What is GABA?
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter produced in the body.
GABA works in conjunction with another neurotransmitter called glutamate to maintain overall balance.
Glutamate has the opposite role of GABAto excite and motivateand it’s alsothe precursor1to GABA.
Think of GABA and glutamate as the yin and yang of the brain.
Summary
Benefits of maintaining healthy GABA levels.
Abnormallylow GABA levels2have been implicated in a number of undesirable life-disrupting conditions and disorders.
GABA for sleep.
GABA for stress and anxious thoughts.
Several studies illustrate how adequate GABA levels can trigger calming effects.
GABA and mental focus.
Those in the 50-milligram group also scored higher on the math problem, suggesting improved focus and problem-solving ability.
GABA for healthy blood pressure.
Preliminary research suggests GABA can promote healthy blood pressure, at least according toa few lab studies9.
How to maintain healthy GABA levels in the body.
GABA+ concentrations do seem to naturally decline with age10, at least in some regions of the brain.
Research has shown12that it is magnesium’s effect on GABA-A receptors, specifically, that elicit this calming effect.
When shopping for a supplement, Vora prefersmagnesium glycinate, which has beenshown in studies13to help combat sleep issues.
Meditation and exercise
Additional ways of improving GABAergic activity include movement and meditation.
Ina recent study, patients with clinical depression were assigned to do yoga two to three times a week.
Diet
Diet is crucial for maintaining healthy GABA levels and activity for a number of reasons.
Homing in a bit more: There are also foods that actually contain GABA itself.
These include:
5.
Safety and side effects.
Manufacturers don’t recommend this supplement if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or for children under six years old.
If you choose to take GABA, both Vora and Ruhoy recommend 100 to 200 milligrams per day.
