amino acids

Multiple sclerosis: low GABA research and the amino acid GABA for anxiety, muscle stiffness, swallowing/voice issues and pain

April 14, 2023 By Trudy Scott 12 Comments

I’m excited about the GABA research – an older paper and some new studies – on multiple sclerosis (MS). This means there is the potential for using GABA supplementation in similar ways it’s used with other conditions where anxiety, insomnia and pain are issues. This can include the typical low GABA-type physical anxiety, stiff and tense muscles, insomnia and pain, and also MS-specific issues such as spasticity, laryngospasms, balance issues, swallowing and speaking/voice issues and sensorimotor problems.

Anxiety is common in MS and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed. The ideal is to use the amino acid that supports GABA, instead of needing to use benzodiazepines. I share some of the GABA/MS research and specific applications for using GABA below.

Prevalence of anxiety/depression in MS and the use of benzodiazepines

Anxiety and depression is common in multiple sclerosis. This paper, The incidence and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in multiple sclerosis: A systematic Review, included 118 studies and found that:

Among population-based studies, the prevalence of anxiety was 21.9% (and up to 35.0% in some papers), 23.7% for depression, 14.8% for alcohol abuse, 5.83% for bipolar disorder, 4.3% for psychosis and 2.5% for substance abuse.

psychiatric comorbidity remains understudied.

What is concerning is that benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium and Xanax are commonly prescribed for MS patients for their anxiety, insomnia, spasticity and pain. Recent research, Use of Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs in Multiple Sclerosis found that benzodiazepine use is more “more common in people with MS than in general population controls, and use of these agents is in persons with MS is often chronic” i.e. for longer than 6 months.

This is problematic given that anything over 2 weeks can cause dependence, tolerance and withdrawal. They can cause balance issues and can actually cause anxiety and insomnia. Someone in my community was totally disabled for over 3 years with “locked shoulder muscles, neck, jaw …internal vibrations… bad headaches, jelly legs, distorted vision like floaters and squiggles and fireworks …cortisol rushes through the body.. And tortured every day.” Read more about her horror story and benzos here.

The ideal is to use the amino acid that supports GABA, instead of needing to use benzodiazepines.

Low GABA plays a role in multiple sclerosis: the research

Low GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) plays a role in multiple sclerosis. This paper, Reduced gamma-aminobutyric acid concentration is associated with physical disability in progressive multiple sclerosis states that there are

reduced GABA levels in the hippocampus and sensorimotor cortex of patients, and show that reduced GABA in the sensorimotor cortex is associated with increased motor impairment. Changes in GABA may be a marker of neurodegeneration.

This study supports the idea that modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission may be an important target for neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis.

Of course, the authors don’t mention using the calming amino acid GABA, but we extrapolate and use what we see clinically in other conditions like autism (more on that below).

Two other papers support the GABA connections. This 2021 paper, Altered Plasma Metabolic Profiles in Chinese Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, observed “a great increase in the levels of L-glutamic acid” in patients with MS. Increased glutamate typically means low GABA levels.

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is an experimental nutrient that is new to me, but the GABA effects and mechanisms are encouraging. In this 2022 paper, Guanidinoacetic Acid as a Nutritional Adjuvant to Multiple Sclerosis Therapy the author states that GAA may benefit MS patients via “modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission and brain oxidant-antioxidant status, or a reduction of glutamate neurotoxicity.’

The author also shares that “demyelination is often characterized by various neurochemical abnormalities in GABA-glutamate metabolism.”

In case you’re new to MS and demyelination, this Mayo Clinic article describes them as follows:

A demyelinating disease is any condition that causes damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve fibers in your brain, the nerves leading to the eyes (optic nerves) and spinal cord. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems.

Multiple sclerosis is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. In this disorder, your immune system attacks the myelin sheath or the cells that produce and maintain it.

This attack causes inflammation and injury to the nerve sheath and ultimately to the nerve fibers that it surrounds. The process can result in multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis).

I gathered some of this research while preparing for an interview with the wonderful Dr. Terry Wahls, MD and author of “The Wahls Protocol.” We were both pleasantly surprised to see these GABA/MS connections.

Using GABA for easing anxiety, overwhelm and insomnia in multiple sclerosis

There is no research that I am aware of that has studied the use of GABA supplementation in MS. We can, however, extrapolate from other conditions and use GABA for easing various MS symptoms based on what we see clinically.

As mentioned above, anxiety is common in MS and if you have the low GABA type of physical anxiety, GABA is worth a trial for easing typical low GABA symptoms of physical anxiety, feelings of overwhelm and intrusive thoughts, stress eating, using alcohol to relax or fit in socially and insomnia. You can read more about GABA for physical anxiety here and see all the low GABA symptoms here.

And here are a few examples/case studies:

Using GABA to help with balance, and sensorimotor and coordination issues in multiple sclerosis

These case studies illustrate an application for GABA being used for balance, sensorimotor and coordination issues that are common in MS (they are not folks with MS):

Much of the research in this area has been done with autism, as illustrated by this GABA Oolong tea study tea in children with autism. They saw improvements in sensorimotor skills, autism profiles, anxiety and sleep.

