It explains one of the sources of my leaky gut, interestingly I don’t carry variations in the HPR gene. My genomics have also helped me better understand why I’ve had multiple adverse medication reactions.
One GABA issue I’d like to better understand is the difference between PharmaGABA and GABA. Do they work differently immediately or is it over time that the differences emerge?
Best to all,
Robin
Trudy & Robin I don’t know if either of you were able to catch the “Autoimmune Summit” or not (2014), it was really good.
Amy Myers was the host, here is her main takeaway from all 39 Experts and what she feels are the 5 key factors
http://www.amymyersmd.com/2014/12/what-i-learned-from-interviewing-39-experts-in-autoimmunity/
(I agree, but Robin I hear you on your bias for sure and IIRC it is thought by some Experts Genetics can make us more susceptible to these 5 [As you can see my memory is impaired, this is from Mercury, where my bias lays and a key Gut disruptor for many including of course my own sad state of GI…)
Yeah this article and video explains it REALLY well (and actually he has a LOT of other really good info all over his site and you tube especially the R5 Cellular Detox Methodology)
http://drpompa.com/additional-resources/health-tips/248-the-autoimmune-answer-microbiome-epigentics-chemical-stress-three-legged-stool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EU_4yU-OkE
This ties all the things mentioned here together really well. Genetics can be behind AI and make us more susceptible, but why are they even in play? Stressors/Toxins are turning them on.
He does not mention this in video but those very SAME stressors can be what is disrupting the Gut, and that of course has a multitude of bad effects, of course there can be others there are just so many Gut disrupters and damagers especially AB’s and other drugs.
So most importantly he points out the way to fix this is what I went over way back and what Amy M points too in last post, root out and remove the Stressors/Toxins and Fix the Gut Biome (which in AI might require FMT if other things are not working) which then fixes the 3rd Gene leg and then the body works as it was brilliantly designed too.
BTW Robin sorry to hear about the long struggle with the hereditary connective tissue disorder, I am a long term sufferer myself my Mercury poisoning goes back at least 30 years and maybe more Western Med of course did nothing for me except propose things to make me worse (which I never took thankfully)
Friends in Healing…..Jason, thanks for the link. I, too, found the autoimmune summit enriching. I’m also with you on mercury and other toxins being significant gut disrupters…and blood brain barrier disruptors (I had my amalgams removed last year and I know they played a role in my health challenges). In the face of so many environmental stressors, I just wanted to add, our mind-bodies are truly miraculous. They are built to heal. Trudy, thanks for helping us identify some of the potential paths in healing.
Hello,
I was curious to your thoughts of SAMe and Ashwanganda. Also if you take these supplements would it be safe to take Gaba calm in combination? Is Gaba meant only to be used during times of high anxiety or is this meant to be taken daily?
Thank you
Johanna
I don’t use SAMe much but like Ashwanganda for adrenal support. Both can be used with GABA. And GABA is typically taken daily to get levels up and then can be used as needed
Hello Trudy,
I would like to work one on one with you..how do I go about doing that.
Appreciate your reply.
Thanks
Shipra
I do long-distance consults and have a waiting list right now. You can sign up here https://www.everywomanover29.com/services.html.
If you scroll down to the bottom you’ll see 2 homestudy amino acid programs I offer too so you can get started right away.
Many people find my book is all they need too. https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
I took one 700 mg GABA supplement because I have ongoing anxiety issues. Also take med for complex partial seizures and small amount of hydroxyzine for anxiety. Within about an hour after taking the GABA at bedtime,I was shaking, I began having a bigger anxiety episode!! I got in bed with my daughter shaking and kept shaking. What’s the deal with me, what happened?
Sophia
I find that many people have a bad response when using too much GABA. I have my clients start with GABA Calm which has 125mg or a 200mg GABA only product and build up from there based on how they feel. For super sensitive pixie dust people this may even be too much and they may need to start with 1/10 this amount.
I would also check with your doctor for any possible interactions with the medications you’re taking.
Hi Trudy,
I have suffered with Anxiety and Panic attacks for around 12 years now. I was prescribed SSRI’s a few months ago and took it as a last resort as the Anxiety and Panic attacks had gotten to a bad place. I had a scary reaction to the SSRI’s (suicidal thoughts, jolting of my legs) so have stopped taken them after two days.I want to try out your approach but I’m a little scared i may not have a good reaction. What do you think i should try and what dose?
Janine
I’m sorry to hear this. I can’t give specific advice via the blog but can share that I have my clients do the amino acid questionnaire, review the precautions and do a trial https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-amino-acids-overview/
This could be stated somewhere and I’m missing it, but I’m currently in the process of tapering off 2mg/day of klonopin. Will this GABA Calm help in this process or hinder it? Is it something to be taken once off benzodiazepines as an alternative? I appreciate your input very much as I’m struggling.
D
GABA and other nutrients like tryptophan, niacinamide etc are very helpful when tapering – for most of my clients. There are a subset who need very very small amounts and some people who are tapering can’t use any supplements.
Hi Trudy,
Would I be able to try Gaba Calm if I am on Paxil (50 mg daily)? Additionally, I take .5mg of Ativan at night to help with sleep. I believe the Paxil has stopped working because I am still having panic feelings and obsessive thoughts, primarily when driving on bridges and highways. I also use the Ativan when flying. I really want to get off of the meds, especially because they are not helping.
I don’t have low blood pressure or Graves disease. Thank you for your advice.
Susan
The ingredients in GABA Calm are not an issue with Paxil and Ativan but the bigger issue is the Ativan which may be causing the panic feelings and obsessive thoughts. Also with those symptoms I’d also consider low serotonin
Hi Trudy,
I’ve recently been using GABA calm, which seems to calm my anxiety but I was wondering if there is another GABA supplement that I should be taking daily or is GABA calm enough?
Thank you
Fran
Good to hear! If a client is taking GABA Calm and the anxiety is 100% resolved then we leave it at that. If they could do better we increase the GABA Calm or add a GABA only product
Why do u prefer gab and over pharma gaba
Lusine
I have had such good results with GABA so prefer this to start with. Some people do report good results with pharmaGABA and some of these people report even better results when they switch to GABA
Hi Trudy
Glad you are enjoying our fair shores! I just wanted to follow up on your discussion with Jason further up about GABAs ability to cross the BBB, have your views changed and what did you find out from Phyllis?
