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GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is an amino acid which is produced within the brain from another amino acid called Glutamate and Vitamin B6.
GABA is considered to be the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter within the body. The main use of GABA is to balance out other chemicals, hormones, and neurotransmitters which may cause over-excitability.
In essence, GABA is a brain chemical which helps nerve impulses to communicate more efficiently. Not only this, but it is also considered to be an anti-epileptic agent, is used by the body to make endorphins (feel-good chemicals), and is vital for proper brain functioning.
Mood
Sleep
Body- building- Anxiolytic effects to reduce stress
- May improve sleep & anxiety
- Supports fat loss & increases HGH
Top GABA Products* ❯GABA Supplements
According to current scientific knowledge, taking GABA supplements is ineffective for nootropic purposes because this compound cannot actually reach the brain when it is ingested orally.
The blood-brain barrier is a protective membrane that separates the bloodstream from brain tissue. It acts as a filtration system to keep potentially harmful compounds out of the brain. Some beneficial compounds such as certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals also get blocked or are only selectively transported.
The GABA used by your brain has to either be made within your neurons or cross over the blood-brain barrier using a different mechanism. Despite this fact, many dietary supplements that are used for anxiety continue to include GABA in their ingredients.
Despite current scientific understanding, there are many positive GABA supplement reviews from users online. Users report that oral GABA supplements have helped them relax and calm them down. It is possible that the placebo effect alone may be causing the positive effects these people experience.
However, there are also a few different theories as to why GABA supplements seem to work for these people. One theory is that there may be personal differences in blood-brain barrier permeability which may allow supplemental GABA into the brains of some people.
Another theory is that GABA may not need to cross over the blood brain barrier to have neurological effects in the body, and instead act in the enteric nervous system in the gut to cause mental effects. Both of these theories have not been proven at this point, and would be good areas for future research.
While direct supplementation with GABA may not work effectively, there are other GABAergic supplements that may reduce anxious thoughts, improve mood, promote better sleep quality, and prevent stress.
Lemon Balm and L-Theanine are both natural supplements that can reach the brain and boost GABA activity in a way that straight GABA capsules cannot.
GABA Effects
The main mechanism of action for the GABA neurotransmitter is that it binds with certain neurotransmitter and hormonal receptor sites in the brain.
It prevents receptors in the brain from being over-stimulated. This is believed to be the main method for helping to calm the brain down and exhibiting an anxiolytic mechanism of action.
Another mechanism of action for GABA is to perform similarly to any other type of neurotransmitter. To this end, it helps nerves and neurons to communicate with each other more effectively.
Taken together, these actions are responsible for performing numerous cognitive functions such as enhanced concentration, focus, and even attention-switching.
GABA Benefits
The main benefit of GABAergic supplements like Lemon Balm and L-Theanine is that they help to reduce excitement in the brain. As the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter within the body, GABA promotes feelings of tranquility.
Too much excitability can lead to feelings of restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. In fact, anxiety is a state characterized by excessive activity by you neurons. Using GABAergics, you can curb mental over-stimulation and allow the brain to relax and calm down.
Many users have noted that GABA supplementation helps to lower their stress and anxiety levels. This is very beneficial for people who have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.
People often use GABA-boosting supplements for depression, anxiety, insomina, and stress relief but they can actually contribute to improved cognitive function as well.
With GABAergic supplements alpha brain waves are normalized, which serves to balance out our moods and is associated with a state of “flow” and more productive thought patterns.
Evidence also shows that increasing GABA levels improves focus and clear thinking. It also helps to calm racing thoughts and even reduce high blood pressure in a number of situations. GABA may even help to reduce the frequency of epileptic episodes and act as a natural analgesic to offer pain relief.
GABA is also considered by many experts to be a natural fat burner. Instead of acting as a stimulant (remember this neurotransmitter actually helps to slow things down rather than speed them up) it works to support the production of hormones that build lean muscle mass.
This in turn creates a more thermogenic, or fat-burning, body since muscle tissue is much more metabolically active than the fat which it is replacing. It is also thought to actually increase the levels of human growth hormone, which makes building muscle tissue even easier.
GABA Dosage
The dosage of GABA supplement you use will depend on a number of different factors including the potency of the particular supplement as well as your reasons for taking it. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs.
Remember that using GABA pills or powder directly is typically not effective for influencing mood since this compound cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier to any great degree. That is why many people will instead use GABAergic supplements in order to indirectly boost levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain. You should read more about the different GABAergic compounds to determine which is best for you.