Using GABA to help with stiff and tense muscles, spasticity, voice issues, laryngospasms and difficulty swallowing in multiple sclerosis

GABA helps to ease stiff and tense muscles in those with physical anxiety. In a similar way we see GABA help with these common MS symptoms: muscle spasms, spasticity, voice issues, laryngospasms and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia affects about a third of folks with MS).

These case studies illustrate an application for GABA being used for some of above issues that are common in MS (they are not folks with MS):

Again, there is no research that I am aware of specifically with MS, but clinically I see GABA helping all of the above symptoms related to spasms and muscle tension, often with anxiety and pain as an underlying factor too.

Other MS symptoms that may also be supported by addressing low GABA levels: bowel issues and rectal spasms, bladder issues/spasms, tremor and problems with memory/thinking, and possibly even vision issues.

I really look forward to seeing future research on the use of the amino acid GABA in MS. And I’d love to be involved in some studies if you are associated with a research facility or do research.

Low serotonin and low endorphins are common in multiple sclerosis too

Low GABA is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances in MS.

The amino acid DPA/d-phenylalanine may help ease some of the low endorphin pain symptoms, weepy kind of depression, and alcohol addiction. You can read about this here.

Tryptophan and/or 5-HTP may help ease some of the low serotonin worry-type of anxiety, fear, panic attacks, obsessing, low mood and MS-specific pain issues and insomnia. I’ll write more about this and the supporting research in a follow-up blog.

If you do have more than one imbalance (which is not unusual), you need to figure out which imbalance you have and address that with the relevant amino acids, one at a time. I have clients pick the area that is more problematic for them and start there.

Resources if you are new to using GABA and the other amino acids as supplements

If you are new to using GABA and the other amino acids as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances, including low GABA, low serotonin and low endorphins).

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, 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. You can find them all in my online store.

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.

Do you have multiple sclerosis and has the amino acid GABA helped with your anxiety and fears; muscle stiffness and spasticity; swallowing, laryngospasms and voice problems; balance and sensorimotor issues, insomnia and pain?)

How much has helped and which product do you use?

Do you find sublingual, powder or an opened capsule helps more than swallowing the GABA capsule?

Were you surprised that GABA would help so much?

What else has helped your multiple sclerosis symptoms? And have you also addressed low serotonin and low endorphins with amino acids tryptophan and DPA?

If you have questions and other feedback please share it here too.

Her mum just passed away and although she is sad, GABA allows her to sit with a feeling of peace and calm most of the time

April 7, 2023 By Trudy Scott 33 Comments

Sandra shared this heartening feedback on how GABA helped right after the passing of her mum. She also voiced her surprise that it could have such a profound effect at a sad time like this, asking me if this was possible:

I recently started taking GABA Calm lozenges. I settled on a small dose of one lozenge at bedtime. Initially I took this for tense neck and shoulder muscles due to years of anxiety.

What I have noticed in the past month is that I seem quite calm although I do still have tense neck muscles.

Last week I experienced a profound bereavement with the passing of my mum who I have been caring for. I am genuinely surprised at how I have handled this stressful situation including the funeral. I have always been quite emotional and I have found myself, although sad, sitting in a feeling of peace and calm most of the time.

Is it possible that the GABA Calm is contributing to this? It was my understanding this product would assist with my tense muscles but I feel like it has helped me tremendously with my mindset, emotions and mood.

I look forward to your reply.

I offered my condolences for the loss of her mum and said how heartened I felt, hearing that she had a feeling of peace and calm most of the time. And the fact that GABA had helped with the stressful events of the funeral and her mindset, emotions and mood. I would expect the feeling of peace and calm, and helping reduce overall stress. The calming amino acid supplement, GABA, has long been recognized to help ease the more physical type of anxiety.

But because the amount of GABA she was taking didn’t help with her tense muscles, some of the benefits may have been as a result of GABA reducing the distressing unwanted thoughts. The emotions and mood are added benefits that we don’t always hear about with GABA but are not unheard of (more on this below).

I thanked Sandra for sharing this wonderful feedback, letting her know I’d share it as a separate blog, so we can offer support to others in similar situations. I’ll also be sharing this blog with her so she understands some of the mechanisms better too. In fact, I only made the unwanted thoughts connection after having responded to her.

GABA helps with inhibition of unwanted thoughts

In the past I’ve blogged about how Scientists identified a mechanism that helps us inhibit unwanted thoughts:

We are sometimes confronted with reminders of unwanted thoughts – thoughts about unpleasant memories, images or worries. When this happens, the thought may be retrieved, making us think about it again even though we prefer not to. While being reminded in this way may not be a problem when our thoughts are positive, if the topic was unpleasant or traumatic, our thoughts may be very negative, worrying or ruminating about what happened, taking us back to the event.

Scientists have identified a key chemical within the ‘memory’ region of the brain that allows us to suppress unwanted thoughts, helping explain why people who suffer from disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and schizophrenia often experience persistent intrusive thoughts when these circuits go awry.