Jane
No change in my thoughts on this topic – GABA does work and it’s much more complex than the BBB. I agree with Jason and Phyllis
So I assume that means you now also agree with Datis and his views on GABA.
Not that is not the case – we have a professional difference of opinion on this topic of GABA and the BBB and using the GABA challenge.
Hello Trudy,
I ordered your book and it’s a great help for us. My daughter 21 having a difficulty with anxiety,it’s started affected her school (ubc) start skipping classes and having a panick attack. We went to the doctor she give her anti-anxiety pills.
Seems it’s not helping, she was ok for the while and crush again when difficult situation came up. She is not going to gym have cravings sad. I am very frustrated what to Do? How we can find out what’s really wrong then we can treat it. Should we go to Phycatrist to test her? Please help. Thank you for your time
Ola
I’m sorry to hear this. Keep in mind that anti-anxiety medications can make anxiety worse but must be tapered slowly. You mention my book has been a great help – let me know what you have implemented and what has helped and I can share some things I’d look for. Hearing anxiety, cravings, sadness my first thought is low serotonin and tryptophan. I suggest using the serotonin questionnaire in the book and doing a trial. And then looking for other root causes. If you can find a functional medicine practitioner they can help guide you.
Hi, for 3 yrs been on Alprazolam -25mg/4x a day for anxiety attacks. When I am about to have an attack my body becomes extremely stiff and tense. My abdomen starts to tense up then the ab area spasms uncontrollably. It is the most scariest thing ever. Since on med the attacks were under control until several days ago I started having anxiety attacks when the med’s wearing off.
I also have Graves’ disease for 3yrs, under control with “Thyroid Calming” tincture once a day. I took GABA Calm twice today and I feel like it’s helping me. I just saw that you don’t recommend GABA for Graves’ disease. I wish I can give GABA a try, what do you think?
Susan
It’s the tyrosine in GABA Calm that is an issue with Graves. A GABA only product would be no problem
What everyone here really needs to understand is anxiety is only a symptom, and things like Gaba etc are only bandaids, much needed ones, but just that.
People need to find a good practitioner who understands Root Causes, and how to dig for them, Functional Doctors are fairly good at this, just ignore everything they say about Mercury.
Jason
I agree anxiety is a symptom of underlying root causes but respectfully disagree that GABA and other amino acids are bandaids. Low GABA and low serotonin are root causes with the majority of my anxious clients and using the targeted amino acids provide much relief very quickly. What I can say is that there can be many deeper underlying root causes that contribute to having low GABA and low serotonin – like gluten issues and malaborption, leaky gut, dysbiosis, adrenal issues, low stomach acid, poor diet, mercury etc – and these need to be addressed too. The great aspect about the amino acids is the quick relief while you are digging and addressing all the other factors which can take longer
Hi Jason,
I’m sorry that your own health experiences have necessitated your in depth knowledge on mercury. I have been through my bevy of functional/integrative practitioners in addressing my own heavy metal issues. I would appreciate if there are any specifics of what to caution against in terms of those typical models of care regarding provokation/chelation, etc…clearing out heavy metals such as mercury, you could share.
thank you in advance!
Olive
Hi Olive. Thank you, yes I really do wish I had none of this knowledge and was living a “normal life” of ignorance, well, to a degree anyway. It was a very long road for me, and not yet over, there is no safe fast way to recover from Mercury poisoning. I do put it to good use at least as a Health Coach 🙂
Yes Provoking tests are dangerous and uninformative, they do not show what is in the Organs/Brain where Mercury is largely stored and taking large doses of chelators have damaged many people in these tests, and other tom foolery protocols for things like Neuropathy etc.
IV chelation of ANY kind is extremely dangerous.
Glutathione is counter productive and damages many people, even in pill form. There is a HUGE misconception on this in the Alternative Health World based on some flawed studies, all Alternative Health Doctors LOVE it, unfortunately. It is MUCH better to promote it, not supplement it.
Chlorella is unhelpful and often makes people very sick.
Cilantro is dangerous, it is a chelator but the half life is unknown, some people have nearly gone cuckoo on that
Chris Shade is NOT an Expert on Mercury, he has fooled much of the Alternative World which is unfortunate, as he uses very expensive products that make people worse and is being touted everywhere now as an Expert yet unsurprisingly (to those who are correctly educated) there are virtually no success stories anywhere.
There is only one safe way to get Mercury out of the Brain, and Organs, to get lasting healing, and that is with ALA, low dose, and on its half life (every 3 hours) for at least 3 days at a time. No one should EVER take ALA if they have Amalgams, or any other exposure going on. Even if someone who is sick with Hg tox has a TINY speck left, in a root canal, under a crown, hidden in composite, they will not get lasting health gains through chelation until it is found and removed, xrays will not help to see in Root Canals or under Crowns.
For more things not to do, google “Cutler what not to do”
Join the Andy Cutler Group on Facebook, buy his $35 book (ALL you need, and it is packed with the best info you will find on the subject in the World) and then prepare to embark on a journey to lasting healing. Good healing to you. Jason
Jason
Thanks for sharing all this – great summary! I have always had niggling concerns about provoked urine challenges and chelation. It’s difficult to know when you hear from so many practitioners who use this approach and report good results. I even interviewed Dr. John Dempster on one of the Anxiety Summits (http://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-heavy-metals-chelation-mercury-lead/) and he reports excellent results. I wonder if there are some people who are able to handle provocation and IV chelation and some who cannot? As I shared with Dr. Dempster in my interview I did not do well with the provoked challenge.
I am familiar with the Andy Cutler protocol and would love to learn more and interview someone on this approach. Have you used it personally?