There are some instances in which GABA supplements might be effective for other non-cognitive purposes. Bodybuilders and other athletes will use this compound for its muscle-building benefits. If you intend to use GABA for these reasons, a standard or recommended dose has not yet been established.
There is much anecdotal advice available regarding how much to take. This seems to range anywhere from between 500 mg to 5 grams on a daily basis. Most uses will consume between 1 and 3 grams per day.
Consider splitting the daily dosage into several equal administrations. Do not take it with protein sources since it may affect proper digestion and absorption.
GABA Side Effects
There are no known drug interactions with GABA and it appears to be very safe and well-tolerated. However, there are also some side effects. These include being overly relaxed, so avoid driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery in such a condition.
There is also the possibility of changes in heart rate and breathing patterns. Normally, these changes will disappear fairly quickly.
GABA Review
GABA is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain for promoting a balanced mood and preventing stress or anxiety. It may also have positive implications for concentration, sleep, and memory functions, as well as boosting Alpha Brain waves.
While GABA supplements may be useful for fat loss and weight lifting benefits, effects as a brain supplement are inconclusive, as current scientific knowledge says that this compound cannot cross the blood-brain barrier to any great degree, yet may people report having positive effects.
Because of this, some people will instead use GABAergic supplements like Lemon Balm or L-Theanine, since these two compounds are known to increase GABA levels in the brain.
There are a number of different cognitive benefits for taking GABAergic supplements and you should research the available options to determine which is the best for you.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
6 Comments
I have come back to taking GABA after several years. I have GAD and severe panic attacks, as well as hypertension. The ONLY thing that has EVER made a significant difference for me has been taking the GABA. I am not able to take antidepressants. The GABA has not ‘cured’ me, but the difference in frequency and intensity of panic attacks has decreased dramatically and I don’t know what I would do without it. It brings a degree of tolerance and balance that I cannot get to on my own. I also take L-theanine, which works well taken together. i do not have sleeping problems, so that isn’t a consideration. Energy is about the same. I take 2000 mg per day and will go down to 1000 soon.
Je prend du gaba depuis 2 ans tous les jours. Je vous assure que c’est le meilleur produit au monde pour soulager le stress. Aucun effet secondaire, on peut arréter et débuter la prise de ce produit selon notre sentiment.
Je n’ai aucun intérêt dans ce message, sauf peut-être d’aider les personnes qui souffres.
Sofro de Transtorno Afetivo Compulsivo , tenho crises a cada dois meses, durante essas crises o meu cérebro fica ” vazio” , sem informações , sem raciocínio , sem sentimentos . A crise tem a duração de 20 dias (+-). Eu tomo Paraxetina 40mg/dia e Carbonato de Lítio 600 mg/dia , mesmo com esta medicação eu tenho crise. GOSTARIA de saber se o Suplemento GABA 500mg serve para o meu caso. Pois vivo numa tristeza, calculando sempre uma maneira de me dispensar desta vida. Por favor me dê retorno . Desde já agradeço
The myth that GABA does not penetrate the brain barrier has been promulgated
by the med establishment as a ruse to distract from the effectiveness of this chemical. Take a 750MG tab and tell me there is no brain effect. Combine with B vitamins for much stronger effect. Phenibut is dangerous and should be avoided..any way it can only be used sporadically if at all so what good is it? I deal with chronic pain and GABA helps to restore damage done by garbage RX pain drugs.
I agree that GABA most definitely does work, no matter what is said about the blood brain barrier. I started off with 750MG, and noticed the difference within days. I have since backed off to 500mg, due to the only side effect I found, which is a metallic taste in my mouth. I have suffered from panic attacks and an almost constant overactive brain my entire life, and have tried Dr’s, counseling, meds, meditation, exercise, and almost every supplement created, and NOTHING works like GABA. Not only am I actually sleeping for the first time in forever (I take it at night before bed), but I am able to maintain a calm clear mind on a daily basis that I have only ever experienced for a little while after hours of deep meditation. It’s like I have spent my entire life trying to focus on a sound in a noisy room, and suddenly the background volume has been turned down.
Gaba had really help me with my anxiety, stress, and depression. When ever I feel nervous it really calm me down. It work wonderfully for me. I try taking antidepressants medication it cause so much side effects. I could not deal with it. So I stop taken it. Thanks.