What does gaba do for your body
Uses and Side Effects of GABA Supplement
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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain. Neurotransmitters function as chemical messengers. GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system.
When GABA attaches to a protein in your brain known as a GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect. This can help with feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. It may also help to prevent seizures.
As a result of these properties, GABA has also become a popular supplement in recent years. This is partly because it isn’t available from many food sources. The only foods that contain GABA are fermented ones, such as kimchi, miso, and tempeh.
But how well do these supplements work? Read on to learn more about the science behind the potential benefits of GABA supplements.
GABA’s natural calming effect on the brain has led to countless claims about the use of GABA supplements to reduce stress. Too much stress is linked to poor sleep, a weaker immune system, and a higher risk of depression, among other things.
Here’s a closer look at the effects of stress on your body.
In addition, people with certain medical conditions may have lower levels of GABA. Some of these conditions include:
- seizure disorders
- movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- anxiety
- panic disorder
- mood disorders, such as depression
Some people with these conditions take GABA supplements to help manage their symptoms. While this makes sense in theory, there hasn’t been much evidence to suggest that GABA supplements can help with these conditions, aside from anxiety.
Not much is known about the effectiveness of GABA supplements. In fact, experts don’t know how much GABA actually reaches the brain when consumed as a supplement or food. But some research suggests that it’s only small amounts.
Here’s a look at some of the research behind GABA’s more popular uses.
Anxiety
According to a 2006 article, two very small studies found that participants who took a GABA supplement had increased feelings of relaxation during a stressful event than those who took a placebo or L-theanine, another popular supplement.
The article also notes that the relaxing effects were felt within an hour of taking the supplement.
High blood pressure
Some small, older studies have evaluated the use of GABA-containing products for lowering blood pressure.
In one study from 2003, daily consumption of a fermented milk product that contained GABA reduced blood pressure in people with slighted elevated blood pressure after two to four weeks. This was compared with a placebo.
A 2009 study found that taking a GABA-containing Chlorella supplement twice a day reduced blood pressure in those with borderline hypertension.
Insomnia
In a small 2018 study, participants who took 300 milligrams (mg) of GABA an hour before going to bed fell asleep faster than those taking a placebo. They also reported improved sleep quality four weeks after starting treatment.
Like many other studies looking at the effects of GABA supplements in humans, this study was very small, with only 40 participants.
Stress and fatigue
A 2011 study in Japan examined the effects of a beverage containing either 25 mg or 50 mg of GABA on 30 participants. Both beverages were linked to reduced measures of mental and physical fatigue while doing a problem-solving task. But the beverage containing 50 mg appeared to be slightly more effective.
Another study from 2009 found that eating chocolate containing 28 mg of GABA reduced stress in participants performing a problem-solving task. In another study, taking capsules containing 100 mg of GABA reduced measures of stress in people completing an experimental mental task.
The results of all of these studies sound promising. But most of these studies were very small and many are out of date. Larger, more long-term studies are needed to fully understand the benefits of GABA supplements.
The potential side effects of GABA supplements haven’t been properly studied, so it’s hard to know what to expect.
Some commonly reported side effects include:
- upset stomach
- headache
- sleepiness
- muscle weakness
Since GABA can make some people sleepy, you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery after taking GABA until you know how it affects you.
It’s also not clear whether GABA interacts with any medications or other supplements. If you want to try GABA, consider talking to a doctor first.
Make sure to tell them about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take, including herbs and other supplements. They can give you a better idea of potential interactions to watch for while taking GABA.
GABA has an important role in our bodies as a chemical messenger. But when used as a supplement, its role is less clear.
Some research shows that it may be an option to help reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. But many of these studies are small, outdated, or both. More evidence is needed to better understand the potential benefits of taking GABA.
GABA supplements, which you can buy online, may be worth a shot if you’re looking for natural stress relievers. But don’t rely on it to treat any underlying conditions, including severe anxiety, seizure disorders, or high blood pressure.
Uses and Side Effects of GABA Supplement
We include products we think are useful for our readers.