Professor Anderson, Dr. Schmitz and colleagues showed that the ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts relies on a neurotransmitter – a chemical within the brain that allows messages to pass between nerve cells – known as GABA.

GABA is the main ‘inhibitory’ neurotransmitter in the brain, and its release by one nerve cell can suppress activity in other cells to which it is connected.

Anderson and colleagues discovered that GABA concentrations within the hippocampus – a key area of the brain involved in memory – predict people’s ability to block the retrieval process and prevent thoughts and memories from returning.

You can read more on the blog post here: GABA helps with inhibition of unwanted thoughts

If you are using the GABA with success already and experience the loss of a loved one, you may find you need to increase your dose for a period of time.

There is individual variability in the capacity to cope with stress during bereavement

Research supports that there is “individual variability in the capacity to cope with stress” during bereavement and there are differences in symptoms and physiological changes. This paper, Long-term immune-endocrine effects of bereavement: relationships with anxiety levels and mood, identified changes in depression, anxiety, adrenocorticotropin and cortisol plasma concentrations, beta-endorphins, and reduced “functional activity of natural killer cells.” And the two different groups of people in the study had different symptoms and physiological changes.

GABA and glutamate, and the HPA axis in depression/bereavement

The above paper doesn’t mention GABA but growing evidence indicates that glutamate and GABA, and the HPA axis/corticotropin-releasing hormone, plays a role in depression and presumably bereavement too. This may be another mechanism that led to the feelings of calm that Sandra experienced.

You’ll need to figure out your unique biochemical needs

When you experience the loss of a loved one, you’ll need to figure out your unique biochemical needs and address them one by one. You may need GABA support like Sandra and/or may find you need serotonin support (with tryptophan or 5-HTP) and/or may need endorphin support (with the amino acid DPA/d-phenylalanine).

Both GABA and serotonin support also helps to address sleep problems. DPA helps especially with the emotional pain and weepiness, and if you’re self-medicating with comfort foods while grieving.

If you have high cortisol you may benefit from Seriphos or Lactium.

Keep in mind that nutritional support is immensely helpful during caregiving too. Here is just one example: When using the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) I have more resilience and more buffer in the caregiving work I do, and just the oops’s of life

Helping Sandra ease her still tense neck muscles

For her ongoing tense neck and shoulder muscles I suggested a higher amount of GABA may be needed. She reported back that taking it in the morning made her sleepy and a couple of times she noticed a headache.

When GABA in the day causes sleepiness I have clients use less GABA more frequently or to take more at night to carry over the next day. In this case probably a GABA-only product because of her headaches.

She did share that GABA was her starting point with the intention of including tryptophan for ruminating and fearful thoughts which do stop her from participating in various activities. Low serotonin does cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain and it’s possible this is contributing to her ongoing tense neck and shoulder muscles, and tryptophan may be the solution.

We also address low magnesium if applicable. I’d also suggest looking into dietary oxalates too and getting checked for physical issues by a chiropractor and/or osteopath and/or physical therapist.

You can read our discussion on this blog.

Resources if you are new to using GABA or tryptophan or DPA as supplements

If you are new to using GABA or tryptophan or DPA as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances, including low GABA, low serotonin and low endorphins).

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, sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues (which include rage/anger/irritability/self-harm).

Has GABA or tryptophan or DPA helped you after the loss of a loved one? How did each one help?

Were you surprised that they would help so much?

If you were using the aminos with success already did you find you needed to increase your dose for a period of time?

What else has helped you at a time of loss?

If you have questions and other feedback please share it here too.

A 12 year old’s Diet Coke consumption and obsession with collecting the cans: can tryptophan and tyrosine help him quit with ease?

March 24, 2023 By Trudy Scott 14 Comments

A concerned mother, Rebble, posted a request for help for her 12 year old son who has suddenly started drinking Diet Coke and obsessively collecting the cans. I explain about the biochemistry of addiction and obsession. If your child, another loved one or even you, are hooked on Diet Coke, this blog offers practical solutions in the way of amino acids to balance brain chemistry and make quitting no longer about willpower. I share why I’d consider starting with the amino acid supplement tryptophan for serotonin support and the amino acid supplement tyrosine for dopamine support. And then looking into low blood sugar. I also share some of the many harmful effects of soda/diet soda and some practical tips for her as she encourages her son to make changes.

Here are her questions and what she has already tried to help him quit:

To my horror, my 12yo son has just started buying/consuming Coke and principally Diet Coke regularly from our village shop. He has got obsessed about collecting the cans, some of which are from his friends’ consumption but more and more from his. He used to hate these drinks but now peer pressure has kicked in and he wants to consume what his friends (who live on the stuff and a horrendous amount of sugar) consume.

I’ve pointed out the ingredients, that they are toxic to his brain. He doesn’t care.

I’ve shown him a brilliant video clip of Renaldo removing coca cola bottles from the press table and promoting water instead (with good effect).

Yet still he keeps buying the stuff.

I’ve made it known with the shopkeeper that I don’t approve of my children buying caffeinated sugary drinks full of neurotoxic ingredients but he doesn’t wish to police my children (though he did give me a refund on the 8 cans he had just sold my son!) which I understand.

