Is Low GABA Why I Feel The Way I Do?
What Is GABA?
GABA is the abbreviated name for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, the body's naturally occurring tranquillising and calming neurotransmitter. GABA works by acting as a break within the nervous system and brain, where it suppresses the excitatory effects of other neurotransmitters, primarily Glutamate.
Low GABA Levels And Health Problems
GABA is the chief sedating neurotransmitter. If levels are low, the excitatory neurotransmitters become dominant. This excitatory state leads to the progression of nervous and neurological problems. Below is a list of the significant health complaints associated with a GABA deficiency.
| ADHD | Low levels of digestive enzymes |
| Alpha brainwave reduction 2 | Mood disorders |
| Anxiety 1,2 | Muscle spasms/cramps |
| Atherosclerosis | Nervousness |
| Convulsions 6 | Panic attacks 10 |
| Depression 7 | PMS 8 |
| Epilepsy 9 | Postpartum depression 12 |
| Excessive stress | Post-traumatic stress disorder |
| Feeling overwhelmed | Racing thoughts |
| Hypertension | REM sleep disorder |
| Insomnia 3,4 | Tourette's syndrome 11 |
Animal studies showed that low GABA leads to elevated blood sugar levels in diabetics.5
Other studies show that a deficiency in GABA lowers the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is needed to moisturise the skin and prevent wrinkles. It also lubricates connective tissue including cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.13
GABA insufficiency allows for an increase in the potentially harmful hormone prolactin. Excessive amounts of prolactin contribute to progesterone deficiency, which may lead to PMS and hormonal anxiety. Additionally, excess prolactin can cause both male and female infertility, increase the risk of breast cancer, suppress immune function and be an underlying factor in obesity.
How To Increase GABA Levels?
Zinc, Vitamin B6, L-Taurine and L-Glutamine are essential for the body to manufacture GABA. Without these nutrients, GABA deficiency remains along with the symptoms. Be-Calm contains these, along with additional nutrients required to maintain GABA and improve its uptake into the brain.
Cortisol Calm is an alcohol-free, herbal tonic containing St John's Wort, Withania, Gingko Biloba, Bacopa and Skullcap which improve the ability of the GABA and Benzodiazepine receptors to uptake GABA into the brain. Also, these herbs help manage stress, reduce elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels.
Exercise, meditation, yoga, tai chi and deep breathing all play essential roles in maintaining healthy GABA levels.
Please Note: If you suffer from low GABA levels;
Caffeine lowers brain levels of GABA. Long-term alcohol consumption, or binge drinking, also reduces the number of receptor sites that uptake GABA into the brain.
The information provided here is generally intended for educational purposes only. We make no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, alleviate or cure illnesses or diseases with any information or product stated. With any health issue, we suggest you consult your healthcare professional before undertaking any health treatment.
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