amino acid

I’m anxious about GABA side effects and feel like adding a bit of tryptophan before increasing GABA (to avoid overdoing it with either one)

September 6, 2024 By Trudy Scott 9 Comments

I have symptoms from both low GABA and low serotonin on your questionnaire. So I suspect I need to supplement with both. The main issues I have (anxiety, panic) are common to both deficiencies. I took a trial dose of 1 Gaba Calm and it seemed to help a bit. Should one continue increasing the dose of GABA or introduce some tryptophan next?

I am trying to avoid GABA side effects because now that I read your last post on tingling etc (which would be a huge trigger for me), I’m anxious about that.

I feel like adding a bit of tryptophan before increasing GABA and going up like that, one at a time. Versus going higher and higher with GABA since the symptoms are on both lists – in order to avoid overdoing it with one .

Does that make sense or do you still recommend doing one at a time (I just read on one of your blog posts that one should try one amino acid first before introducing another one)? Thank you!

Liz asked this great question on one of the blogs where I discuss how there can be an extremely large variation in dosing for GABA and how too much can cause a niacin-like flush and tingling.

Her concerns are very valid – especially for someone who is anxious – but I still recommend doing a trial of just one amino acid before introducing another. In today’s blog I share why this is my recommendation and why sometimes there is an exception to this recommendation (and how best to implement it).

My recommendation and her results

Liz is correct, I do always recommend doing a trial of one amino acid at a time before introducing the next one. I confirmed that this is still my recommendation and also reminded her that when “one GABA Calm seems to help a bit” it’s a positive sign. When I hear this it’s a big clue that you are on track and the next step is to continue to increase the GABA to determine if you’ll get even better results. I told her we are looking for a wow effect in a few days to weeks.

In case you’re wondering, she did increase just the GABA (without adding tryptophan) and shared “I’ve now increased to 2 GABA Calms and it helps a lot!”

With this kind of result she may decide to stay with just 2 GABA Calm or she may decide to increase yet again if this amount hasn’t substantially reduced her low GABA symptoms of physical tension, anxious thoughts, self-medicating with sugar or alcohol to relax, feelings of panic, pain etc. You can see all the low GABA symptoms here).

As always, I also reminded her what when you are new to the amino acids and other anxiety nutrition solutions like eating real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, healthy fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, eating for blood sugar control, addressing gut health and pyroluria, my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.

She has “been eating organic, gluten-free, whole foods for 10+ yrs” (this is a wonderful foundation). However the stress of the last few years has really gotten to her and she has been meaning to get my book to get some help with amino acids. Hopefully she now has a copy!

Why do I recommend doing a trial of one amino acid at a time before introducing the next one?

As she mentioned, she has overlaps with low GABA and low serotonin symptoms: “anxiety, panic.” This is not uncommon. Although they do differ – with low GABA it’s more physical and with low serotonin it’s more mental – it can often be challenging to figure out which neurotransmitter imbalance is the issue. Doing a trial of one of the amino acids and seeing/feeling the results provides the answer.

In this case, Liz discovered all or some of her anxiety was caused by low GABA levels. I say some, because it can be due to both low GABA and low serotonin. Once she has a good baseline of GABA and assuming she still has some lingering anxiety symptoms (and other low serotonin symptoms like PMS, anger, low mood, afternoon cravings etc – see them all here), she would then trial tryptophan without changing GABA dosing.

Laying in the tryptophan (after doing an initial trial) would help Liz know that low serotonin is also an issue for her.

And it would have all been challenging to figure out what was doing what had she done some GABA and some tryptophan and then more GABA and then more tryptophan.

Too much GABA and the adverse effects

Liz was understandably concerned about potential adverse effects of using too much GABA after reading this blog post: How much GABA should I use for my anxiety? It depends on your unique needs (and there is an extremely large variation in dosing). (This is the blog she commented on)

I’ve also published these blogs with similar messages:

Learning about adverse effects like this may make you feel more anxious rather than educated and empowered – hence her question about using tryptophan. However, too much tryptophan can also increase feelings of anxiousness and keep you awake (and it’s going to complicate the trial).

Knowing about vitamin C as an antidote often helps mitigate some of the anxious feelings but when it doesn’t then there may be an exception.

Why there may be an exception to my recommendation (and how best to implement it).

Typically when someone has profound fears that hold them back and stop them from using any of the amino acids, my recommendation is always to start with serotonin support as it can allay fears, worry, obsessing and ruminations about possible adverse effects.

In a situation like Liz describes, if anxious thoughts and worrying prevents her from increasing GABA, we would discuss all of the above and I’d help her decide what to do next:

Layer on tryptophan before she has found her ideal dose of GABA, without any change to GABA i.e. one change only. And then go from there to increase the GABA and eventually increase the tryptophan later if she needs to
Stop GABA and switch to tryptophan only and then come back to GABA. It isn’t ideal to lose the gains experienced, even when GABA only “seems to help a bit.”

