GABA

GABA, which is short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Its primary role is to calm the brain, slow things down, and relax you.

Reduces stress really fast because it crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps to deactivate stress hormones (thereby reducing anxiety).
Relaxes your muscles like a natural Valium.
Levels of GABA drop during PMS.
Too much GABA can make you drowsy.
GABA helps to regulates muscle tone.

Promotes

Calmness
Relaxation
Mental Focus
Regulation of Sleep
Body Temperature
Appetite
Thirst
Sexual Arousal and Desire
Action of the Pituitary
Action of the Autonomic Nervous System (Stress Response System)

Deficiency Symptoms

Stiff and/or Tense Muscles
Stressed
Burned-Out
Unable to Relax
Constipation
Nervousness
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Tension
Muscle Spasms
Aggressive Behavior
GERD as it is needed to help regulate the lower part of the esophagus
Decreased Eye Contact
Anti-Social Behavior
Attention Deficit Disorder
Problems with Eye-Focusing (as seen in autistic children when both eyes are focused inward towards the nose or waver back and forth in a horizontal or vertical movement)
Chronic Pain Syndromes

Addictive Substances Used

Sweets
Starches
Alcohol
Marijuana
Valium
Tobacco
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Aspartame

Body Systems, Glands & Organs Affected

Esophagus
Colon / Bowel
Gastrointestinal Tract
Brain

Complimentary Vitamins

Vitamin K1
Vitamin K2

Complimentary Minerals

Magnesium
Zinc

Food Sources

Almonds
Whole Wheat (Whole Grain)
Halibut
Walnuts
Potatoes
Broccoli
Spinach
Bananas
Oranges
Beef Liver

Additional Info

The scent of jasmine (a substance frequently used in aromatherapy) may help enhance the effects of GABA.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in 2010 indicates that people with major depression may be more likely to have low levels of GABA.
The primary role of the hypothalamus is to maintain homeostasis throughout the body, and without enough GABA production, this will not happen.
GABA binds to sub-receptors and activates secondary messengers that affect dopamine.
When GABA is low, glutamate is high and vice versa.
If there is an excess of calcium in the body for any reason, it too will disrupt the GABA balance.
Depletion of GABA can be a major contributing factor to sympathetic nervous system dominance and the many associated conditions like:
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Chemical Sensitivities
- Chronic Fatigue
- Panic Attacks
- Anxiety Disorders

Precautions

Progesterone increases the level of GABA in the human body.
GABA supplements are considered to be likely safe when taken by mouth for a timeframe as determined by your Medical Doctor and/or Naturopathic Doctor.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid GABA.

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Supporting Research

Ross, J. (2000). The diet cure: the breakthrough programme to rebalance your body chemistry, end food cravings and achieve your natural ideal weight – now! London: Michael Joseph.

GABA. (n.d.). Retrieved February 06, 2021, from (NOTE: Upon inquiry, link broken was found to be broken on 09/08/2021) http://healthyfoods.org/2011/03/28/gaba/.

Health, J. (2018, January 01). Foods high in Gaba to boost your Brain [Increase Gaba naturally]. Retrieved February 06, 2021, from https://optinghealth.com/foods-high-in-gaba.

Wang ZJ, Heinbockel T. Essential oils and their constituents targeting the GABAergic system and sodium channels as treatment of neurological diseases. Molecules. 2018;23(5):1061. doi:10.3390/molecules23051061.

Sergeeva OA, Kletke O, Kragler A, et al. Fragrant dioxane derivatives identify beta1-subunit-containing GABAA receptors. J Biol Chem. 2010;285(31):23985‐23993. doi:10.1074/jbc.M110.103309.

Datis Kharrazian. Why Isn’t My Brain Working?: A revolutionary understanding of brain decline and effective strategies to recover your brain’s health. Carlsbad California. Elephant Press (2013).

Möykkynen, Uusi-Oukari M, Heikkilä J, et.al. Magnesium potentiation of the function of native and recombinant GABA(A) receptors. Neuroreport. 2001 Jul 20;12(10):2175-9.