Do you have a short summary of why it’s so bad, for children in particular? Either something I could show my children, their friends and/or the shopkeeper?

Is it the caffeine that makes it addictive?

My son does exhibit some challenging behaviors (e.g. torturous noise at home, not able to sit still without fidgeting with things at meals, etc.) but seems to be able to turn this on / off at will. I don’t think he does this at other people’s homes or at school. I can’t say they are necessarily linked to the drinks as they precede the start of him consuming them but I’m certain the drinks cannot help.

This is tough but I’m glad Rebble is horrified and working to do something about it. Sadly many parents have no idea how harmful these drinks are for pre-teens and teens.

She mentions his challenging behaviors preceded his diet soda drinking. It’s common that we see someone self-medicating with sugar and/or artificial sweeteners. And it’s likely that that peer pressure was the tipping point for him and then once she started he was well and truly addicted.

This is the feedback I shared for her and my observations on where to start: when I hear obsessed, peer pressure and challenging behaviors, I immediately think neurotransmitter or brain chemicals imbalances and would look into low serotonin and possibly low dopamine because of his inability to sit still. Low blood sugar may also be an issue.

What emotions are driving his addiction and obsession?

With an addiction you need to figure out what emotions are driving the addiction and use the respective amino acid supplement/s (one or more of them) to help break the addiction and improve the mood/behavioral symptoms at the same time.

These are the questions I review with my clients who have a Diet Coke addiction, or other diet soda or regular soda addiction (or even alcohol or carb addiction):

If you drink it to feel happy (and especially from late afternoon into the evening) then your cravings are likely due to low serotonin, and tryptophan (or 5-HTP) stops the cravings and boosts mood and reduces anxiety.
If you drink it for an energy boost or to give you focus then it’s likely due to low catecholamines and tyrosine will stop those cravings and give you a mood and energy boost, and also help with mental clarity.
If you have to drink it when you haven’t eaten in awhile it’s likely low blood sugar. Glutamine on the tongue stops the desire almost immediately and also helps with the low blood sugar symptoms of shakiness and irritability.
If you stress-drink, your cravings are likely due to low GABA, and GABA will stop the stress-drinking and calm you down too.
If you drink it for comfort or a reward then it’s likely due to low endorphins and DPA (d-phenylalanine) will stop that feeling of “I deserve-it” and also give you a hug-like mood boost.

Ideally mom would have him complete the amino acids symptoms questionnaire in order to figure out which areas are issues for her son.

This is where I would start

I don’t have all this information but based on mom’s feedback this is where I would start: serotonin support, dopamine support and address low blood sugar.

We do know he is obsessed with collecting the cans. Obsession and cravings for a sweet taste is a clear sign of low serotonin i.e. a big clue that #1 may apply to her son and that he may benefit by using tryptophan or 5-HTP.

We do also know he is “not able to sit still without fidgeting with things at meals.” The Diet Cokes may be helping him focus and this is a big clue that #2 and low dopamine may also apply to her son, and that he may benefit from tyrosine. Keep in mind tyrosine also helps to break the caffeine addiction too.

I’m not sure what his “torturous noise at home” could be related to but it may be a clue to #3 i.e. low blood sugar and irritability. It may also be a symptom of rage or anger, also a sign of low serotonin and #1.

I would also look at his diet and make sure he is eating for blood sugar stability (quality protein for breakfast with healthy fats, healthy fats/protein at each meal and healthy snacks). And address everything else I cover in my book – gluten, microbiome etc.

It’s not unusual for someone to have imbalances in multiple areas. If this is the case, I always recommend doing a trial of one amino acid at a time, so it’s easy to see the benefits.

Role models, the harmful effects of soda/diet soda and other things I’d try with this young man

On one hand, you could be surprised that the Renaldo press conference clip removing the Cokes (watch it here) didn’t make enough of an impression because having a sporting hero as a role model is powerful. BUT on the other hand, based on what I know about soda/diet soda.caffeine and addiction, role models are unfortunately just not enough for some folks.

I shared these other things I’d try:

1) Have someone other than mom tell him about the harmful effects of diet sodas – a respected teacher, favorite uncle or nutritionist.

2) Appeal to things that may make him think twice about it like acne and not being fit enough to play his favorite sport. Concerns about weight gain or not being able to get into his desired university (because of impacts on his academic grades) may be a driver too. It’s doubtful that he’d be concerned with tooth decay, adrenal dysfunction, diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, increased risk of osteoporosis or increased anxiety/depression and insomnia.

3) Suggest that he does a school project on the topic so he understands the many harmful effects and facts (the research confirms that adolescents lack knowledge regarding health risks of soda and diet soda consumption. The project could hail Renaldo as a hero and he could get his buddies to help.

4) Help him find something else he likes to drink. Fruit juice isn’t a good option but fizzy fermented drinks are and so is fruit-infused water.

5) Be sure the rest of the family is setting an example at home and when you go out

6) Keep planting the seeds with love and encouragement

However, none of the above or flat-out saying he cannot buy diet sodas will work if there is the addiction aspect and unbalanced brain chemistry.