The good news is that Liz felt comfortable enough increasing the GABA and saw the benefits. This may not be the case for everyone and the above are some options to consider.

A few GABA product options – a sublingual, a powder and a cream

Liz used Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges (a good low dose of 125 mg). It’s one of the many products I recommend. Another one is Now GABA Powder (which does need to be measured out to provide a 125 mg typical starting dose). Keep in mind, some individuals need less to start.

When using GABA powder I have clients use a handy mini measuring spoon like this one (my Amazon link) and share more about how to measure out GABA powder on this blog).

For Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges and Now GABA Powder:

You can purchase these from my online store (Fullscript – only available to US customers – use this link to set up an account).
If you’re not in the US, you can purchase these at iherb (use this link to save 5%).

Somnium GABA Cream is available in the US and elsewhere with international shipping. Read more about the product and who may benefit from using a cream, and grab my coupon code to save 15%.

Additional resources when you are new to using GABA and other amino acids as supplements

As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low low GABA or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue.

If you suspect low levels of any of the neurotransmitters and do not yet have my book, The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings, I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and using amino acids on your own so you are knowledgeable. And be sure to share it with the practitioner/health team you or your loved one is working with.

There is an entire chapter on the amino acids and they are discussed throughout the book in the sections on gut health, gluten, blood sugar control (this is covered in an entire chapter too), sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues.

The book doesn’t include product names (per the publisher’s request) so this blog, The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements, lists the amino acids that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.

If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.

If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. This is also a paid online/virtual program with an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.

Wrapping up and your feedback

I appreciate Liz for asking this question. I do hope this information has been helpful for you and for her too.

Now I’d love to hear from you – does any of this resonate with you? Have you felt anxious or fearful about increasing your dose of GABA? And how did you resolve it?

If you’re a practitioner is this how you advise your clients/patients?

Feel free to share and ask your questions below.

GABA works wonders for anal cramps (almost instantly) and relieves body aches in the hips and legs of a 75-year-old woman

May 17, 2024 By Trudy Scott 13 Comments

Dear Trudy, your recommendation of using GABA for anal cramps has changed my life. I don’t experience them often but when I do they are nasty. A crushed pill or open capsule on the tongue works wonders, almost instantly.

However, I want to add, after hearing your presentation on the Parkinson’s summit and your mention of relief from physical tension, that taking 500mg relieves body ache in hips and legs.

I’m 75, and have recently developed debilitating body aches. Taking one twice/day a.m. and p.m. has made a huge difference. Thank you for your brilliant blog.

Merril shared this wonderful feedback about how the amino acid GABA, used as a supplement helps her with anal cramps and also body aches. I never get tired of hearing feedback like this and as always, I like to share so I can educate further. This helps the person sharing the results and the community as a whole.

Today’s blog highlights more about the role GABA plays in muscle spasms and pain, and more about anal/rectal spasms in case this application is new to you. I also share other considerations when muscle spasms and/or pain are an issue: gluten, oxalates and low endorphins.

GABA works wonders (almost instantly) to eliminate anal cramps

I first blogged about GABA as a solution for agonizing rectal pain and spasms in 2017. I shared how I experienced the awful anal sphincter spasm and pain myself. The medical term is proctalgia fugax and is described as a condition that leads to rectal/anal spasms and sharp fleeting pain in the lower rectum or anus. In some people it can be more than fleeting and is often described as excruciating and agonizing.

The first time it happened to me I was terrified and beside myself not knowing what it was or what to do. I eventually figured out the solution because of what I knew about GABA helping to ease tense muscles and wanted to shine some light on this very painful condition.

As Merril says GABA “works wonders, almost instantly” to completely eliminate the pain. Take note that she says a “crushed pill or open capsule on the tongue.” GABA is most effective when used this way: sublingual GABA or GABA powder or liposomal GABA (and presumably GABA cream too).

GABA can also be used to prevent a full-on spasm if you catch it in advance i.e. when you first feel the twinges of a spasm coming on.

GABA relieves body aches/pain for her and in Parkinson’s patient

I love that GABA has the side benefits of also relieving her body aches in her hips and legs. It’s not unusual to use GABA or one of the other amino acids for a symptom and then discover it’s helping in another area.

And do appreciate that she picked up this tip when tuning into the Parkinson’s summit. I always share new information when I speak at summits and the amino acid and neurotransmitter information typically has varied applications.

During my summit interviews I had shared that working with a few people with Parkinson’s disease, GABA has been very helpful for the stiffness and pain, the physical anxiety, easing some of their tremors and helping with insomnia. I had one client whose husband had anxiety, insomnia, and leg pain and “thrashed around the bed at night.” GABA helped this man tremendously.

I shared this research: Molecular Imaging of the GABAergic System in Parkinson’s Disease and Atypical Parkinsonisms

A growing number of neuroimaging studies have focused on the association with different symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, thereby suggesting a GABAergic role in motor symptoms, gait disturbances, frontal cognition, somatic symptom disorder, and hallucinations.