If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain. Neurotransmitters function as chemical messengers.
GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system.
When GABA attaches to a protein in your brain known as a GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect. This can help with feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. It may also help to prevent seizures.
As a result of these properties, GABA has also become a popular supplement in recent years. This is partly because it isn’t available from many food sources. The only foods that contain GABA are fermented ones, such as kimchi, miso, and tempeh.
But how well do these supplements work? Read on to learn more about the science behind the potential benefits of GABA supplements.
GABA’s natural calming effect on the brain has led to countless claims about the use of GABA supplements to reduce stress. Too much stress is linked to poor sleep, a weaker immune system, and a higher risk of depression, among other things. Here’s a closer look at the effects of stress on your body.
In addition, people with certain medical conditions may have lower levels of GABA. Some of these conditions include:
- seizure disorders
- movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- anxiety
- panic disorder
- mood disorders, such as depression
Some people with these conditions take GABA supplements to help manage their symptoms. While this makes sense in theory, there hasn’t been much evidence to suggest that GABA supplements can help with these conditions, aside from anxiety.
Not much is known about the effectiveness of GABA supplements. In fact, experts don’t know how much GABA actually reaches the brain when consumed as a supplement or food. But some research suggests that it’s only small amounts.
Here’s a look at some of the research behind GABA’s more popular uses.
Anxiety
According to a 2006 article, two very small studies found that participants who took a GABA supplement had increased feelings of relaxation during a stressful event than those who took a placebo or L-theanine, another popular supplement.
The article also notes that the relaxing effects were felt within an hour of taking the supplement.
High blood pressure
Some small, older studies have evaluated the use of GABA-containing products for lowering blood pressure.
In one study from 2003, daily consumption of a fermented milk product that contained GABA reduced blood pressure in people with slighted elevated blood pressure after two to four weeks. This was compared with a placebo.
A 2009 study found that taking a GABA-containing Chlorella supplement twice a day reduced blood pressure in those with borderline hypertension.
Insomnia
In a small 2018 study, participants who took 300 milligrams (mg) of GABA an hour before going to bed fell asleep faster than those taking a placebo. They also reported improved sleep quality four weeks after starting treatment.
Like many other studies looking at the effects of GABA supplements in humans, this study was very small, with only 40 participants.
Stress and fatigue
A 2011 study in Japan examined the effects of a beverage containing either 25 mg or 50 mg of GABA on 30 participants. Both beverages were linked to reduced measures of mental and physical fatigue while doing a problem-solving task. But the beverage containing 50 mg appeared to be slightly more effective.
Another study from 2009 found that eating chocolate containing 28 mg of GABA reduced stress in participants performing a problem-solving task. In another study, taking capsules containing 100 mg of GABA reduced measures of stress in people completing an experimental mental task.
The results of all of these studies sound promising. But most of these studies were very small and many are out of date. Larger, more long-term studies are needed to fully understand the benefits of GABA supplements.
The potential side effects of GABA supplements haven’t been properly studied, so it’s hard to know what to expect.
Some commonly reported side effects include:
- upset stomach
- headache
- sleepiness
- muscle weakness
Since GABA can make some people sleepy, you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery after taking GABA until you know how it affects you.
It’s also not clear whether GABA interacts with any medications or other supplements. If you want to try GABA, consider talking to a doctor first.
Make sure to tell them about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take, including herbs and other supplements. They can give you a better idea of potential interactions to watch for while taking GABA.
GABA has an important role in our bodies as a chemical messenger. But when used as a supplement, its role is less clear.
Some research shows that it may be an option to help reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. But many of these studies are small, outdated, or both. More evidence is needed to better understand the potential benefits of taking GABA.
GABA supplements, which you can buy online, may be worth a shot if you’re looking for natural stress relievers. But don’t rely on it to treat any underlying conditions, including severe anxiety, seizure disorders, or high blood pressure.
GABA (GABA) what it is, how it works and what are the benefits
Contents:
➦ What is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
➦ How does GABA work?
➦ What are the benefits of GABA?