Keep in mind there is a continuum with sugar/carb/artificial sweeteners/caffeine addiction i.e. some kids (and adults) can quit sugar/carbs/artificial sweeteners/caffeine more easily and others need some nutritional support and some need much more support for balancing brain chemistry with amino acids. If there are also behavioral issues/signs that’s the clue they likely need the amino acid support.

Once he has the facts and understands the harm he also has to be willing to make the changes to break the addiction if it’s severe. I have parents gently recommend a month trial to see if it will work. “No diet soda forever” is too much for a pre-teen/teen (and adults too) to grasp and be ok with especially when they are addicted.

Rebble posed her question on a blog about Diet Coke addiction: I need help with my Diet Coke addiction – when I stop, my fatigue, brain fog, anxiety/depression increase big time!

Be sure to read the above blog for further insights.

I appreciate her for reaching out and hope this additional information helps her son and helps you too.

Resources if you are new to using tryptophan or GABA as supplements

If you are new to using tryptophan or GABA as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances, including low low serotonin and low doapmine).

Has one of the amino acids helped with your preteen’s soda or diet soda addiction? Which one/s helped?

What helped your preteen be open to the idea of using the amino acids to quit?

What else helped?

Has any of the above helped you too? Or your clients/patients?

If you have questions and other feedback please share it here too.

GABA lessens anxiety, agitation and defiance in 98 year old mother who has been “sundowning” for a couple of years

March 17, 2023 By Trudy Scott 11 Comments

Marsha shared this feedback on one of the blogs, saying that GABA lessens anxiety in her 98 year old mother:

My mother is 98 and has been “sundowning” for a couple of years. It starts around 3pm, sometimes earlier. Some days it’s no big deal. It is on those other days when she starts and then it goes to anxiety, agitation, then she can get sort of defiant which is so not her. She is a gentle soul, friendly, and kind so this is difficult on her as well as our family.

I just started to use my pestle and mortar to crush up a 125 mg GABA CALM supplement (Source Naturals) and I mix a little into her flavored yogurt when I start to see her having difficulty. I give it to her throughout the day. She only gets the 125 mg amount so I feel safe with that.

I believe that I do notice it lessens her anxiety. I pray that this will be helpful for her because that anxiety can be really draining for her. I will keep you posted. I have not noticed any adverse reactions. Thank you Trudy for all your info.

Anxiety, fear and agitation in sundowning syndrome: circadian dysfunction and low GABA

I responded, saying how wonderful to hear that she is noticing supplemental GABA lessens her mother’s anxiety (and presumably her agitation and defiance too). And I shared that GABA may be involved in sundowning syndrome.

This paper describes “sundowning syndrome,” as “a poorly understood (and even controversial) clinical phenomenon in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients that is characterized by agitation, aggression, and delirium during the late afternoon and early evening hours.”

The authors are focusing on potential pathways for circadian rhythm – physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle – dysfunction in sundowning. They also mention the presence of fear and anxiety and the fact that there is a circadian aspect of these emotional processes.

What is interesting is that the “master circadian pacemaker” i.e. “the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus” has impacts on both GABA and serotonin, and also dopamine and orexin (involved in sleep-wake processes).

Given the circadian aspect addressed in the above paper, “properly timed light exposure” i.e. early morning sunlight, is also worth exploring.

This paper, Implications of GABAergic Neurotransmission in Alzheimer’s Disease, focuses onGABA and shares that “of the two major types of synapses in the central nervous system (CNS): glutamatergic and GABAergic, which provide excitatory and inhibitory outputs respectively, abundant data implicate an impaired glutamatergic system during disease progression.”

The amino acid GABA helps to ease anxiety symptoms and agitation and restlessness, also helping with disturbed sleep.

GABA Calm dosing in the elderly with sundowning syndrome: my observations

I also expressed how this is a smart way to use the GABA Calm. I’m going to make some assumptions and share my observations:

Marsha uses GABA Calm herself and has a good level of comfort based on personal results. She knows how she feels after using it and is observing her mother’s symptoms. I have guided many family members in doing the same type of thing – mom’s working to help a child and a granddaughter helping a grandparent – and it works well.
Marsha has also started with a low dose of 125 mg. This is a typical starting dose and is a reasonable dose that may suffice for the entire day for someone this age. She may also need more and increasing the dose and observing is the way to go when someone can’t articulate how the amino acid is helping them. For some folks, 125mg may be too much – making them too sleepy or even more agitated/anxious – the dose can be reduced in this case (after using vitamin C as an antidote).
Marsha crushes the GABA Calm chewable/sublingual and mixes it into her mother’s flavored yogurt, since having her suck on the chewable is not an option. This is a great plan but as she continues to help her, she may see better results using a non-protein source to mix it in – like apple sauce or mashed banana.
Finally, she gives it to her mother when she starts to see her having difficulty. Again, it’s wonderful she is observing and helping her at the moment, but this could be a clue that she needs more GABA to provide even better results. We also don’t want to wait for the anxiety and then address it. Instead, we want to get GABA levels up and prevent it.