Other ways GABA helps with pain and muscle stiffness

With regards to my comment above about GABA having many applications, when it comes to aches, pain and spasms, GABA helps with the abdominal pain of colitis, muscle stiffness and pain in those with multiple sclerosis and even bladder pain.

Gluten, sugar, gut health, and oxalates

She didn’t mention what her diet was like so just to be safe, I encouraged her to also check out my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” to explore all the possible root causes that may be contributing to the anal spasms, pain and body aches – such as gluten (“tingling at 50%, numbness at 27%, pain at 20%, burning at 13% and “buzzing” feeling at 7%”) , gut health and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and even sugar.

I mentioned that I don’t cover oxalates in my book but with body aches, spasms and pain I’d also explore this aspect. More on oxalates here and here.

Endorphin support with the amino acid DPA helps ease pain

When there is a neurotransmitter imbalance like low GABA levels it’s not uncommon to also have other neurotransmitter imbalances. With pain and aching I’d want to explore the possibility of low endorphins and do a trial with the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) if low endorphin symptoms are present (you can find the symptoms questionnaire here).

DPA supports endorphin production (by inhibiting the breakdown of endorphins), reducing pain quickly, often in 2-10 minutes.

The use of DPA is not new information as you can read in this paper from 1982 – D-phenylalanine and other enkephalinase inhibitors as pharmacological agents: implications for some important therapeutic application

A number of compounds have been shown to inhibit the degradation of enkephalins. As expected, these compounds produce naloxone reversible analgesia [pain-relief] and potentiate the analgesia produced by enkephalins and by acupuncture.

One of these, D-phenylalanine, is also anti-inflammatory.

D-phenylalanine has proven to be beneficial in many human patients with chronic, intractable pain. It is proposed the enkephalinase inhibitors may be effective in a number of human “endorphin deficiency diseases” such as depression, schizophrenia, convulsive disorders and arthritis.

DPA also improves mood, especially when there is weepiness, and provides comfort when there is emotional eating. Here is one of many blogs that address DPAfor pain. Feel free to use the blog search feature to find others if you are new to this amino acid.

A few GABA product options – a sublingual, a powder and a cream

Some of the GABA products I recommend include Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges and Now GABA Powder. You can purchase these from my online store (Fullscript – only available to US customers – use this link to set up an account).

If you’re not in the US, Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges and Now GABA Powder are available via iherb (use this link to save 5%).

Somnium GABA Cream is available with international shipping. Read more about the product and grab my coupon code to save 15%.

Additional resources when you are new to using amino acids as supplements

As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low GABA or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue.

If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms too). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.

Wrapping up and your feedback

I do always appreciate feedback from the community and being able to share it on the blog. I’m thrilled Merril saw these benefits with GABA. She doesn’t mention if she has also seen benefits for sleep or feeling anxious or stress eating (all signs of low GABA too) – I’m curious to find out!

Now I’d love to hear from you – have you had success with GABA for anal/rectal spasms or other body aches, pains and muscle spasms? How much has helped and which product?

Have dietary changes or DPA also helped?

If you’re a practitioner have you seen GABA help in situations like this?

And please let me know if it’s helpful that I’m now including product recommendations and where to get them.

Feel free to share and ask your questions below.

How to use GABA cream for a 9 year old boy who is anxious, has sensory issues, is a picky eater and has anger outbursts?

May 3, 2024 By Trudy Scott 8 Comments

Devon is looking for input on using a GABA cream product to help her anxious 9-year old son who has some anger and sensory issues. She’d like advice on timing too. He is a picky eater and doesn’t like GABA Calm. I share my insights about using GABA cream for raising levels of GABA (a calming neurotransmitter), some of the GABA sensory connections, the GABA anger connections and other factors to address (nutritional imbalances, diet and infections).

Here is her question and some additional background information from our online discussion:

My son has SPD/GAD (sensory processing disorder/generalized anxiety disorder). His anxiety is causing school refusal and a lot of angry outbursts. I suspect PANDAS but his primary care doctor doesn’t think he has that (I might try a different path).

He doesn’t have a problem with sleep, it is mostly anxiety/anger in the day. I am wondering if he can use this GABA cream during the day vs at night?Or would applying this at night help him through the day?

I am really hopeful that the GABA cream will help him attain a little more peace in his days.

Devon doesn’t recall if ARFID (Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) was part of his diagnosis but he is a picky eater and

has a carb heavy diet that centers only around certain foods. He recently added corn on the cob and artichokes.

He has tried GABA here and there but can’t get past the flavor of the chewable so has never taken it consistently.

Any thoughts on this would be great. I have learned so much from your blog. Thank you for all of the info you share.