➦ GABA for athletes
➦ Gamma aminobutyric acid deficiency symptoms
➦ How to increase the level of Gamma?
➦ What is gamma-aminobutyric acid?
➦ The most popular GABA supplements in Phytomarket
➦ GABA in food products
➦ Gaba tea as a source of acid
➦ How to take a GABA supplement
➦ Side effects of GABA
➦ Frequently asked questions answered
Gamma-aminobutyric acid preparations are becoming increasingly popular among natural remedies with anti-stress properties.
They are able to eliminate anxiety and improve sleep, they are also in demand in sports practice to enhance the growth of muscle mass. Learn about the benefits of this substance for the body and how it can be used in everyday life.
What is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (chemical formula C4H9NO2) or GABA is an organic substance that is synthesized by the body and is present in all areas of the brain. It is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, that is, it slows down the transmission of nerve impulses, and competes with glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter, affecting approximately 30-40% of synaptic connections. In nature, this substance is present in some plants, such as valerian or green tea.
Neurotransmitters influence our thoughts, feelings, sensations. An imbalance between the main neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA and acetylcholine) can manifest itself in various psychological disorders.
The main task of GABA is to block unnecessary information flows to create parity between the processes of excitation and inhibition in our brain, providing functions such as attention, motor and emotional control.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors are found in high concentration in the cerebellum, thalamus and spinal cord. Moreover, recent studies have shown that GABA molecules are also present in the walls of the uterus, spermatozoa, retina, lungs and respiratory tract, as well as in the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.
A bit of history
The presence of GABA in the brain became known in 1950, when the American scientist Eugene Roberts, while studying free amino acids, came across a compound whose migration on paper chromatograms did not correspond to any compound containing known amino acids. He drew attention to the presence of this substance in various tissues of the central nervous system: the brain, cerebellum and spinal cord of vertebrates and suggested a direct or indirect connection with the conduction of nerve signals.
7 years later, researchers in Canada reported that the unknown compound with neuronal inhibitory activity was GABA. A number of subsequent discoveries have determined its role in our brain.
How does GABA work?
GABA is an amino acid that occurs as a result of processes occurring in different cells and, above all, in nerve cells. The "chemistry" of the brain is such that the main brake for the mediator - gamma-aminobutyric acid is a product of the main excitatory neurotransmitter - glutamate, which produces it under the action of the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), and vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor. It all happens in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. Maintaining a balance between these two neurotransmitters is a key condition for physical and mental health, as well as good mood. A low level of GABA leads to the development of anxiety, depression, impairs concentration, attention, and some cognitive functions.
To understand the role of GABA, it is important to know how it interacts with its receptor.
When GABA binds to the GABA receptor, the latter changes shape slightly, allowing ions to pass through its central channel. This leads to a decrease in the excitability of the neuron, which is why GABA is called an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Getting into the brain from food, supplements or drugs, GABA becomes not just an additional inhibitory neurotransmitter, but also food for neurons, as it is captured by mitochondria. In neurons, it performs two tasks: about 1% of the substance works as a neurotransmitter, and 99% provides energy exchange in mitochondria during ATP synthesis and glucose breakdown. This substance stimulates metabolism, saturates the brain with oxygen and improves blood circulation throughout the body.
What are the benefits of GABA?
The main function of gamma-aminobutyric acid is to reduce the neural activity of the neurons to which it attaches. It prevents long-term activation of neurons and also plays a neurotrophic role by promoting the growth of certain neurons.
The main functions of the GABA:
- Regulation by motor activity
- Providing memory processes and thinking
- Anti -icing effect
- Activation of energy processes
- acceleration exchange.
The inhibitory effects of GABA serve to counteract the excitatory (activator) effects of glutamate. Indeed, when the brain is overexcited, it can contribute to feelings of restlessness, irritability, and even insomnia. Taking GABA helps to correct the imbalance associated with anxiety, has a relaxing and sedative effect. It is also associated with better sleep quality, allowing you to switch off, helping you fall asleep faster.