Hi Trudy. Thank you and you’re welcome 🙂 Yes, it is VERY unfortunate the confusion over Mercury poisoning in the World at the present time, how to test for it, how to heal from it, and that “good” Doctors have been not only inadequately taught about it, but have been taught many inaccurate notions including some that harm patients like challenge tests, that all Naturopaths do and even Functional Docs IIRC. This confusion caused me to “do nothing” for years, I was not sure I had HG Tox and if I did I was scared to do the wrong things for it. Unfortunately I did get more sick in those years though, doing other “healthy” mainstream ideas like eating Onions, Garlic, taking MSM, chlorella and other foolish things 🙁
These things don’t harm everyone, including the challenge tests, IV’s etc, but some do get damaged, some permanently, some have even died (google DMPS backfire). It really depends on several variables, the important takeaway is no one should do these things, they are unnecessary and carry high risk. Also unfortunately, almost all the methods used for healing, won’t “completely” heal someone either, and some have a long history of making people more sick. In the case of Naturopaths who use DMSA and DMPS once or twice a day, neither of these reduce Brain Mercury. Patients might feel better when their blood and body burden has been reduced, or when the DMSA lowers their LEAD level, but they will still have Mercury in their brains.
Since you “reacted” to DMSA, unless you have taken other measures Metals are almost certainty still an issue for you (and we all have some, some people are just more affected by them than others). I have been chelating with the Cutler protocol for over a year now, and have studied Metals in general for about 5 years with special focus on Andy’s work and two fabulous books. I would be happy to do an Interview with you if you would like to learn more detail about these things from me and share them with others just send me an email. Of course I am not a renowned “expert” or licensed Doctor etc, just someone who has done an awful lot of studying & research in just about every common way us Humans suffer 🙂 (All the ones Western Medicine Docs treat the symptoms only)
Take care, Jason
Hi Trudy. I was looking for something today and came across this again and thought of our discussion here. This study points to other studies, that you can see Dr. Cutler took into consideration when forming his Protocol. See here:
http://truechelation.com/images/pdfs/JamesRooney2007Paper.pdf
DMPS is a water-soluble dithiol (ME=> TWO thiol sulfur compounds like DMSA & ALA, making it bond much stronger than so many of the single ones used by ignorant Doctors). It has been used in the treatment of arsenic,lead, mercury and cadmium poisoning. DMPS is not effective at removing mercury from the brain (Aposhian et al., 2003; Buchet and Lauwerys, 1989; George et al.,2004).
DMSA is administered orally and is rapidly but
incompletely absorbed. It has been used to chelate lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and other metals. DMSA does not effectively chelate mercury in the brain (Aposhian et al., 2003; Buchet and Lauwerys, 1989; George et al.,2004). DMSA has a half-life of 3.2 hours
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a disulfide that is well
known as a powerful antioxidant, It is reduced intracellularly to dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), a dithiol that has antioxidant properties. DHLA can then be exported from cells to the extracellular space. Both ALA and DHLA are known to form chelates with various heavy metals (Packer et al., 1997, 1995). Administration of ALA is known to increase intracellular GSH levels by 30–70% (Packer et al., 1997), and is known to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Unlike DMSA and DMPS, ALA is taken up by all areas of the CNS and peripheral nerves (Packer et al., 1997).
ALA has been shown to be protective against the
effects of acute mercury poisoning in several mammalian species when administered simultaneously or shortly after mercury exposure (Donatelli, 1955; Grunert, 1960), provided a correct dosing of ALA was used (inappropriate doses were seen to increase toxicity). Grunert (1960) suggested that frequent treatments with lower doses of ALA could also be effective by virtue of keeping the blood level of ALA more constant, and this has been observed in guinea pigs (administered every 4 h)(Donatelli, 1955).
———–
In Sum, DMPS & DMSA do not chelate the brain or total CNS and peripheral nerve areas, it does the extracellular space, this is what Naturopaths and Functional Medical Doctors have missed.
ALA OTOH, DOES do the Brain, and those areas, BUT, can make someone worse when not dosed correctly, ie on the half-life to keep blood levels steady. This is the basis of the Cutler protocol, all 3 of these are used, but on their half-lives at low safe doses and ALA is used as the MAIN chelator.
The (not-so) funny part here is ALA IS the main chelator and is sometimes given hap-haphazardly (NOT on half-life, in a Multi-Vitamin, etc, this leads to a LOT of redistribution and can make many people worse off even relocating more Mercury into their Brains) to clients of Naturopaths etc as a “here take this as well it will help recycle Glutathione”(which it does). Sometimes these people see improvement, sometimes they do not, sometimes they get worse; seeing the above info, now you know why.
Let me know when you want to blow the lid off this Mercury thing! 🙂
Cheers, Jason
Hi Trudy. We have to remember how brilliantly the body is designed, there really is never a time where someone is going to be low on Gaba or Serotonin “out of the blue”, there is always a reason this happens which when addressed can then bring ‘lasting’ relief. The reason ‘can’ be something simple, in cases caught early, like diet for instance, which is then the root cause, and when the client realizes early enough that health is not something to fool around with and takes Gaba AND corrects their diet because now they are motivated by their ‘new’ problem, then this can bring lasting relief. Another fairly simple example would be stress, again as the root, and if caught and corrected early enough together with bandaids can help someone. My clients are some of the sickest on the planet who in many cases have already consulted with numerous people and Doctors so I almost never run into these examples there are always multiple damages and imbalances as things were not caught and addressed early.
Something else we have to remember is up to 95% of serotonin is manufactured in the Gut, serotonin out of balance means a Gut problem, Gaba is similar, really most of the time “sick” people have Gut problems as I mentioned before, Hippocrates said it best more than 2000 years ago, “All Disease begins in the Gut” (me=> and usually goes in, through the mouth). In the case of stress, if caught early, it can be just an Adrenal issue at times without a Gut complication.
I hope you see what I was pointing too in my other post, now flushed out more, that bandaids alone are not typically going to bring “lasting relief”, the body is really an amazing healer and it can happen but most times people have to address the “why”, we always have to ask “why”. These are my observations and conclusions over the last 10 years of studying people and medicine
Cheers in health, Jason
Jason
I agree – we are both saying exactly the same thing! I said all this in my comment but summarized into one sentence: “there can be many deeper underlying root causes that contribute to having low GABA and low serotonin – like gluten issues and malaborption, leaky gut, dysbiosis, adrenal issues, low stomach acid, poor diet, mercury etc – and these need to be addressed too.”
I know I am posting a Question in a Female Board Trudy however I have been trying tryptophan for severe anxiety and to get to sleep but have not been successful will they help right away or does in take awhile. I haven’t been relieved yet.
