GABA For Bodybuilding, Muscle Growth, HGH & Fat Burning

Many strength training athletes use GABA for bodybuilding purposes including developing more lean muscle mass, decreasing fat stores, and naturally stimulating the synthesis of human growth hormone (HGH).

GABA stands for gamma-butyric acid; it is a non-proteinogenic amino acid (an amino acid not used to build proteins) that is primarily used to accommodate efficient neurotransmission.

As a brain and CNS depressant, GABA calms the brain and promotes relaxation. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates over-excitement in the brain and acts as a sedative

A GABA deficiency can cause an array of negative health effects, including not being able to sleep, heal and/or recover. GABA supplements for bodybuilding are used by athletes to achieve their training goals faster and promote muscle recovery and growth.

What is the best way to take GABA for bodybuilders and are there side effects?

GABA

GABAergic Supplement

Mood

Sleep

Body- building

How It Works:

• Anxiolytic effects to reduce stress
• May improve sleep & anxiety
• Supports fat loss & increases HGH

Dosage:

Between 250 - 1500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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GABA for Bodybuilding & Growth Hormone Synthesis

One of the main reasons that bodybuilders take GABA is to naturally raise HGH levels in a safe way.

Increased release of human growth hormone stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and repair.

Growth hormone is secreted in the pituitary gland and is affected by exercise, nutrition, and sleep quality.

Once it is released, it has an anabolic effect in the body and is responsible for height growth in children and adolescents.

In older individuals, HGH will not cause height growth because the growth plates in the bones have closed. However, this hormone will increase calcium retention in the bones and strengthen them.

It also promotes increased protein synthesis, increased muscle mass, stimulates immune function, and promotes the burning of fat. Taking GABA to increase HGH levels can promote many positive changes in the body that are beneficial for bodybuilders and athletes.

Some research shows increases in human growth hormone while using GABA for bodybuilding. Daily 3 gram doses of gamma-butyric acid powder have been shown to elevate HGH levels when taken right before strenuous bodybuilding workouts.

In cases where the study participants did not exercise, HGH levels did not increase following GABA intake. Under normal circumstances GABA cannot cross over the protective membrane that separates the bloodstream from brain tissue (blood-brain barrier) to any great extent. However, it seems that GABA potentially may cross more easily over the BBB (blood brain barrier) after intense exercise.

Additional GABA Effects for Athletes

Using GABA for bodybuilding also affects glucose synthesis and utilization. Taken orally, gamma-butyric acid causes the pancreas to secrete additional insulin, thereby increasing glucose absorption into the cells.

Higher insulin levels can result in an increase in athletic performance if it means that glucose utilization in the muscles is improved.

This has a direct effect on other conditions including hyperinsulinemia and metabolic syndrome (prediabetes). GABA is implicated as a possible vehicle for better managing blood glucose control.

Clinical Evidence for GABA for Bodybuilding

According to the most recent research from the University of Gainesville and the American College of Sports Medicine, supplementation with gamma-butyric acid was shown to increase HGH levels significantly when compared to a placebo’s effects.

In this study, 7 male bodybuilders between 21 and 28 years old were monitored for progress. It was found that 3 grams of GABA daily yielded strong increases in HGH synthesis.

Different testing parameters were applied randomly including a) at rest subsequent to taking a placebo, b) at rest subsequent to ingesting 3 grams of GABA, c) ingestion of 3 grams of GABA just before resistance training sessions and d) ingestion of a placebo agent just before resistance training.

All GABA and all placebo agents were introduced in capsule form and appeared identical.

Trials that included exercise sessions involved each subject performing one set to the point of muscle failure using a weight consistent with 70% of each subject’s one-rep maximum. Multiple sessions were monitored. Blood samples were extracted every fifteen minutes before, during and after resistance training sessions.

Results indicated that taking GABA for bodybuilding just before strenuous exercise sessions caused direct increases in serum HGH and IFGH (immunofunctional GH), one of several bioactive HGH forms.

This study shows that when gamma-butyric acid is taken before workouts, an anabolic state is created and maintained even after the workout had ended. Lean muscle growth and recovery times between workouts were both improved strongly in the group of bodybuilders taking GABA pills.

The research on using GABA for bodybuilding purpose is very promising, however more research is still needed. At this time, GABA is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved GABA as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Is Using GABA for Bodybuilding Safe?

The body produces GABA for a variety of biological and psychological functions, and tolerates it very well. Side effects from GABA supplementation are rare if it is used at low doses for short periods of time. However, there are certain possible interactions with prescription medications, as well as certain herbal agents.

In particular GABA interacts with benzodiazepine drugs and many other anxiety medications that act on GABAergic pathways. Using GABA for bodybuilding or any other purposes has been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Likely Safe for periods up to twelve weeks. After that point, it is generally recommended to take several weeks off before cycling back on.

Conclusions GABA for Bodybuilders

Using GABA for bodybuilding may be beneficial for competitive strength training athletes. In competitive bodybuilding and various other sports, using HGH or other anabolic agents is not allowed. By supplementing with gamma-butyric acid, HGH levels increase naturally, leaving no chances for disqualification due to illegal doping substances in the blood.

GABA is a natural substance that has been shown to increase lean muscle development, decrease fat storage via increased lipid metabolism, and decrease times necessary for recovery between workouts.

Like many natural substances, gamma-butyric acid is capable of causing adverse reactions with certain pharmaceutical agents, and other natural substances. Also, certain foods may interact negatively with GABA. Consult with your doctor before using GABA for bodybuilding, or for other supplementation purposes to ensure that it’s safe for you.

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