Using GABA cream for a child with these symptoms

Devon asked this question on the Somnium Nighttime GABA Cream blog where I write about using it for insomnia, anxiety, bloated belly, muscle spasms, MS (multiple sclerosis), ARFID, anorexia, Alzheimer’s and autism.

I shared that I’ve had many parents use GABA cream during the day with success to help with anxious feelings their children are experiencing. With sleep not being an issue for her son I would start really low and increase the amount and timing from there based on symptom resolution. A pea-size amount is recommended and I’d start with a 1/4 of this in the morning before school when the symptoms are causing school refusal.

Devon doesn’t mention if they noticed benefits with GABA Calm but we use sublingual /powder/liposomal GABA in a similar way. So when this has helped in the past it’s a good clue that GABA cream will help.

Sublingual /powder/ liposomal GABA is typically used morning, mid-morning, mid-afternoon, evening and during the night if needed. Similar timing can be followed with the cream, however, for some children (and adults) just once a day may be enough with additional use based on the situation, for example anger outbursts at a play date. The key to use is to start low and go slow and figure out what works for each child’s unique needs. More severe symptoms don’t necessarily mean more GABA is needed. The other key is consistency in order to increase GABA levels.

It can be applied behind the ears, inner forearm and belly but keep in mind that mom or the caregiver applying it will be getting a dose of GABA too.

A clue that too much is being used is increased sleepiness. If benefits are seen but the child is too sleepy another option is to use it at night and observe if benefits are carried through to the next day.

The GABA research: autism, social impairment and sensory issues

In this paper looking at autistic children, the authors report “increased cerebellar glutamate levels compared to neurotypical children” which means lower GABA levels. They also found that “altered excitatory/inhibitory signaling in the cerebellum was more clear-cut when analyses were restricted to male participants.” And this altered signaling of GABA/glutamate correlated with “more severe social impairment” in males.

This paper looking at adults with autism highlights the relationships “between sensory processing difficulties, loneliness, and anxiety.” And another study identifies “reduced inhibitory neurotransmission (reduced GABA) in a higher-order motor area, which modulates motor commands and integrates multiple sensory modalities” and “may underlie sensory hyper-responsiveness in ASD (autism spectrum disorder).”

Although Devon’s son hasn’t been diagnosed with autism, many of the studies have been done in this population and much can be gleaned from them.

There is also much clinical evidence supporting how GABA can help in situations like this and it’s not only in boys. This blog is just one example that highlights how GABA Calm helped a young girl improve her sleep issues, anxiety feelings and sensorimotor skills.

Picky eating, carb cravings, ARFID and the neurotransmitters

When the picky eating and carb cravings are driven by low GABA and stress/physical anxiety, GABA cream can help reduce those in the same way sublingual GABA does.

Anger is typically associated with low serotonin but can often be low GABA too. More here – GABA helps ease symptoms of anger, rage, and dark moods. I share one paper that reports “Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, may be critical in the neurochemical control of aggressive behavior.”

I’d also consider low serotonin as a possible contributing factor because other signs are increased anxious feelings, and also late afternoon and evening cravings.

Devon is not sure if ARFID is part of her son’s diagnosis but addressing low serotonin can help if there is an element of fear around eating too. More on ARFID here.

Just like we track his anxious feelings and outburst of anger, tracking his eating is important too. And introducing one amino acid at a time so there is no confusion as to which one is helping which symptoms.

Pyroluria, low zinc, low vitamin B6, low magnesium and dietary factors

Zinc, vitamin B6 and magnesium are needed for neurotransmitter production i.e. to make GABA and serotonin. They are also very common deficiencies and looking at and addressing low levels are important. Zinc also affects appetite and low levels can make sensory issues more severe.

Devon shares that suspects his zinc levels a few years ago were good, based on the liquid zinc test. Levels can change and given her son’s school refusal I’d assess for the social anxiety condition called pyroluria (zinc and vitamin B6 are key). The liquid zinc is also a great way to increase zinc since it tastes like water if you are deficient.

Topical magnesium is an excellent option – as a spray, a roller (she has been using this with him) – or epsom salts baths are another option for increasing magnesium.

As always dietary factors need to be addressed as and when his sensory issues improve: real whole food, quality animal protein (especially at breakfast for blood sugar control), organic fruits and veggies, healthy fats, fermented veggies, gluten-free (and possibly grain-free), sugar-free and caffeine-free. And special diets may need to be considered too – low oxalate, low salicylate, low glutamate and/or low phenol.

PANDAS, Lyme disease and addressing the infection/s

Devon mentions that she suspects PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and it’s unfortunate that she is being dismissed but sadly it’s not unusual. It’s important to find a doctor who will support her in getting testing for this and either ruling it out or addressing the infection/s. You can read more about PANDAS and PANS here.

She doesn’t mention Lyme disease but I’m mentioning it because many infections can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms and should be considered.

The good news is that supporting low GABA, low serotonin and other imbalances, does provide much symptom relief. But we always want to get to the root cause as to why there are imbalances.