GABA plays a stabilizing role on a mental and physical level, helping to restore balance and maintain normal mood. This substance is involved in certain stages of memory and can be used to relax, control fear or anxiety, which manifests itself in overexcitation.
GABA has been scientifically proven to significantly stimulate growth hormone (HGH = Human Growth Hormone) secretion during the early stages of deep sleep.
Growth hormone is one of the muscle growth hormones in the human body. It helps to reduce body fat and stimulates muscle growth. GABA acts on certain chains of neurons that stimulate the hypothalamus so that more growth hormones are released. This ability is highly valued by athletes.
Based on GABA, nootropics are produced - drugs that improve the higher functions of the human brain. They are widely used in the treatment of strokes, brain injuries, age-related changes, when the performance of the brain is significantly reduced. The advantages of nootropics over other drugs that affect synaptic activity are that they do not cause addiction and dependence, unlike psychomotor stimulants and antipsychotics. And because GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, it is widely used in the treatment of epilepsy.
Thus, tableted gamma-aminobutyric acid contributes to the overall strengthening of the nervous system, in particular, such brain functions as thinking, perception and attention.
GABA receptors are located, among other things, in the hypothalamus, which controls circadian rhythms and is directly related to sleep. Many insomnia medications, as well as their herbal counterparts, raise GABA levels, thereby improving the quality of sleep.
What are the benefits of GABA?
Thanks to numerous studies, today GABA is officially recognized as an effective cytoprotective antihypoxant and antioxidant for various organs and systems. She is credited with antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to positively influence the functioning of the immune system.
The effect of GABA on sleep is especially noticeable. Under its influence, mental excitation decreases, the energy processes of the brain are activated, the respiratory activity of tissues and glucose utilization improve, which leads to high-quality deep sleep.
Gaba action on the body:
- Helps to calm and relax
- controls “panic” states associated with anxiety
- reduces muscle tone
- reduces
- .
- normalizes blood pressure
- helps control anxiety
- promotes quality sleep
- reduces blood sugar levels
- improves overall immunity
- accelerates the recovery process after injuries
- improves sexual activity
GABA preparations are used to treat mental retardation, cerebral palsy, post-stroke conditions, and also restore brain function after injuries. Taking GABA supplements is appropriate for high mental, physical and psychological stress. They help to normalize the work of the brain, cope with stress.
GABA for athletes
Many professional athletes today recognize the benefits of GABA for athletic performance. The advantage of sports nutrition based on it is high efficiency in the absence of a hormonal component. Acting on the anterior pituitary gland of the brain, GABA stimulates the production of growth hormone, which increases the growth of muscle tissue and reduces the percentage of body fat.
This is especially important for bodybuilders and athletes.
The advantages of a margin for athletes:
➦ Increases the growth of the growth hormone by 4-6 times, being a safe alternative to steroids
➦ stimulates the production of somatotropin even after training
➦ participates in the process of fat burning, contributing to a faster
➦ helps to quickly achieve a beautiful relief body
➦ normalizes the functioning of the nervous system
➦ eliminates insomnia, improves sleep
➦ accelerates recovery after injuries: dislocations and sprains.
GABA supplements are consistently in high demand among professional athletes and amateurs, which is the best confirmation of their high effectiveness. Single negative reviews are associated with the incorrect use of drugs with GAB or a violation of the training process.
It is important to remember that all dietary and sports supplements are taken in a certain dosage, courses, after consultation with a doctor.
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) deficiency symptoms
GABA is synthesized naturally by the body. When its level in the body is sufficient, we experience peace and well-being. With a deficiency of GABA, there is an imbalance between the processes of excitation and inhibition, which leads to disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system: from increased anxiety and irritability to insomnia. Low levels of this neurotransmitter cause difficulty falling asleep despite being tired, as well as restlessness, recurring muscle or neuropathic pain, and a tendency to be irritable. In children, this manifests itself in the form of hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, problems with perseverance and attention.
