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I don’t know what comes to your mind when you hear the word, GABA, but for me, it just sounds like it automatically should be doubled – GABA GABA, just like Yabba Dabba do, only to the sound of a robotic voiced frog. It also makes me want to pay homage to the great 70s band, ABBA. I I suppose these are all feel good memories for me, which is a memory association to help me remember that GABA helps the brain feel good by calming it down.
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that serves as a primary anti-anxiety neurotransmitter. During stressful situations, the adrenal glands release hormones that trigger fight-or-flight responses, such as an increased heart rate and adrenaline surges. GABA counteracts these effects by calming the brain.
Primarily recognized for its anxiety-reducing properties, GABA offers a variety of other health benefits. It can reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for individuals with PMS or chronic pain conditions. Additionally, active people may experience improved recovery and exercise tolerance with GABA supplementation.
GABA’s most crucial role is in the brain. Low GABA levels make it difficult for the body to relax after stress-induced neurotransmitter release, leading to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mood disorders. It acts as a natural relaxant, promoting overall well-being and showing promise in preventing and treating various health issues, especially anxiety.
In one clinical study, researchers used EEG to measure the brain waves of participants who took either GABA or a placebo. An hour after taking GABA, there was a significant increase in alpha waves, which are associated with calmness and relaxation.
GABA can also help stabilize blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, a condition that increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. In a study focused on hypertension, participants were given varying doses of GABA and monitored over eight weeks. Those taking 80 milligrams daily experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure.
Obesity, affecting nearly 40% of Americans, increases the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis. A Korean study explored GABA’s potential to reduce obesity risk. Participants received either GABA or a placebo and refrained from exercise for eight weeks. The GABA group experienced a decrease in body fat and triglyceride levels, along with an increase in lean muscle mass.
Low GABA levels are linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), likely due to its interaction with other neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are also involved in mood regulation. Research suggests that improper GABA functioning may contribute to suicidal behavior.
GABA is essential for promoting sleep, with medications that regulate GABA signaling often used to treat insomnia. GABA supplements are also touted for aiding sleep difficulties, with some studies showing they can improve sleep onset and maintenance, reduce morning drowsiness, and help recover from fatigue more quickly.