A topical GABA product: Somnium

Use this link to read more about Somnium and get the coupon code.

Additional resources when you are new to using GABA and other amino acids as supplements

As a reminder, low GABA can cause physical tension, anxious feelings, feelings of panic and problems sleeping, as well as self–medicating with alcohol or carbs to relax or fit in. As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low GABA or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue.

If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms too). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.

Wrapping up and your feedback

I do always appreciate questions like this so keep them coming so I can share and educate further. I will also update this blog once I hear back from Devon. She has purchased Somnium GABA Cream and plans to have her son use it.

And keep in mind, although this blog is specific for sensitive children and teens, it’s applicable to adults and folks who prefer a cream to a supplement.

Now I’d love to hear from you – does your child have low GABA levels and have you considered using a GABA cream?

If you have had success with Somnim please do share how it helps, how much you use and where you apply it?

Have you also addressed other nutritional imbalances, infections and diet?

If you’re a practitioner do you use GABA cream with your clients/patients?

And please let me know if it’s helpful that I’m now including product recommendations and where to get them.

Feel free to share and ask your questions below.

How to accurately measure a small amount of powdered GABA and other GABA options when GABA Calm is not tolerated

April 26, 2024 By Trudy Scott 18 Comments

Brenda finds one GABA Calm helps her sleep but more than one affects her sleep and she suspects the sugar alcohols in the product. She’d like advice on using an alternative and how to accurately measure a small amount of powdered GABA. Here is her question in her own words:

I have been on the FODMAP diet for a while and it is helping but I just realized that when I take GABA Calm I am ingesting sorbitol and mannitol. I take a bit more than one of those tablets each night to help me sleep and am very aware that if I take too much it can keep me awake.

Now that I have realized about the sorbitol and mannitol, I am looking for an alternative source of GABA. I see that you are now recommending the Now GABA Pure Powder product. I was about to purchase this to avoid the sorbitol and mannitol but then realized that I would have to take 1/16th teaspoon of the powder to equate to 150mg. I can’t see me ever getting that measurement correct.

So my question is, can you recommend another source of GABA that would enable me to take 150mg plus a little bit with a fair degree of accuracy and without those added FODMAPs? Thank you very much. I am very grateful for your work.

Brenda has likely been diagnosed with SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) even though she doesn’t mention it. In some folks with SIBO or IBS, sugar alcohols such as xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol can cause digestive upset. Not everyone with SIBO or IBS has issues with GABA Calm. In fact, it’s typically very well tolerated and GABA Calm is a product I have been recommending for many years. However, some folks do have issues and it’s wise to look for an alternative and not push through.

In this blog I share more about sugar alcohols, how to accurately measure out 1/16 teaspoon of the GABA powder to equate to close to 150 mg, how I use my mini measuring spoon, a GABA/theanine product that is low dose and can be opened, and another option she could consider.

Sugar alcohols in GABA Calm and other GABA chewable products

Many of the chewable or sublingual forms of GABA, including GABA Calm contain sugar alcohols which can be problematic and cause digestive upset and often explosive diarrhea. The digestive upset alone could impact sleep.

Sugar alcohols include xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol and erythritol. Your reaction will depend on the amount of sugar alcohols used, how many chewable/sublingual tablets you use and how accustomed you are to sugar alcohols. You may get used to them and eventually be fine with consuming small amounts and yet for others the tiniest amount is an issue.

I share more about sugar alcohols on this blog: Why does chewable GABA make me run to the bathroom and what GABA do I use instead?

Using a mini measuring spoon set and GABA powder

It’s wonderful that GABA Calm is helping Brenda with her sleep issues and when we start to get benefits we do want to increase the amount to see if we can get further benefits.

She has a few options and one is to use the NOW GABA powder (or another GABA powder) with a mini measuring spoon set like this one (my Amazon link). This is mine and it is very easy to use, convenient and accurate.

As you can see it comes in various sizes: 1/4 teaspoon, 1/8 teaspoon, 1/16 teaspoon, 1/32 teaspoon and 1/64 teaspoon.

It is important to look at the product and work out how much you need to measure out. For example, the NOW GABA powder states 1/4 teaspoon is equivalent to 500 mg GABA. This means 1/16 is equivalent to 125 mg GABA. So if Barbara wants to take 150 mg she would use a little more than what would be in the 1/16 spoon (maths is coming in handy after all!)

Keep in mind that product equivalents do differ. For example tryptophan is typically lighter and fluffier than GABA. My tryptophan states 1 teaspoon is 1000 mg tryptophan so a typical starting dose of 500 mg tryptophan would be 2 x 1/4 teaspoon since each 1/4 is 250mg.

I love my mini measuring spoon and use mine on a daily basis for theanine in the day, calcium citrate after dinner (for my oxalate issues), and for GABA and tryptophan at bed time.