Here are some of the symptoms indicating a marriage deficiency:
✔ Nervousness and inability to concentrate
✔ periodically occurring tremor
✔ Frequent difficulties with breathing
✔ Strong sweating
✔ Fatigue even after a good night dream
✔ mood swings
✔ mental confusion
The most severe case, which is associated with a lack of γ-aminobutyric acid, is epilepsy.
This neurological disease is caused by the fact that as a result of malformations or brain tumors, a huge wave of excitation periodically occurs in some of its areas (most often in the local area), which leads to an epileptic seizure. Using preparations containing GABA, it is possible to enhance the work of the GABA system by suppressing the activity of the excitatory neurotransmitter.
Deficiency cases for which GABA is recommended:
✔ Trouble falling asleep due to nervousness and anxiety
✔ Inability to relax
✔ Constant feeling of physical tension
✔ Mood and behavior disorder
How to increase the level of Gamk?
In a healthy body with a balanced diet and a proper lifestyle, the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid is regulated independently, but bad habits, stress and certain diseases can provoke its deficiency. GABA is naturally present in plants, but it is primarily synthesized endogenously by our body from glutamic acid.
Restore the GABA balance in the body will help the consumption of food or special supplements containing gamma-aminobutyric acid, as well as glutamine, since GABA is its derivative. This substance is found in animal proteins: eggs, white meat, legumes such as lentils or chickpeas, leafy vegetables such as spinach and parsley. And to turn it into GABA, it is important to take supplements with vitamin B6 and magnesium.
Some plant extracts may also interfere with GABA production. For example, lemon balm is a transaminase inhibitor, and consuming it increases GABA levels in the brain, as it will be less degraded. GABA stimulants include: inositol, glutamic acid, melatonin (at night), thiamine (vitamin B1), niacinamide (vitamin B3), pyridoxine, valerian, passionflower 200–1000 mg.
| Connection name | What does it contain |
| Inositol, a sugar normally synthesized by the body | fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, oilseeds |
| Branched-chain amino acids (leucine) | turkey meat, spirulina, beans, pistachios, whey |
| Isoleucine | nuts of all kinds, seeds, lentils, rye, eggs, chicken |
| Valine | peanuts, mushrooms, soybeans, lupins, parmesan, all kinds of seeds |
| Arginine | pumpkin seeds and peanuts |
| Coenzyme Q10 | spinach, broccoli and cauliflower |
| Ribose | mushrooms |
| vitamin C | Brussels sprouts, bell peppers and citrus fruits |
| All B vitamins, including B6. | nuts (especially walnuts), tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, cereals, citrus fruits, berries |
The following measures will help to stimulate the production of GABA:
+ good rest
+ breathing techniques to reduce stress
+ meditation practices
+ physical activity
What is GABA?
GABA is found naturally in foods such as chestnuts, potatoes, rice, astragalus, fresh leaves of selected teas from which natural GABA extracts are obtained.
It is also found in medications and supplements for anxiety, anxiety, blood pressure and sleep, and sports nutrition for athletes and bodybuilders.
Studies have shown that with long-term use of products and preparations with gamma-aminobutyric acid, it is possible to raise its level in the body to the optimum.
The most popular GABA supplements in Phytomarket
More items in Vitamins for the nervous system!
GABA in food
Foods rich in gamma-aminobutyric acid include:
| Food | Quantitative content of GABA per 100 g |
| Gaba tea | 150-400 mg |
| Tomatoes (depending on variety), sauerkraut, fermented soybeans | to 63 mg |
| Germinated rice, especially anoxic fermented in nitrogen | 25. |
| Eggplant | 20 mg |
| Potato | 16 to 35 mg |
| Grapefruits | 23 mg |
| Peaches | 13 mg |
| Kiwi | 11 mg |
| Oranges | 11.5 mg |
| Carrot | 10 mg |
| Shiitake mushrooms | 8 mg |
| Green soybeans | 6 mg |
| Beets | 4 to 8 mg |
9 mg Based on this table, we can conclude that the most complete natural source of GABA is Gaba tea.
Gaba tea as a source of acid
Gaba Tea is a unique product produced in the north of Taiwan.