You can read more about Source Naturals GABA Calm product and why I use it with clients here.

Low serotonin, tryptophan and melatonin in sundowning syndrome

I also told Marsha that when I hear symptoms like agitation and defiance, especially with the 3pm start, I also would also consider low serotonin since it starts to decline afternoon into evening.

Her mother’s anxiety may be a mix of low GABA physical-type anxiety and low serotonin worry-type anxiety. She’ll only really know once she trials the respective amino acids.

I’ve seen low serotonin worry-type anxiety, agitation and defiance symptoms improve with tryptophan and/or melatonin and share more about this in this blog post – Sundowning in Alzheimer’s and dementia: melatonin/tryptophan for the agitation, restlessness, anxiety, disturbed sleep and aggression

Dietary factors and low dose lithium

Marsha says some days it’s no big deal. I would recommend keeping a food-mood log and make sure it’s not something in her diet that may be a trigger: hidden gluten, dietary oxalates or even blood sugar swings.

These are mentioned in the above blog, together with low dose lithium orotate which can help keep moods more even.

Microdose lithium is also capable of halting signs of advanced Alzheimer’s and improving cognition. More on that here.

It’s with much appreciation that Marsha shared this feedback. I’m thrilled for her and her mother. Hopefully, my feedback on this blog means she’ll be able to fine-tune things. And you get to learn and benefit from this feedback too – for your loved one.

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

A product I use and recommend is Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges. This is one Marsha uses for herself and is using with her mother. It’s a good low dose of 125 mg and is convenient and effective because it’s a sublingual lozenge.

Now GABA Powder is another product I use and recommend. It does need to be measured out to provide a 125 mg typical starting dose or less (as needed), and could be mixed in water in a situation like this. 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 another option that could be considered especially for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia who may struggle with using a supplement. It is available in the US and elsewhere with international shipping. Read more about the product and who else may benefit from using a cream, and grab my coupon code to save 15%.

Resources if you are new to using tryptophan or GABA as supplements

Have you found GABA to help in a situation like this?

If yes, which symptoms have resolved and how much GABA/which product are you using/did you use?

What time did the symptoms start to ramp up?

And has serotonin support with tryptophan and/or melatonin also helped?

If you have questions and other feedback please share it here too.

“I’m In An Abusive Relationship That I Will Never Walk Away From”: tryptophan, a gluten-free diet, lithium and other nutritional solutions

March 10, 2023 By Trudy Scott 16 Comments

This mom’s story really struck a nerve for me… “I’m in an abusive relationship that I will never walk away from.” She shares this …

I can’t exactly pinpoint when I first felt the shift between our dynamic. One minute, things were as they always were. Before I could blink, though, I found myself engrossed in an alternate reality that resembled less and less of life as I knew it with each passing week. Trickles of rage and anger bubbled to the surface, threatening to break through until they could no longer be harnessed. I’ve been riding the waves ever since.

I currently exist in a heightened state of fear and anxiety, unsure of what each day will bring. When I wake each morning, I silently hope that today will be a “good” day; that he won’t be angry. That he won’t hurt me. Sometimes I’m lucky, and I get my person back. Other times, it feels like I’m living in a battle ground.

Her story really struck a nerve for me because of what she is going through but also because NO solutions are provided for her son. Stories like this help create awareness, make you feel less alone, create empathy and better understanding – which is important – but we want to offer nutritional solutions to families who are dealing with this.

(You can read her entire story on the ScaryMommy blog.)

Functional medicine and nutritional psychiatry as a solution

My heart goes out to this mom, this young man and the rest of the family. My hope is that this mom and all mom’s in similar situations are open to functional medicine, nutritional psychiatry and the power of food and nutrients to dramatically reduce and in many cases reverse behavioral issues like this in the child.

Sugar, caffeine and junk food must go and a gluten-free diet will very possibly make a difference. Having her son eat for blood sugar control is key too. It may also mean switching to a low-salicylate and/or, low-oxalate and low histamine diet. And addressing low lithium, low zinc, low vitamin D, low vitamin B12, high copper, low magnesium and/or low vitamin B6. Low serotonin and low GABA are common and this is where I would start with this young man (more on this below). They may also need to address his gut health/parasites, infections (like Lyme), PANS/PANDAS, mold toxicity, metals and environmental toxins etc.

I’ll highlight many of these in this blog and share links for further reading, plus the approaches I may consider. The important thing to recognize is that there is not one-size-fits-all.

Address low serotonin and low GABA

For a mom in the midst of all this, it can seem overwhelming and very daunting but when you start by addressing low serotonin and low GABA it becomes so much easier. Her son gets some relief very quickly and all the root causes can be figured out and addressed one by one. It also gives mom and the family a much-needed glimmer of hope. As I mentioned above, this is where I would start.

These are clues from her story as to why we’d want to look into and address low serotonin: her son’s explosive anger and rage, the physical and mental abuse, threats to hurt himself (self-harm) and his mother and siblings, and being argumentative.

You can see how the above fits into the list of low serotonin symptoms here. The amino acid that addresses low serotonin is tryptophan or 5-HTP and you can expect to see results in a few days.