Combined GABA and theanine: GABA-T SAP as one option

Another option is using a lower mg GABA/theanine product and opening it. Nutritional Fundamentals for Health GABA-T SAP is another favorite of mine. This product is pleasant-tasting when opened on to the tongue and works very well when GABA Calm can’t be used. It contains 300 mg GABA and 150 mg theanine, so can easily be halved to provide the 150 mg GABA she is looking for.

Research shows that the combination of GABA and theanine may improve sleep: GABA and l-theanine mixture decreases sleep latency and improves NREM sleep. The authors share the sleep and anxiety benefits of both GABA and theanine:

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter and it is well established that activation of GABAA receptors favours sleep.

l-Theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid first discovered in green tea, is a well-known anti-anxiety supplement with proven relaxation benefits.

But Barabra is going to have to do a trial to see if this combination works for her.

Mixing and matching as an other option

And finally, if she was also taking GABA Calm in the day for stress and overwhelm, she could do a trial of using this during the day (for the convenience factor) and then at night use the GABA powder or opened GABA/theanine capsule (because it’s a bit more finicky). This way she’s consuming less sugar alcohols overall.

Both GABA products, the mini measuring spoon set and where to find them

Today I mentioned the Now GABA Powder and NFH GABA-T SAP. You can purchase these from my online store (Fullscript – only available to US customers – use this link to set up an account).

If you’re not in the US, the Now GABA Powder and Nutricology ZenMind (a GABA/theanine combination comparable to GABA-T SAP) is available via iherb (use this link to save 5%).

And the mini measuring spoon set can be found here (my Amazon link)

Additional resources when you are new to using GABA and other amino acids as supplements

If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms too). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.

Wrapping up and your feedback

I do always appreciate questions like this so keep them coming so I can share and educate further.

Now I’d love to hear from you – do you have issues with the sugar alcohols in GABA Calm or another chewable GABA product? (if yes which one?)

Did you move to a GABA powder and do you use a min spoon set? Or does another GABA product work for you?

Please share how GABA helps and how much helps you?

If you’re a practitioner do you use GABA powder and mini spoons with your clients/patients?

And please let me know if it’s helpful that I’m now including product recommendations and where to get them.

Feel free to share and ask your questions below.

Lidtke Endorphigen vs Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine: the taste difference and endorphin boosting benefits for mood and cravings

April 19, 2024 By Trudy Scott 26 Comments

The amino acid d-phenylalanine (DPA) is used to boost endorphins in order to improve mood and reduce cravings. Lidtke Endorphigen has long been a favorite recommendation of mine for this purpose. Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine is an equally effective and quality product, and both are ideally used opened onto the tongue. When DPA is used this way you get quick results. Many of my clients (and myself included) describe the opened DPA as a dark-chocolate bitter like taste that is not unpleasant. However, about half my clients don’t particularly like the taste of DPA and one woman in my community, Ali, was ready to give up on the Lidtke Endorphigen product because of the taste.

In today’s blog you can read her feedback comparing both products and what worked for her, feedback from a few other women about both products and my personal feedback – with all of us sharing results and taste. And I share some takeaway lessons from these DPA experiences.

She shared this about her strong aversion to the Endorphigen:

Oh goodness. If I open the Endorphigen on my tongue, it’s just awful. I might be able to get 1/4 of it but that’s it. And the taste stays there for at least an hour. No sense of chocolate in there for me. Isn’t that interesting that you and others like the taste. I consider myself pretty open to whatever needs to be done but wow, this is almost no way.

I shared how I love the taste of DPA and that it’s 50:50 in terms of loving it (chocolate-like taste) vs not loving it but also that using the amino acids opened is more effective for many folks. But it’s no good if it tastes bad. I also shared that Lidtke Endorphigen contains a small amount of vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 and maybe that was making it intolerable for her.

Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine contains DPA only and when I let her know all this, Ali decided to give it a try. This is her feedback on the day she got it:

I received my Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine and put it on my tongue. It’s 10 bazillion times better than the Endorphigen which was so bad for me that I couldn’t get past it. And I think I can get past a lot. I’m grateful. So now I have to see how it works for me.

Ali’s dark clouds have lifted and her sweet tooth has disappeared

The next day Ali posted this, amazed this product made such a difference in just one day:

I used the Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine only once and that was today at about 8 am. I felt just generally better, no dark clouds. But also, it’s now 6:30pm when I get my sweet tooth. Nothing. Nothing at all. So no sweet tooth and an improved general feeling. I realize it’s only one day but I feel like it’s made a difference.

And a week later she posted this, confirming that Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine “is a game changer”:

So much different from Endorphigen. I find I need only 1/2 capsule on my tongue. There’s not much of a taste to me. I then don’t want sweets like I have been wanting in the morning and evening. But I also have a better general feeling. Hard to describe but I just feel more grounded. I can’t tell if it physically reduces the sweet craving or if it’s a mental change. Or both. In any case, nice solid change. Thank you for being there.