I just received the source naturals GABA today and Hope that will help, But I am wondering if because I am a male would that matter
Your articles on amino acids are very intriguing and I am hopeful to find something that works for me other than klonopin. I never tryed a 5Htp test on my tongue but I tried it in water and drank it and got extremely nausea and regurgitated
Please respond
Is it safe to give to am 8 year old with autism ?
Maria
I have used GABA Calm with children this age but always with mom’s who use the amino acids themselves and know what to expect. For children who are non-verbal mom’s observe calmer behavior, better sleep and less irritability – often more focus too. I start with 1/4 of a pill and do a trial to see how they do.
My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (here on Amazon http://amzn.to/2kptFWm) has an entire chapter on the aminos acids and I recommend anyone using the aminos acids read it so they are well informed about use and precautions.
One of these was too much for me. I was out of it all day then ended up having a slight panic attack because I was nervous! My question is, being a lozenge, is it ok to break these in half or even 1/4 so I won’t have to take a whole one?
Brandi
I often have clients break it up into 1/4 and sometimes 1/8. The tyrosine affects some people too as can the added ingredients. Doing a trial of GABA only could be a good my approach.
Hi Trudy, my mum is in a nursing home and they want to sedate her which is not our wish however she is highly anxious and upset and is actually hurting them (my beautiful mum….can’t believe it even as I write)and she is really not able to take any more tablet meds. Where do I buy liquid GABA. Her dr said that she was happy for mum to have GABA instead of sedation. I’m happy to get it from America but do you by any chance know if it is available in Australia?
Maree
I’m so sorry to hear this – it must be heartbreaking for you. For Australian clients I’ve been recommending powdered GABA from a sports nutrition store and mixing it in water. Body Ripped Sports Nutrition makes one that seems to be effective. Another option is a compounding pharmacy like Kingsway https://www.kingswaycompounding.com.au/ The doctor can call in for a prescription and I’m a nursing home would prefer to do this.
With anxiety and rage/lashing out I also think low serotonin – the same compounding pharmacy can do tryptophan prescriptions. There is also powdered tryptophan in the sports nutrition stores but I have yet to confirm how effective it is.
I do hope someone is helping you figure out what is the cause of the anxiety and why she is hurting them. Many medications can do this and so can something as simple as gluten sensitivity.
A question for you – I’m in the process of training a team of nutritionists to help me serve my community and wonder if we offered a 30-60 minute “client review/ask your questions” type of session if this would be of interest?
Thanks Trudy. I do definately think she would benefit from tryptophan too. She’s refusing meds so I’d hesitate to give her another tablet though. Kingsway is near me so that would be an option. Once before when I asked you about liquid GABA, you mentioned an american brand. What was that as it may work better to just order it online.
I would be happy to participate in a client review.
Maree
Both tryptophan and GABA can be taken in powder mixed with water. The liquid GABA is by Quicksilver
Thanks Trudy.
My anxiety is out of control. Interfering with my everyday. Does this gaba calm really help? I’m on saroquil at night for sleep
Rickay
I have clients do a trial to see if this is the root cause of their anxiety. Low GABA is one cause, so is low serotonin, high cortisol, gluten sesnitivity etc. If it is due to low GABA, relief is experienced in a few minutes.
Hi Trudy- I’m always researching products that will calm my wife who suffers with anxiety and panic attacks. According to Dr Liptan Gabba calm is the only Gabba that will cross the bbb barrier because it has glycine, which apparently helps it get through. My wife suffers from migraines and I would ask you if the taurine and tyrosine in gabba calm will make her migraines and headaches worse. If so, is there another gabba with glycine only available? Thanks for your help.
Peter
I use the Source Naturals Theanine Serene. It has GABA, glycine, and taurine, but it does not have tyrosine. I was worried about the high blood pressure with the tyrosine.
Thanks, Heather, I’ll get some!
Peter
Heather
Thanks for sharing. Is it this product with theanine, GABA, taurine and holy basil? I’m not seeing glycine in it? http://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1783/
Peter
Tyrosine can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals but some people are fine with it. If a client is willing we’ll give it a trial. The amino acid precautions should be reviewed before starting on any of the amino acids https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acid-precautions/
I have yet to hear about the GABA glycine connection and would love a link to a resource supporting this if your doctor has one?
There are many glycine-only products that could be used with GABA-only products and I would have to ask around for a GABA-glycine product.
Thanks, Trudy.
The Fibro Manual by Ginevra Lipton, M.D. is for anyone with fibromyalgia. Dr Lipton also has fibromyalgia and there is a section on page 75/76 about GABA and glycine, which is able to cross the bbb.
calm thouths …
Does this product have gluten
Clayton
This is a gluten-free product as are all products I recommend. But I always suggest checking labels as product formulations do change.
I’m on an depressions what can I take
Hi Trudy, I am wondering what is the thinking behind GABA not being recommended if you have bipolar?
thanks
Lynda
Lynda
It’s not GABA that’s the issue but the potential for the tyrosine in the GABA Calm product to be an issue. It’s a very small amount and is often fine but it’s important to be aware of the possibility.
can you take Gaba Calm if you take 10mg of Paxil daily? i have been having IBS symptoms for the last 4 months and have had every test known to man. Colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound,CT Scan, blood markers for all inflammatory diseases, poop tests for parasites ect. everything is fine–ugh. i generally only use the Paxil 3 times a week but have upped it to everyday.
Rita
I have clients taking Paxil also use GABA Calm (after discussing with the prescribing doctor). When IBS is caused by SIBO, the sorbitol in GABA Calm can be an issue for some and in this instance I use another GABA product opened on to the tongue. You don’t mention the SIBO breath test so this is worth considering.
I have suffered from extreme anxiety for a few years. After much research, I tried taking magnesium malate and taurine, 1 tablet of each in the morning and another at night. It helps. Now the questions: can I take GABA with these supplements and what can I take for depression, which hits in the morning when waking up. I find it very hard to shake that depressed feeling for the rest of the day.
Connie
GABA is for low GABA symptoms and tryptophan or 5-HTP is for low serotonin (depression) symptoms. I cover this topic here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/wake-middle-night-jolt-fear-feelings-dread-feeling-depressed/
Trudy,
What about progesterone cream for post menopausal women with anxiety and sleep issues?
