Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Molecular Structure
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid that benefits the body by acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA is found throughout the human body and is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the Brain and a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the Spinal Cord. When ingested, it binds to receptors in the brain producing a calming effect. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin and Ativan all bind to GABA receptors which is how they produce their calming effect. For many people supplementing with GABA is just as effective as prescription benzodiazepines without the addiction potential. Drugs like Phenibut, Neurontin and Lyrica are all modeled after GABA.
Many studies have been done on the effects of oral GABA administration identifying positive effects on stress, mood, learning, immunity and muscle growth illustrating the many roles of GABA in human health.
Among the many negative aspects of emotional stress is its ability to compromise immune function. Researchers in 2006 designed a study to examine GABA’s potential role in protecting immunity during a highly stressful event. Here is what they found: “Eight acrophobic subjects were divided into 2 groups (placebo and GABA). All subjects were crossing a suspended bridge as a stressful stimulus. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in their saliva were monitored during bridge crossing. Placebo group showed marked decrease of their IgA levels, while GABA group showed significantly higher levels. In conclusion, GABA could work effectively as a natural relaxant and its effects could be seen within 1 hour of its administration to induce relaxation and diminish anxiety. Moreover, GABA administration could enhance immunity under stress conditions.”
A study from 2015 found that a person enhanced their ability to prioritize and plan actions by taking 800 milligrams (mg) of GABA supplementation per day. Although the study was small, involving just 30 healthy volunteers, it showed how GABA supplementation might promote enhanced thinking.
A 2019 research study of 21 healthy males took whey protein or whey protein plus GABA once a day for 12 weeks. Participants performed the same resistance training exercises twice a week. The researchers found that the combination of whey protein and GABA increased levels of growth hormone compared to whey protein alone. Although this was small study, the researchers concluded that GABA supplements might help build muscle and assist in workout recovery.
Modern Drugs Modeled After GABA
Note the similarities in structure between GABA and the manmade drugs, all are attempts to improve on nature. There are foods that naturally contain Gamma Aminobutyric Acid but in insufficient quantities to produce the desired relaxing effect. Because of this, GABA supplementation is necessary to provide the desired therapeutic benefits.
The Health Benefits of GABA:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• Lowers High Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• Stimulates the production of Digestive Enzymes.
METABOLISM
• Supplementation may lower Blood Sugar in Diabetes Mellitus patients.
• Enhances the release of Human Growth Hormone (hGH).
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Enhances Alpha Wave production.
• Decreases Beta Wave production.
• Prevents the nerve impulses caused by Anxiety from reaching the Brain by occupying Benzodiazepine Receptors much like the prescription drugs: Ativan, Klonopin, Valium and Xanax.
• May improve symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• By functioning as an Inhibitory Neurotransmitter, it sedates the Central Nervous System.
• Can help to prevent convulsions.
• Patients suffering from Depression have been shown to have low levels.
• To prevent seizures associated with Epilepsy, the Brain must have adequate levels.
• Helps to prevent the over-firing of Neurons in the Brain.
• Panic Disorder patients exhibit low levels and supplementation may prove helpful.
• Helps to alleviate Insomnia when taken at bedtime.
• Inhibits Stress-induced suppression of the Immune System.
• May be useful in the treatment of Tourette’s Syndrome.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• Symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome such as Anxiety and Depression may be caused by a defect in synthesis or utilization indicating that supplementation may be useful in these patients.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• Inhibits the production of Prolactin.
SKIN
• Stimulates the production of Hyaluronic Acid in the Dermis of the Skin where it exerts Antioxidant activity that protects the Skin.
USAGE
Taken orally, GABA is extremely safe and effective for reducing Anxiety and Depression (When Depression is accompanied by Anxiety). When used to promote Sleep the usual dosage is 500-3,000mg at bedtime. Endogenous production of GABA can be enhanced with regular Exercise and Meditation. Alcohol and Caffeine interfere with the production and utilization of GABA.
CAUTIONS:
• Excessive intake may impair Learning ability.
• Ingesting a dose that is too high may cause Nausea.
• Diabetes Mellitus patient should start slowly with supplementation due to its potential to lower high blood sugar.
My Personal Recommendations:
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid – 500mg
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid – Bulk Powder
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