Alicia also likes Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine opened on to her tongue

She shared this about how this DPA product makes her feel:

It gives me a great feeling. Just getting me through some stressful moments. I recommend it! Opening onto the tongue is more effective than swallowing but swallowing adds a bit of relaxation too.

I don’t mind the taste at all – it reminds me of sugar or cocoa powder (my husband was less keen when I got him to try). And it works quickly, yes – I think within 10 minutes but probably less. And I feel more perky for hours. I think I feel more alert but calm emotionally.

I always have a bottle of DPA on hand and I shared my success with Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine for a recent tooth issue/pain and emotional pain over the holidays on this blog post.

And yet many folks do well with Lidtke Endorphigen and like the taste

I’d like to be clear that this is not intended to be a negative post about Lidtke Endorphigen at all. I still recommend both products and I’ve personally used and like the taste of both. The purpose is to illustrate that we need to find what works for our unique needs and tastes.

As you can see, many folks do really well with the Lidtke product.

Lynn shared this: “I love using the DPA! I use the Lidke brand. Very helpful in improving mood and anxiety. Open on my tongue. I like the taste!”

Joan shared this: “It’s interesting to read your recommendation to open the capsule … I had just started doing that! (Already using powdered forms of other aminos) Anyone looking thru my trash might wonder what I’m up to. This method really works for me.” (she’s using the Lidtke brand).

The addition of vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 to the Lidtke DPA clearly makes no difference in these instances.

The takeaways from this post

DPA is effective for boosting mood and reducing cravings
DPA works more effectively when opened on to the tongue and you’ll see results more quickly
Don’t push through if a product tastes unpleasant
Don’t give up if one brand doesn’t work for you
What works for you may not work for someone else
We all have different taste perceptions – find what works for your unique needs and tastes
Product formulations change so keep track of exact ingredients on your log and check ingredients when you re-purchase a product

Both DPA products and where to find them

Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine is available via iherb (use this link to save 5%). Lidtke Endorphigen is available from the company site and from my online store (Fullscript – only available to US customers – use this link to set up an account).

Update September 27, 2024

It appears there are issues with the supply of Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine. As of now it’s no longer available on their website and nor is it available via iherb.

I emailed Doctor’s Best and received a very generic response and emailed again to try and find out if it’s a shortage or has been discontinued.

They replied to my 2nd email with this:

We appreciate your interest in the products that we offer. Unfortunately, our D-phenylalanine is temporarily out of stock and at this time, we do not have a specific restock date available. We apologize for the inconvenience.

We recommend checking back on our website periodically for updates on product availability. As soon as it is restocked, it will be listed on our website, and you’ll be able to place an order.

The problem is far from clear. Someone in the community reached out and shared this: “When I spoke to a DB representative on the phone, they told me the product was discontinued due to ‘supply chain issues,’ that they had not been producing it for some time, and that Lidtke was the only place they could redirect me. Sounds like they don’t even know in-house what the true status is.”

Let’s hope this is just a shortage. But either way, right now Lidtke Endorphigen is the only other company I know that offers DPA and because of the taste issue some individuals have with the Lidtke product, swallowing a capsule is going to be the best option. I have also reached out to Lidtke sharing the taste issue and this blog post, and asked if they would be willing to offer a DPA only product. I’ll keep you posted on the outcome (and thanks if you reached out to let me know your findings).

Update May 30, 2025

Unfortunately, Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine has been discontinued. The good news is that Lidtke appreciated the fact that I shared your taste issues and feedback, and my request for a powder-only product of d-phenyalanine/DPA has come to fruition.

You can read more about this new DPA product on this blog post.

Additional resources when you are new to using DPA and other amino acids as supplements

As a reminder, low endorphins can cause low mood, weepiness, emotional pain, physical pain and emotional eating or cravings. As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low endorphins or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue.

If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms too). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.

Wrapping up and your feedback

I do always appreciate feedback like this so keep it coming so more folks can get results.

Now I’d love to hear from you – how has DPA helped your mood and cravings (and pain too?)

Which product has worked well for you?

Do you find DPA is more effective if swallowed or as a capsule opened? And how do you describe the taste?

If you’re a practitioner do you use DPA with your clients/patients and have you had this feedback?

And please let me know if it’s helpful that I’m now including product recommendations and where to get them?

Feel free to share and ask your questions below.

Using GABA to ease the visceral / abdominal pain and hypersensitivity of colitis, ease anxiety and reduce inflammation?

April 12, 2024 By Trudy Scott 13 Comments

Can the amino acid GABA be used as a supplement to ease the visceral (or abdominal) pain and hypersensitivity of colitis? And at the same time help to ease physical anxiety/tension, spasms and even reduce inflammation? A new animal study suggests this may be possible, with the authors stating “these results raise the promising possibility that GABA … may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the management of symptoms associated with colitis.”

Clinically we see that GABA does ease visceral pain in many digestive conditions and there is much evidence that it eases physical anxiety too. I share my personal experiences and feedback from someone in my community below.

