{"id":6524,"date":"2017-08-04T14:00:24","date_gmt":"2017-08-04T21:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.everywomanover29.com\/blog\/?p=6524"},"modified":"2017-08-04T14:53:27","modified_gmt":"2017-08-04T21:53:27","slug":"gaba-amino-acid-supplement-neurotransmitter-support-anxiety-relief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.everywomanover29.com\/blog\/gaba-amino-acid-supplement-neurotransmitter-support-anxiety-relief\/","title":{"rendered":"GABA: an amino acid supplement for neurotransmitter support and anxiety relief"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I recently attended the first international meeting of International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research<\/a> and was honored and thrilled to present my poster – GABA: an amino acid supplement for neurotransmitter support and anxiety relief<\/p>\n

Because you were not able to be there, here are the contents of my poster word for word.<\/p>\n

GABA overview<\/h2>\n

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a calming neurotransmitter. Low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety, agitation, stress, panic attacks and poor sleep, with sufficient GABA levels providing feelings of calm and relaxation (1).<\/p>\n

GABA is also an amino acid and is available in supplement form. Earlier GABA research suggests that taken orally, it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain in amounts substantial enough to have a calming effect.<\/p>\n

However, there is now much clinical evidence indicating that supplemental GABA (especially in a sublingual form), can ease anxiety symptoms (2, 3). There is also more recent evidence to support the effectiveness of oral GABA as a supplement for neurotransmitter support and anxiety relief.<\/p>\n

GABA mechanisms and the blood brain barrier<\/h2>\n

The blood brain barrier is more dynamic than assumed in the past:<\/p>\n

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\u2026 and some passage of solutes can occur by transcytosis, carrier-mediated transport, or simple diffusion of hydrophobic substances\u00a0(4)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Neurotransmitters as food supplements – the effects of GABA on brain and behavior:<\/p>\n

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We suggest that any veridical effects of GABA food supplements on brain and cognition might be exerted through blood brain barrier passage or, more indirectly, via an effect on the enteric nervous system. (5)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Client feedback on GABA\u2019s calming effects<\/h2>\n
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I have taken Xanax in the past for panic attacks. My functional medicine doctor suggested [GABA]. I was amazed how it works just like Xanax \u2013 instant calm feeling within 10 mins of taking 2 capsules. I use them as needed when I am having heightened stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n[GABA] helps lower my overall anxious feeling all day (anxiety for no reason).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

I usually take [GABA] at night when I know I need it, to quiet my mind and relax my body so I can sleep better.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I did something I thought I would never be able to do – I drove further than I have in over 5 years (not solo yet), which gives me a lot of hope of regaining my independence. I\u2019ve had no panic attacks and so many improvements since I started taking the amino acids. I take the GABA before I\u2019m in any of the situations (like driving) that might trigger anxiety and its working! I couldn\u2019t be happier!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[GABA] changed my life in minutes! I take it every day now. No more hopelessness! (6)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Effective forms of GABA<\/h2>\n

The author has found the following to be effective:<\/p>\n