Mary
Yes to progesterone cream or oral bioidentical progesterone if levels are low. Keep in mind that GABA helps to make progesterone together with other nutrients like cholesterol, zinc and vitamin B6 – as well as vitamin C and selenium. More on progesterone here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/hormone-secret-progesterone-for-anxiety/
Thank you Trudy for answering me about progesterone cream. I have been post menopausal since 46 years old and next month I will be 58. I actually felt better when i used to get my period. I never thought I would feel that way because I had endometriosis and had two operations and also lupron injections for it. I have fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and a number of other ailments. I forget what it feels like to feel OK. I have PTSD from emotional abuse from x husband and the realization of emotional neglect from growing up in an alcoholic home. I am working through the grief of all of it. The anxiety is off of the charts. Would regular gaba or the gaba calm be better for me. I appreciate any hope you can offer. I also know that I have low serotonin. The only description drugs make me feel worse and I tried 5 htp and that reves me up too.. I do have your book on the anti anxiety diet. I test low in just about everything. I don’t have a lot of support so I appreciate you and all the help you offer women. Again, thank you for answering me.
Mary
I like GABA Calm because of ease of use, it’s sublingual and it’s a nice small dose. Doing a trial of one amino acid at a time is key. Once you get to the tryptophan trial you may find it helps the fibromyalgia too.
I am sorry to hear what you’ve been through but there is hope for feeling great and on top of the world again!
Trudy,
What is your opinion on this product that contains GABA?
RelaxMax from Xymogen
https://www.xymogen.com/formulas/products/275
Thanks so much!!!
Anne
I like this product and have had a few clients report excellent results. It’s also an easy form to take. (I edited the link as PDFs can sometimes be problematic – but thanks for providing it). Have you been using it and has it helped you?
Hi Trudy,
No not yet just got it in the mail yeaterday my functional doctor recommended to me for anxiety. Im happy to know you approve it. Thanks for replying to my inquiry 🙂
Anne
Hi Trudy, I’ve just started following you. You seem incredibly knowledgeable on a range of topics I’m interested in – I’m so glad I’ve found you! I wouldn’t consider myself an overly anxious person but I do have the need to supress dark thoughts, and particularly in the mornings, I find myself quite stressed, on edge and with a very low tolerance for, well, anything. I’ve also got a 4 year old boy on the Autism Spectrum who never stops. I’m interested in the Gaba Calm. In my situation do you think it would be worth trying? I’m in Australia. Thank you!
Hi, Trudy.
I have an adult son with autism and severe anxiety. He also has Long QT syndrome (Type 2). I asked his cardiologist about using GABA Calm for my son’s anxiety, but he said he has no knowledge about using any natural supplements with Long QT. Do you happen to have any information/suggestions that would be helpful?
Hi, do you know if this product would be safe while breastfeeding a 20 month old? Avoiding going back on Zoloft again for anxiety. Thanks.
Bridget
I heard that gaba doesn’t cross the blood brain barrier. Does it? Also, what about forgiveness therapy and surrendering to God for help?
What do you think about childhood trauma coming out later in life causing anxiety and emotional issues?
Hi, would it be really bad to take about 0.25 mg of Klonopin for sleep if I took Gaba but it didn’t help me sleep? Thanks.
Katie
I can’t provide specific feedback via the blog when you’re not a client. I can share that I don’t recommend any benzodiazepine (more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/world-benzodiazepine-awareness-day-2017-awareness-anxiety-nutrition-solutions/) and when working with a client we look at serotonin support as well as GABA support, and sometimes melatonin is needed as well as tryptophan and GABA. We also need to consider high cortisol, food issues, low blood sugar, sex hormone imbalances and other root causes for insomnia. EMFs/WiFi issues are also something we always look into https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/emfs-from-computers-phones-smart-meters-and-circuit-breakers-insomnia-anxiety-depression-ibs-numb-hands-and-skin-issues/
Hi Trudy,
Have you ever come across anyone having a skin reaction to taking GABA? I use a pure GABA powder (no other ingredients) by NOW foods, and have had no issues. My sister, on the other hand, who’s been taking GABA with no issues, just recently had a skin reaction all over her neck and stomach. She uses the same brand as me. She ruled out anything in her diet; and the reaction happened almost immediately after taking her GABA.
What I’m wondering is if this can happen from taking too much GABA? Or if you’ve come across anything like this in your experience with others? The dose on the NOW foods powder is 1/4 teaspoon = 500 mg GABA. When she’s felt extra anxious, she’s taken two doses (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). I wondered whether that would be too much GABA? and again if that could have possibly played into the possible reaction on her skin. Any thoughts?
Andrea
Too much GABA can cause a niacin-like skin flush. We’ll often see dizziness, light-headness and low blood pressure in these instances too. For most people 500mg is a high dose and is best used that high by starting low with a trial and slowly increasing and monitoring symptoms. If a client gets anxiety relief with less of the GABA I have them use less. More is not always better.
If the lesser amount of GABA helps to some extent but not completely then we look for other anxiety root causes like low serotonin (using tryptophan), high cortisol (Seriphos) , gluten, caffeine, EMFs etc.
Thank you Trudy. Very helpful.
Dear Trudy,
I am at a loss at this moment. I just got through watching
the Hashimoto’s summit where I learned a great deal more than last
time! An ongoing process. That said I remember one of the doctors(
Dr Group I believe) stating quite strongly to NOT take anything with
Magnesium Stearate if you have Hashimotos…Then I look at the Gaba
Calm and of course its in there. The only other sub lingual Gaba I
can find on line is by Superior Source and they use stevia which is
good but they use lactose! How odd with so many people who don’t do
well with milk. Here is my question. In my testing for food
sensitivities I do have one for milk (not high) so am I better off
with Gaba Calm with Stearate or is the lactose better, neither being
good….????? I rely on Gaba Calm but now I am quite
concerned….Thanks Trudy..Hollis
Hollis
When I have a client doing well with GABA Calm I know we are onto a good thing and they stay on it. In this instance I would stick with it other a product that may trigger food sensitivities. Magnesium stearate is controversial and this article by Dr. Josh Axe may put your mind at rest https://draxe.com/nutrition/supplements/magnesium-stearate/. One other option if you do decide you’d prefer something else is a GABA-only product or GABA-theanine product and opening up the capsule
I think this is banned in NZ. Are there any other alternatives you could recommend?
