As we go through our daily lives, we are constantly bombarded by stressors, both big and small. From work and family responsibilities to financial concerns and global events, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. But what if there was a way to naturally promote a sense of calm and relaxation in the face of these stressors?
Enter GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating brain activity. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means that it helps to decrease the activity of neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain. This can help to balance the activity of the brain and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Research has shown that low levels of GABA can be linked to anxiety and other mood disorders. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, researchers found that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder had lower levels of GABA in the brain compared to healthy controls. Another study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that increasing the levels of GABA in the brain led to a decrease in anxiety-like behavior in animals.
But the benefits of GABA don’t stop there. GABA is also involved in regulating sleep, and low levels of GABA have been linked to insomnia. In a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, researchers found that individuals with insomnia had lower levels of GABA in the brain compared to healthy controls.
Additionally, GABA has been found to play a role in pain management. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience showed that increasing the levels of GABA in the brain led to a decrease in pain sensitivity in animals.
So how can we increase our levels of GABA and promote a sense of calm and relaxation? One way is through supplementation with GABA supplements, however it should be noted that oral supplementation is not the most effective way to increase GABA levels in the brain.
Due to its large size, GABA molecules are not able to pass through the blood-brain barrier and therefore cannot reach the brain when taken orally.
Additionally, studies have shown that oral supplementation with GABA does not significantly increase GABA levels in the brain. A study published in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology found that oral supplementation with GABA did not result in an increase in GABA levels in the brain. Another study published in the journal Amino Acids found that oral supplementation with GABA did not result in a significant increase in GABA levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
It’s worth noting that other methods such as inhaling, intravenous administration, or topical application of GABA have been proposed as a way to increase GABA levels in the brain, but these methods have not been widely tested and are not readily available for use by the general public.
Another way to increase GABA levels is through relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that individuals who practiced yoga had higher levels of GABA in the brain compared to those who did not practice yoga.
Certain foods and supplements such as L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, and Phenibut, a compound structurally similar to GABA, have been also proposed to increase GABA levels in the brain, but there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.
L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in tea leaves, particularly in green and black tea. Studies have shown that L-theanine can promote a sense of relaxation and calmness, and may also help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. L-theanine is thought to work by increasing the activity of GABA in the brain, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that L-theanine supplementation resulted in an increase in alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxation and calmness.
Phenibut is a compound structurally similar to GABA and is used as a nootropic and anxiolytic in some countries, but it’s not approved by FDA as a drug in the United States. It is thought to work by increasing the activity of GABA in the brain, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. A study published in the journal CNS Drug Reviews found that Phenibut supplementation resulted in a decrease in anxiety-like behavior in animals. However, it should be noted that phenibut can have serious side effects such as dependence and withdrawal, so it’s not recommended to use it without consulting a healthcare professional.
It’s worth noting that these foods and supplements are not FDA approved for increasing GABA levels in the brain and their effectiveness has not been widely studied.
In conclusion, GABA plays a crucial role in promoting a sense of calm and relaxation in the face of stressors. Low levels of GABA have been linked to anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Supplementation of GABA has been shown to have minimal effect on increasing GABA levels in the brain, but relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga have shown more promise and effectiveness. Precursors and imitators of GABA such as L-Theanine and Phenibut have also shown limited promise.
Interestingly, there’s a non-alcoholic spirit that angles itself as an alternative to alcohol that induces relaxation through the encouragement and increase of GABA in the brain. We couldn’t find any published studies on this drink, but it does have a large number of glowing reviews pertaining to its relaxation properties. The botanicals in this drink consist of magnolia, linden, passion-flower, liquorice, ashwagandha, hawthorn, damiana, rose, tulsi, gentian and hibiscus – so, whilst we try to avoid recommending anything without scientific evidence to support it, these could hold some promise.