Now he is at the peak of popularity. Due to its richness in GABA molecules, it has a large list of benefits for human health. Among them: support for memory, relaxation, fighting stress and depression, building muscle mass and delaying aging. Studies have shown that regular consumption of Gaba tea helps reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, and improve sexual function.
Gaba is not a type of tea, but a special oxygen-free fermentation technology that releases gamma-aminobutyric acid. The origins of this unusual drink are the Japanese. In the late 1980s, a team at the National Tea Experiment Station, led by Dr. Tsushima Tojiro, experimentally determined that fresh tea leaves release large amounts of GABA during fermentation in the absence of oxygen.
It is believed that unlike synthetic GABA, which hardly crosses the protective blood-brain barrier to access the brain, the gamma-aminobutyric acid contained in the natural tea leaf is absorbed much better.
Today, Taiwan is the world's largest producer and supplier of Gaba tea.
The delicious taste, as well as the extraordinary health benefits, have earned Taiwanese Gaba tea a prominent place in catalogs of exceptional teas.
How much Gamma in tea?
The largest plant source of GABA is the Taiwanese version of Oolong tea. 100 g of the product contains 150-400 mg of gamma-aminobutyric acid.
How is Gaba tea made?
High quality fresh leaves are used in the production, which are placed under vacuum in sealed bags and kept at a temperature of at least 40 ˚C for about 8 hours. Then they are taken out into the air and shaken thoroughly for several minutes. This cycle is repeated 5 times with slight variations in air exposure time between vacuum steps. This anaerobic reaction develops the natural potential of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the leaves, and also provides a rich fruity taste of tea: baked apple with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
How to brew Gaba tea?
To make Gaba tea not only healthy, but also tasty, you need to brew it properly.
Proceed as follows :
- Boil water
- Preheat the kettle with hot water
- Put 7 grams of tea (approximately 1.5-2 tablespoons), fill with hot water and immediately drain (rinsing tea) 906 6 again and wait about 10 seconds
- Repeat the previous step several times, increasing the steeping time by 10-20 seconds.
How to take for sleep?
As a remedy for insomnia, Gaba tea is best consumed at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
How to take GABA supplement
The positive effect of GABA intake is observed when taking at least 2g / day after about a week. It is recommended to start with 0.5 g - 1 g per day, gradually increasing the dose to 4 g. Small doses of the supplement do not work, since only a small part of the substance penetrates the brain.
It is best to take a GABA supplement before bed or after a workout on an empty stomach with water or juice, but not in the morning, as this may affect performance.
The course is at least 1 month. A break while taking GABA is not regulated.
It is desirable to combine the use of GABA with the intake of vitamin B6. In case of its shortage, sleep disturbance, nervousness and other unpleasant symptoms may occur. In addition to B6, GABA can be taken along with 5-HTP, as well as magnesium and zinc, which are responsible for activating GABA receptors.
Side effects of GABA
GABA has very few side effects. In very rare cases, tingling on the skin may be felt, even less often: nausea, vomiting, insomnia, fluctuations in blood pressure (during the first days of treatment), dyspepsia, hyperthermia, a feeling of heat. Such side effects may be associated with individual intolerance.
On the other hand, the simultaneous use of GABA and anxiolytics may be associated with an increased risk of sedation, so it is important to consult a doctor in advance.
Overdose of drugs that inhibit GABA reuptake can cause an excess of GABA, which is manifested by neurological and psychiatric symptoms: memory loss, convulsions, hallucinations and cognitive impairment.
Contraindications to the use of GABA drugs are hypersensitivity, children under 1 year of age, acute renal failure, pregnancy and lactation.
Answers to popular questions:
When is the best time to drink GABA?
Best GABA supplement to take before bed or after workout
How much GABA to take?
It is recommended to start with 0.5 g - 1 g per day, gradually increasing the dose to 4 g. For a noticeable effect, take the supplement for at least 1 month. Break while taking GABA is not regulated
Where are GABA receptors located?