Many thanks,
Sarah
Sarah
GABA is not available for purchase in health stores in NZ but can be purchased via prescription and in bulk from sports nutrition sites in Australia and presumably NZ too. I believe you are allowed to mail order for personal use. Taurine may be an option and theanine is also calming.
Thank you for your very prompt reply!
I saw a review on iherb where a man ordered GABA Calm and it was seized by customs and then got sent a warning or persecution letter!
I will try the theanine though thank you. I was also considering the L-Tyrosine? I have acne and think the anxiety may be related.
Thanks so much for your help 🙂
Sarah
Thanks for the heads up. Maybe something has changed in NZ recently.
The post was from 2016, so I’m not sure how current it is. I might talk to
some health stores here and check 🙂
Many thanks!
Sarah
Sarah
Please do let us know what you find
My dad (who is a chiropractor) told me a friend tried to order it from overseas and couldn’t get it. He said it’s been recently categorised as a Class B drug here. Eek. I hope one day this can be revoked!
Hi Trudy,
I’m fascinated by your studies on GABA and believe I’d benefit from trying this supplement. I’ve taken your questionnaires and definitely fit the profile of someone who would benefit from GABA. I also appreciate that you mention thyroid conditions and blood pressure. I have a mild case of hyperthyroidism due to thyroid nodules, which sometimes spikes my blood pressure. I am on low-dose medications for both issues — but still suffer from high anxiety and gastrointestinal stress. (Which is common to hyperthyroid conditions.)
My question: Would GABA be a problem for me? I need help with frequent waking at night, and my anxiety is much worse in the mornings. Is there a GABA product that is safe for me, or should I avoid entirely due to the thyroid and blood pressure issues? My family doc is always open to supplements, but not fully educated in that area. Thanks so much!
Cindy
I have had clients with hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure use GABA. We do avoid GABA-Calm and tyrosine. GABA only products work if the anxiety and sleep/waking is due to low GABA. We also look at low serotonin, low melatonin, high cortisol, parasites, gluten, SIBo and EMFs.
Hi Trudy. Since Gaba calm is sublingual, can you just let it melt in your mouth and keep it there for a while then spit it out to avoid the sugar alcohol issues? Would doing that give you any benefit or do you have to swallow all of it?
Amy
I would suspect you’d still get some sugar alcohol absorbed that way. But best would be to test it out. If sugar alcohols are an issue I recommend a GABA only product in a capsule and opening the capsule
I avoid the expense of capsules and gain the dosing accuracy of bulk product by ordering pure GABA from liftmode.com. You can buy 400 grams of GABA (7/8 of a pound) for under $30! I bought a nice portable milligram scale on Amazon, and it’s now easy and routine to measure out my daily doses.
I imagine that my comment may not get approved because of Trudy’s affiliation with Source Naturals GABA Calm™, but maybe I’ll be proved wrong!
https://liftmode.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=gaba
Anna
Thanks for sharing and glad this works for you! Love that you use a portable milligram scale. I’d love to hear which one you like?
I’m not actually affiliated with Source Naturals in any way. I simply find the GABA Calm product to be excellent for my clients.
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.
Is there a GABA product that is better for sleep (better than GABA Calm)?
Thanks.
Mike
GABA only products are often more helpful for some folks. You can find 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.
Due to my genetic testing, I cannot take anything that affects Serotonin and was advised to use other means. About 20 years ago Paxil, an SSRI, gave me suicidal thoughts for no reason. A psychiatrist I saw at that time told me that if I hadn’t had the fortitude to stop Paxil, I would not be sitting there talking to him.
After finding a doctor across the state of Florida willing to change my T4 thyroid hormone and start me on a T3 thyroid hormone and getting my thyroid levels under control I had no more mental problems.
Right now, I am living in an Assisted Living facility due to my husband’s dementia and under a lot of stress with him and my own medical problems (Lyme disease & Babesia misdiagnosed 45 years, Gall bladder disease, needing surgery, having to have Mohs surgery 5 times only to mention a few, so now I am under an unsurmountable amount of stress with many other doctor’s appointments for various situations also. Thus, I have had to take responsibility for my own health or I would be dead with some of the advice I have been given through the years. I am 81 years old now. I now take Buspar and Wellbutrin. They are helping somewhat but not enough with obsessive thoughts.
I am willing to try GABA as I see that as almost my only recourse as I have tried 5-htp and other supplements affecting Serotonin and all I do is get worse anxiety and depression and more irrational thoughts. After genetic testing, I understand why. After taking the Genesight Psychotropic DNA Pharmacogenomic test and finding problems with having the SLC6A4 L/S genetic component I can see why I am having a problem with serotonin supplements or serotonin precursor supplements. I was given Trazodone and it upset me terribly with terrible anxiety and Effexor did the same thing. I was told to take Lexapro of which I refused and now considered noncompliant.
I feel like a human Guinea pig, in that everything that is prescribed to me seems to make me worse. Also, doctors do not listen. I go to a wonderful cardiologist now and he can’t believe some of the advice I have been given.
Thus, I am wanting to try and give GABA a try and hopefully it will help. I also crave pure dark chocolate and understand an association with magnesium. Lyme disease also depletes magnesium. I figure I have no reaction to Buspar in that it only affects serotonin type 1A receptors only on nerves and thus does not cause me added stress as other serotonin supplements and drugs. Believe me if it wasn’t for my strong believe in God and Jesus Christ, I would not be here now. I have even prayed to God to take me, I have felt so bad and you see how that turned out in which most times I’m glad as I know deep down, He cares for me and feel He is really the One that leads me and can eventually help me, and will continue to do so. I am relating this as I am not the average bear when it comes to medications and supplements and to open up the thought that maybe there are others that cannot and should not take supplements affecting serotonin levels also. Thank you for your time.
Mary
Thank you for sharing and do keep us posted when you do a trial of GABA. When someone is on multiple medications it’s always best to discuss with their prescribing physician.
Regarding your husband’s dementia, Dr. Dale Bredesen’s book “The End of Alzheimer’s” is excellent. You may also find this helpful: Microdose lithium formulation is capable of halting signs of advanced Alzheimer’s and improving cognition https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/microdose-lithium-formulation-is-capable-of-halting-signs-of-advanced-alzheimers-and-improving-cognition/
Hi Trudy!