I worked with an 11 year old girl with explosive rage issues (and anxiety, cravings & insomnia) and chewable tryptophan started to turn things around very quickly. You can read more about this here.

If he has low GABA symptoms of physical tension and anxiety, we’d do a trial of GABA next.

A gluten-free diet and eating for blood sugar control

The next change I’d make is to have him start to make dietary changes, starting to switch to gluten-free eating and real whole food. As you can see from the above blog, a gluten-free diet and getting the 11 year old off the sugar made a big difference too. Tryptophan helped with this process, making it easy to break the addiction and not feel deprived.

Gluten issues (celiac disease and gluten sensitivity) are typically associated with gut issues but the psychiatric symptoms are less recognized. This 2023 paper, Psychiatric and Neurological Manifestations of Celiac Disease in Adults states that “Celiac disease is associated with mood disorders, such as manic-depressive disease, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, as well as other disorders such as depression and anxiety.”

In this blog I share how gluten was found to be the cause of a childhood case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms resolved on a gluten-free diet.

Having him starting to eat for blood sugar stability may help with the irritability and mood swings, and may also help with his rageful outbursts.

Low dose lithium orotate for the rollercoaster of emotions

Next I’d likely explore the possibility of low dose lithium orotate as something that may help this young man too. The hallmark of low lithium is a rollercoaster of emotions and this mom shares how there are really good times amongst the really tough times. I use this lithium questionnaire with clients. In addition to the ups and downs, these are clues that he may benefit: he’s rebellious, exhibits disruptive behavior and aggressiveness, is irritable, restless and engages in risky behavior.

Next steps: explore all the possible root causes and do nutritional testing

We’d want to explore all possible root causes and next steps would be decided based on his specific situation. Here is a list of 60+ root causes that I work through and the nutritional/functional testing that I do with my clients. You can replace anxiety with anger/rage in the blogs – for some people their symptoms show up as rage and for others it’s anxiety.

And here are some links for further reading:

Bartonella infection in mom and both sons: anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, inconsolable crying, irritability, ADHD, rage and pain
Christmas tree phenols as a trigger for anger, meltdowns, anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia, aggression, self-injury and autistic symptoms? (dietary salicylates – a type of phenol – can cause similar issues)
Sex and Aggression Characteristics in a Cohort of Patients with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome “Among patients with PANS, males exhibit more aggressive behavior when compared with females” (typically the clue it may be PANDAS/PANS is sudden onset of symptoms, although it’s not the case in all instances)
Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease by Dr. Suruchi Chandra Lyme disease “can remain dormant for years and then later mimic a number of psychiatric illnesses, including anxiety disorders, mood disturbances, psychosis, and autism-like behaviors.”

This is not a conclusive list but a good start for seeing what the possibilities may be. Feel free to search the blog for more on some of the above and some of the other factors mentioned above and in the 60+ root causes blog.

As you can see above, we start with the simple changes – amino acids and a few simple dietary changes (all covered in my book) and lithium orotate – and then continue to dig deeper.

Mom and the other children need nutritional/trauma support too

This mom and the other children need support too – from family and community, from a therapist who specializes in trauma – and with GABA/tryptophan, adrenal support and B vitamins. You can read more about nutritional solutions for psychological stress here.

Resources if you are new to using tryptophan or GABA as supplements

Have you found tryptophan, GABA and/or lithium orotate to help in a situation like this?

What about a gluten-free diet and eating for blood sugar control?

What bigger root causes were found to be contributing factors too?

If you have questions and other feedback please share it here too.

GABA Calm is a game changer for husband’s sound and tactile hypersensitivity, significant coordination problems and his anxiety

February 10, 2023 By Trudy Scott 20 Comments

My husband is low in GABA and he had significant coordination problems and sensory sensitivity ….. until GABA Calm. 3 tablets per day work great. If he has none, he gets hyper sensitive again and starts tripping over things in the house.

He has always struggled with anxiety and sound / tactile hypersensitivity. Alongside that he often tripped over things. He made great progress when he started using The Listening Program. I wonder if this sound therapy raises GABA and that was why it helped him (although it only partially helped with anxiety)?

When he stopped The Listening Program then his symptoms came back.

He started taking GABA Calm as I saw it in your blogs years ago. Then he found that he didn’t need to do the Listening Program any more.

GABA Calm is a game changer for him.

Denise shared this feedback about her husband’s great results on a blog post about GABA Calm helping with anxiety and sensorimotor skills in an autistic child.

I thanked her for sharing these wonderful results her husband is experiencing. I am inspired to share this feedback as a blog to give others hope. And also because this illustrates the diversity of how GABA can help i.e. it works for adults and children, males and females, and there is different dosing according to each person’s unique needs.

Music therapy: calming effect and GABA mechanisms

This study, Emotional Inhibitory Effect of Music Therapy on Anxiety Neurosis Based on Neural Content Analysis in Hippocampus, reports that music therapy has a calming effect by adjusting the glutamate/GABA balance. This is likely why Denise’s husband found The Listening Program to be helpful in certain ways – glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter and GABA is the main calming neurotransmitter.