What is especially exciting about this paper is that it’s specific for colitis and many markers of inflammation are favorably impacted by GABA supplementation too. The authors do state that human studies are needed to confirm this research. I look forward to these human studies and until then I say let’s use what we see clinically, based on symptoms and a trial of GABA.

Here is the paper: Experimental colitis-induced visceral hypersensitivity is attenuated by GABA treatment and the overview of their hypothesis:

Ulcerative colitis is linked with inflammation of the large intestine due to an overactive response of the colon-immune system. Ulcerative colitis is associated with weight loss, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Given that γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) suppresses immune cell activity and the excitability of colonic afferents, and that there is a decrease in colonic GABA during ulcerative colitis, we hypothesized that ulcerative colitis pain is due to a decrease in the inhibition of colonic afferents. Thus, restoring GABA in the colon will attenuate inflammatory hypersensitivity.

Colonic afferents are neurons that “carry information from sensory receptors of … organs” like the colon “to the central nervous system (i.e. brain and spinal cord).” They are involved in the perception of pain.

The study and favorable outcomes

They tested their hypothesis in a mouse model of colitis and GABA was given at the same time.

What they found is that GABA reduced the “increase in the colon permeability” i.e. prevented leaky gut; reduced the “clinical progression of colitis (disease activity index or DAI)”; reduced the “colon histological score” (or measure of disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases) and reduced visceral hypersensitivity (or abdominal pain).

There were also favorable changes in inflammatory markers: “GABA inhibited the …increase in the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the colon tissue.”

Their conclusion is as follows: “These data suggest that increasing gastrointestinal levels of GABA may be useful for the treatment of colitis.”

My GABA visceral pain story

I have chronic SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and found that sublingual GABA helped when I would get that awful and painful belly bloat. When my SIBO was at its worst I would be in pain all night, tossing and turning and unable to sleep because of the belly distension/bloat.

It was often a combined approach of sublingual GABA, Iberogast and topical peppermint and lavender essential oil on my bloated belly.

More recently I found that the topical GABA called Somnium, rubbed onto my bloated belly, helped tremendously too. You can read more about Somnium here.

(My SIBO is much much better now, since I’ve been using berberine, but that is a topic for another blog post.)

GABA: stress, anxiety and visceral pain

As you know, I consider myself a GABA girl and it also helps ease my physical anxiety.

The above animal study doesn’t address the impacts of GABA on anxiety but there is research showing that “in concert with chronic visceral pain, there is a high comorbidity with stress-related psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression.

Evidence suggests that long term stress facilitates pain perception and sensitizes pain pathways, leading to a feed-forward cycle promoting chronic visceral pain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”

It makes total sense that GABA can play a role in addressing all of this for me – the visceral pain and IBS, the physical anxiety and sleep issues too.

GABA eases Gail’s painful gut spasms and reduces her stress

Neither myself or Gail have colitis and yet GABA helps us both with SIBO and the visceral pain we experience, and the associated anxiety. Gail shares this: “I’ve had diarrheal IBS for decades, recently diagnosed SIBO. Missed a lot of work with pain spasms and diarrhea almost every work morning. I had a phenomenal experience with my first dose of GABA at bedtime and like a miracle I’m pain-free in the morning.

It’s a huge huge improvement! (unless there’s a major stressor in my life like when my mom recently passed away)

I also take GABA at work if I anticipate a stressful situation. I love that I am still sharp mentally on this.”

A few GABA product options – a sublingual, a powder and a cream

If you’re not in the US, Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges and Now GABA Powder are available via iherb (use this link to save 5%).

Somnium GABA Cream is available with international shipping. Click here to get Somnium GABA Cream (and use my coupon code TRUDY15 to save 15%).

Additional resources when you are new to using GABA and other amino acids as supplements

As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low GABA or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue for you.

If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms too). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.

Wrapping up and your feedback

I do always appreciate questions and feedback like this so keep your questions and comments coming. I do hope my sharing my experience with GABA for visceral pain and this other feedback has been helpful to you.

While this blog is specific to the research on GABA for colitis, I feel comfortable saying the use of GABA could also be considered for belly pain/visceral pain in someone with a diagnosis such as Crohn’s disease (which like colitis is also classed an IBD/inflammatory bowel disease) or IBS/SIBO (irritable bowel syndrome/small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

How has GABA helped reduce your visceral pain? (please share if you have colitis or Crohn’s disease or IBS/SIBO or another digestive issue).

Has GABA also helped to reduce your physical anxiety, tension and self-medicating with sugar or alcohol in order to relax?

If yes, which products have helped, how much and do you find swallowed or capsule opened or powder is more effective for your needs?

If you’re a practitioner do you use GABA with your colitis clients/patients?

And please let me know if it’s helpful that I’m now including product recommendations and where to get them?

Feel free to share and ask your questions below.