My daughter is 13 and has had behavioral issues since she was young. We have tried everything counseling, rewards, consequences, 3 pages worth of medications and nothing helps for very long. She has explosive behavior, is extremely negative, huge reactions to little things, when there are a lot of people around even people she knows well and wanted to see, she usually goes off by herself. She has a hard time making/keeping friends, she is bossy and cannot be in the same room as her little brother because “he has ruined her life”.
She was on an SSRI and stimulant for years and the doctor kept changing the 3rd medication trying to deal with her anger. About 6 months ago we tried a new medication, it did more harm than good. It resulted in us stopping all medication and withdrawing her from school. She spent a couple months just sleeping and detoxing from all the medications. We are now homeschooling and our days are very up and down. She is on Wellbutrin now because she became so sad and tearful. It worked well for awhile but we started to see the anger slipping back in and eventually full blown tantrums. She complains of feeling overwhelmed, not being able to focus, she is definitely ruminating, and started having cravings for carbs and sugar that would lead to fits if she didn’t get them.
I started giving her a good multi-vitamin, fish oil and a probiotic everyday. I also, had her start taking 200mg chewable L-Theanine twice a day and immediately saw great things. She was able to be in the same room as her brother, she was even playing games with him and no one was crying or screaming, her cravings still there but not resulting in fits, and she was doing school work with no complaints. This lasted for about a week and a half and now she is irritable/anxious again and having a hard time focusing on school work.
Based off of everything I have read I feel like she has low serotonin. I added 500mg of tryptophan at night for a few nights and didn’t see results so now we are trying 2 500mg at night but I haven’t seen results yet. I tried the chewable tryptophan and she hated the taste and won’t take it. She is swallowing the pills.
She is a very bright girl, a straight A student, and when she isn’t raging she is so pleasant to be around. Her initial changes with L-Theanine were so encouraging but I don’t know what changed and I am struggling to get her back on track. Any thoughts?
To clarify, I have increased l-Theanine to 300mg 2x a day. We are still seeing benefit from it just not as much as we saw initially.
April
The results with theanine are very promising. When we see variable results with the aminos we consider hormone fluctuations, food sensitivities and other dietary factors, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, blood sugar swings and residual withdrawal effects from the medications.
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/ What is her diet like? It’s amino acids and diet, not only supplements.
And we start to address or rule out all the possible causes once we’ve addressed the basics of diet and nutrients https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/
She was on her menstrual cycle when things started worsening so that makes sense. Yesterday was a much better day so maybe her hormones are leveling back out. Until next month
We only buy and eat high quality grass fed beef In our home and we are very picky about the other foods we buy. She eats a lot of fruit and nuts and some vegetables, she drinks mostly water but has been craving sweet tea recently. My husband and I are gluten free so the majority of what she eats is gluten free, I am sure she gets some gluten, so we can do better there.
Her thyroid was recently checked and all was fine, however, I have hashimotos so we will keep a watch on that with her. I have also had to take progesterone for since I was young so maybe this should be checked.
I am so glad I found your blog I have spent hours reading it and others that discuss amino acids. We will work on her diet and keep taking the supplements. Maybe increasing while she is menstruating. Thanks for your response.
Hi Trudy,
I’ve seen the GABA calm 750 mg capsules and was wondering if you recommend using that pill for trial. I purchased them before the fact of reading your post that is best to start at 125mg lozagens. Do you recommend me return these pills or how can I use them for my trial? Thank you in advance.
Yajaira
I have clients open and use 125mg for their trial.
Hi trudy
I have a 11 yr old daughter who has ocd, autism and tourettes. I’ve read that a uk doctor has linked low gabba with tourettes and tics. I’m wondering what you think of this and would you recommend trying gaba for my daughter as she’s really struggling at the moment with her dystonic /tonic tics and her mood is so low its heartbreaking to see. Thank you.
Ellen
Low GABA can be a factor in many instances. The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA is to look at the low GABA symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of GABA and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
You may find this helpful – GABA helps 14-year-old with Tourette’s Syndrome (the tics and sleep), and tyrosine makes him happier and his mind sharper https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-helps-14-year-old-with-tourettes-syndrome-the-tics-and-sleep-and-tyrosine-makes-him-happier-and-his-mind-sharper/ With low mood we also look into low serotonin and trial tryptophan.
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.
My book does have an entire chapter on the amino acids and many folks do really well implementing on their own. My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/ I have a mom in the group now and they have seen wonderful reduction in tics and anxiety in her son.
Please share which UK doctor has linked low GABA with tics and provide a link if you have it – thanks! I’m thrilled awareness is growing.
Hi Trudy,
I hope you and your family are doing well.
I wanted to ask what would you recommend for tremor caused by anxiety. So shaking leg anxiety and feel like I am fully shaking but it’s only my leg. And also constant worry thinking.
I also wake up at 4/5 am with stomach cramps and bad dreams. Would gaba or tryptophan help?
Gaba or tryptophan?
Thank you,
Valentina
Valentina
You may find this blog helpful – Essential tremor, dystonia, anxiety and cravings – diet, GABA, tryptophan, zinc and vitamin B6 https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/essential-tremor-dystonia-anxiety-and-cravings-diet-gaba-tryptophan-zinc-and-vitamin-b6/
With worry we look into low serotonin and with bad dreams we consider low vitamin B6.
Be sure to read my book The Antianxiety Food Solution https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ for a comprehensive approach
Trudy you are absolutely amazing with all this info! My 6 year old son was having Panic attacks getting out of the car going to Kindergarten and taking two has completely relieved him of his fears. He had been going for 3 straight weeks in a row. I thought it may be low seratonin since this has happened in last winter as well and we had to have him repeat Kinder this year but I gave him 5 htp for a couple months and it didn’t seem to affect him and his anxiety. But wow, the Gaba has been fabulous and Kindergarten is in full swing because of your help.
Quick question…does the Gaba have to be taken on an empty stomach to work? We try to give it as soon as he is awake and wait to eat for 15-20 mins but sometimes it’s not possible.
Lisa
Wonderful to hear these results about your son. Is it Source Naturals GABA Calm product you are using (with 125mg of GABA)?