Neurons carrying receptors for GABA molecules can be found in almost any area of the brain.
How long will it take to see a noticeable result?
Noticeable improvement can be seen as early as a week after taking a GABA supplement.
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Foods-body
Gamma-aminobutyric acid or simply GABA is a chemical compound from the group of amino acids that does not have proteins in its structure.
This is a natural substance synthesized in the human body from the amino acid glutamine.
The first studies, during which aminobutyric acid was identified, were carried out as early as 1954-1956. Then it was only possible to determine its presence in the human central nervous system. It was possible to complete the synthesis of the substance in question only in 1963 year.
The main task of this compound is that it inhibits the transmission of certain impulses and relaxes the nervous system. It helps a person return to a calm, stable state and quickly get out of depression or stress.
In a normal state, the production of a substance is independently regulated in the human body, but bad habits or any shocks can provoke a failure. That is why it is important to maintain the level of gaba in the body through proper nutrition or by taking special nutritional supplements based on this component.
Benefits of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
GABA is one of the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters in the nervous system.
It is widely used in medical practice, as it is an effective assistant in the treatment of mental disorders, and also has a relaxing and sedative effect. The substance activates metabolic processes, saturates the brain with oxygen and improves blood circulation throughout the body.
Constant stress and anxiety are known to weaken the immune system, they are also often accompanied by sleep disturbance, which in turn also negatively affects the functioning of the immune system. GABA helps reduce stress and promote a healthy immune response to stressors.
The compound plays an important role in ensuring a good night's rest, it improves the quality of sleep, and its lack is one of the main causes of insomnia.
In addition, it regulates motor activity, improves memory and thinking processes, and also has an anticonvulsant effect. Being one of the most important components of the blood and the brain, gamma-aminobutyric acid is able to improve the blood supply to the brain, activate energy processes and increase the respiratory activity of tissues.
In addition, it accelerates the utilization of glucose and helps to remove toxic metabolic products.
Speaking of other equally important effects that the product in question has on the body, we can highlight the following:
• helps in the fight against vascular pathologies;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• improves liver function;
• relieves nervous tension;
• relieves negative symptoms of stress;
• has a positive effect on the state of the nervous system as a whole;
• has a relaxing effect;
• speeds up the process of falling asleep;
• increases the body's resistance to stressful situations;
• normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• increases the ability to concentrate;
• Supports optimal brain function in old age.
Who needs additional intake of GABA
Most often, gamma-aminobutyric acid is used as an additional agent in the treatment of diseases such as epilepsy, arterial hypertension, endogenous depression, atherosclerosis.
It can also bring undeniable benefits to patients recovering from traumatic brain injury. In addition, GABA can help people who experience problems with sexual function and those who often suffer from headaches and dizziness.
It is recommended to use the product additionally for babies who are lagging behind in development and for those who have disorders in the functioning of the speech apparatus.
What role does GABA play in the lives of athletes
For bodybuilders and people involved in various sports, this product is of particular interest. This is due to the fact that it helps to increase somatotropin or growth hormone, which in turn has an anabolic and fat-burning effect. Due to the increased level of somatotropin, muscle mass gain is accelerated, strength indicators increase, and the process of burning subcutaneous fat is activated.
A very important benefit of supplements based on this component for athletes is that they help to fall asleep faster and deepen sleep.
Thus, the restoration of muscle fibers damaged during physical exertion is much faster and more efficient. Among other things, the substance in question is able to prevent muscle cramps and reduce the level of cortisol or the stress hormone, which enhances catabolic processes in the muscles.
The main symptoms of GABA deficiency
People who have a lack of this compound cannot work productively during the daytime, and they also have problems with sleep, a feeling of anxiety and unreasonable aggression.
Other signs of deficiency include:
• panic attacks;
• trouble concentrating;
• persistent headaches;
• poor resistance to stress;
• inability to calm down;
• increased night sweats;
• constant fatigue;
• visual impairment.
Deficiencies in this compound can be replenished either through regular dietary intake or by supplementing with GABA in tablet, capsule, or powder form.