GABA, the GABA Calm supplement, hypersensitivity and sensorimotor difficulties (research)

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is your main inhibitory neurotransmitter and the amino acid GABA can be used as a supplement to raise GABA levels and ease physical anxiety symptoms, help with insomnia, stress eating, intrusive thoughts and stiff/tense muscles.

GABA Calm is one of many different GABA supplements that I recommend to my clients. This particular one is a sublingual/chewable offered as a 125mg dose, which is where I have most of my clients start. Denise’s husband finds that 3 GABA Calm used throughout the day are enough for his needs. These alleviate his anxiety and also stop his sound and tactile hypersensitivity, and significant coordination problems such as tripping.

This paper reports that“Sensory over-responsivity (SOR), extreme sensitivity to or avoidance of sensory stimuli (e.g., scratchy fabrics, loud sounds)… is present in 5–15% of the general population and is even more common (rates over 50%) in individuals with both genetic and environmentally-based psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, early life adversity, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).”

The authors discuss altered thalamic sensory gating and an excitatory (glutamate) / inhibitory (GABA) neurochemical imbalance in ASD youth. Most of the research on sensory issues and GABA has been done in ASD children but it clearly applies to adults with anxiety too.

I highlight the motor issues with GABA/glutamate imbalances in the above GABA sensorimotor skills blog. This research is also looking at ASD populations but these mechanisms may account for her husband’s significant coordination problems/tripping.

You can read the current list of low GABA symptoms here. This list will be updated with sound and tactile hypersensitivity, and coordination problems/tripping (and a few others like asthma and laryngospasm).

An occupational therapist who is training as a nutritional therapist

Denise is an occupational therapist (OT) who is training as a nutritional therapist so she can recommend supplements for the kids she works with, alongside the other therapies she uses as an OT. I love this. I’m a big believer in using everything we have at our disposal and am a huge advocate of OT. I would love to see more OTs and other practitioners using the amino acids and nutritional therapy.

Denise shared that she actually started her journey in nutritional therapy 20 years ago due to the impact she was seeing in diet and autism. She took a very long break and had her own children and has now restarted her training. She shared this:

I plan to integrate nutritional advice into my work with families. As I am currently a NT student I haven’t been able to advise families even regarding the GABA Oolong tea [more on that below]. I am excited to qualify as I see various sensory, motor and attention issues that can be easily treated through nutritional adjustments and supplements.

Denise is already using the amino acids personally and with her family, sharing: “I love using aminos e.g. 5-HTP and L-theanine for myself and my daughters and GABA for my husband, tyrosine occasionally for my son.”

She has my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution”, a great resource that is practical and fully referenced, for both consumers and practitioners.

I encouraged her to also look into the amino acid training I offer for practitioners once she has completed her training as a nutritional therapist, so she can confidently use them with her clients too.

Having her in the program is also an opportunity for me and others in the group to learn from Denise about her expertise on integrating amino acids, nutrition and OT.

Her feedback on GABA oolong tea or GABA Calm for children with autism?

She also commented that she loved reading the GABA Oolong research – GABA Oolong tea in children with autism: improvements in sensorimotor skills, autism profiles, anxiety and sleep (new research)

I asked for her feedback and if she has kids in her practice, see any benefits when drinking this GABA Oolong tea. And what their responses are to the taste. Since she is still a student she can’t yet advise families regarding the GABA Oolong tea but she did say this:

To be honest I think the Source Naturals GABA Calm sublingual will be easier to tolerate for lots of children compared with tea.

As fascinating as the GABA Oolong tea research is, I feel the same way and I really appreciate this feedback from an OT. I have actually received similar feedback from a number of other practitioners too. Stay tuned as I continue to gather feedback.

Autism: diet, GABA and working with an OT

It’s amazing that 20 years ago Denise was seeing the impact of diet in kids with autism. If you would like to learn more, this blog – Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder – summarizes a 2018 study and offers many insights into to the progress since then.

As I mentioned above, her husband’s success with 3 GABA Calm illustrates the diversity of how GABA can help i.e. adults and children, males and females, and different dosing according to each person’s unique needs.

This is the blog Denise commented on – Half a crushed GABA Calm for my autistic child: sleep, anxiety and sensorimotor skills (writing, horse riding and swimming) improve.

In the above blog, I share Vic’s feedback about just half a GABA Calm improving her daughter’s sleep, social skills and sensorimotor skills such as pen and pencil use, horse riding and swimming. Her daughter is also working with an OT and getting those added benefits too.

Resources if you are new to using GABA and other amino acids as supplements

If you are new to using tryptophan, GABA or any of the other amino acids as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances, including low GABA and low serotonin).

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, sugar cravings, self-medicating with alcohol and more.

Have you or a family member had GABA help with sound and tactile hypersensitivity, coordination problems and anxiety?

Which GABA product and how much?

And is the GABA product used sublingually or the capsule opened?

Are you an OT using amino acids and nutritional approaches with your clients, in addition to other approaches?

Do you find music therapy to be calming, in a similar way to the calming effects of GABA?

If you have other questions and feedback please share them here too.