GABA is best taken on an empty stomach and 30 mins from food but the way you’re doing it is clearly working for him. When it’s not possible to wait the 15-20 mins how close to food does he take it and how is his anxiety, fears and panic attacks on those days?
This is really inspiring and I’d love to share it as a blog post for other families. Have you also made any dietary changes? This is key to be able to eventually no longer needing GABA.
Thanks for your kind words!
Thanks for your fast response! Yes, he takes the GabaCalm Source Natural chewables (2). He has always been gluten free and dairy free (only goats milk as a baby). We follow the Feingold Diet and try to stay away from high histamine foods as it causes his anger and anxiety to be worst. I know he has some inbalances so we need to do an OATs test and Pyroluria test (I have Pyroluria so I know he is bound to have it). Money is the issue at the moment so the Gaba Chewables have been a true lifesaver. I can’t thank you enough!
We just got a call from the school today and they are in shock how well carpool is going for him. They wanted to know what I was doing, ha! He has been a star student so they were shocked when he started to have melt downs and panic attacks, running away and into traffic about 3 months into school. We deal with a bit of ADHD at home (its manageable with the diet) but anxiety is what most see on the outside. The Gaba has taken all those fears out and has been a huge bridge for him to get to school. Like I said last night we are repeating Kindergarten because half way through he started to panic getting out of the car last year. The previous school wanted to grab him out of the car and have me drive off. They said he would calm down better without me. What??? Just what I want to do is traumatize my child at the start of his academic life. I pulled him and we waited since he was on the younger side and put him in a fabulous charter school this year.
We will keep doing the no food for 15-20 minutes after taking cause it is obviously is working. We’ve only had it happen where he eats after about 5 mins and it seems to still do the job.
You can definitely write up a blog post about it. If I can help other families going through the same thing it was all worth it. If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you again for sharing all your knowledge.
Lisa
Thanks for clarifying and the additional info. Such incredible results with the 2 GABA Calm and even with them being so close to food. Love that the school is shocked. I hope you told them what he’s doing!
All those dietary factors are so key but even then additional neurotransmitter support is needed.
Keep in mind I often don’t test for pyroluria because of the false negatives and pyrolurics are really good at masking and pushing though (as I’m sure you know). The pyroluria supps also provide raw materials for neurotransmitter production and can help with ADHD too.
Thanks too for the permission to share as a blog post. I’ll mention my thoughts on 5-HTP not helping and will come back and share a link to the blog here.
Hi Trudy,
I would like to try the Gaba calm for fear and anxiety from hormone imbalance due to Perimenopause; but I noticed you don’t recommend it for thyroid Graves’ disease. I had that in 2000 but had my thyroid completely removed so do you still not recommend it and if not what would you recommend?
Thank you
Tonya
In cases like this I have clients use a GABA only product or GABA/theanine product (capsule opened or a powder for best results).
You can find various GABA products on the supps blog https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ (and details on how to open an account for my online store).
With fear and perimenopause symptoms we also consider and address low serotonin and pyroluria.
My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place for the foundations (you don’t mention what dietary changes have been made) and has a chapter on the amino acids with dosing/timing information and pyroluria. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions related to GABA and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
Hello Trudy,
I have been taking Source Naturals Gaba Calm to help me sleep after a major life trauma. I started with 1 per night but now only need half a tablet. I find that 10 mins after taking it I feel relaxed and sleepy. I feel that I could use doses during the day for anxiety but am wondering if it also causes sleepiness during the day. I’m usually quite sensitive to interventions. Thanks
Lisa
Wonderful that GABA is helping with sleep. Less is often needed in the day and we also consider low serotonin and other factors for addressing anxiety.
My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place for the foundations/dietary changes and it has a chapter on the amino acids with dosing/timing information. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions related to GABA and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
Thank you Trudy.
I appreciate your individual response and yes I will purchase your book. It sounds like an invaluable tool.
Is there any issue with taking the Source Naturals Gaba Calm mind instead if you can tolerate/need a higher dose?
Thanks for all your great work!
Using GABA opened or sublingually is more effective so as long as a higher dose product is not a tablet then is opened then it works well. For getting a higher dose of GABA using a GABA powder is typically the best approach
Thanks! That is helpful. Hoping the powdered GABA is cheaper than liposomal!
Have you seen that clients may need very different doses of GABA on different days? If so, what might it mean if the dose fluctuates so much?
It is and these can increase need – added stress, hormone shifts, seasonal allergies, exposure to pesticides, dietary factors like accidental gluten intake etc
Hey Trudy. I’ve always had anxiety but usually for a reason. This year I’ve experienced panic/agoraphobia for places unknown or sometimes places I’ve been a million times. I take a few supplements (saffron helps with mood etc) but the anxiety/panic/out of control feeling still comes. I currently take 500mg morning and sometimes afternoon of gaba by now but it worked at the start but now I don’t really feel a difference. Do I need a higher dose? Or lower? Or another product?
Thanks heaps
Stacey
Things can change – hormones, allergies, infections, toxins, food sensitivities, life stresses etc can requires a higher need for GABA. Keep in mind GABA is best used 3-4 x day and using it sublingually is best.
When you are new to the amino acids and anxiety nutrition solutions my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is an excellent resource for all of the above https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
I really like the convenience and taste of the Gaba Calm lozenges – both orange and mint. Alas, the sugar alcohols in them cause gut problems for me. (Luckily, my mate can use them for proctalgia.) Then I ordered 500mg GABA capsules from NOW, which I now understand is too high a starting dose – even at half a cap. So, I’m now seeking a third bottle of GABA – this time at a lower dose and without sweeteners. Wish me luck!
Luna
I have client split a 500mg GABA capsule into 1/4s or 1/3s
Thanks, Trudy! I tried that, but it’s messy and imprecise. Perhaps I should buy the measuring spoons you recommended to someone in another post that go down to 1/64th of a teaspoon to help with consistency until I build up to a higher dose. (Which will take time given how sensitive I am, though will likely need given my struggles with anxiety, insomnia, and pain that even six months on low dose naltrexone isn’t resolving.)
Luna
This is what I teach folks in my GABA program to do. If you feel you need guidance and want the ability to ask questions you can get on the waitlist for the next GABA program here https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/