What is GABA?
GABA is the abbreviated name for Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, the body's naturally occurring tranquillising and calming neurotransmitter. GABA works it's action by acting as a break within the nervous system and brain where it dampens the excitatory actions of other neurotransmitters, primarily Glutamate.
Low GABA Levels and Health Problems
As GABA is the body's major sedating neurotransmitter, low levels can cause an excitatory state within the nervous system leading to an abundance of nervous and neurological problems. The table below is a list of the major health complaints associated with a GABA deficiency.
| ADHD | Low levels of digestive enzymes |
| Alpha brainwave reduction [1} | Mood disorders |
| Anxiet [1} | Muscle spasms/ cramps |
| Atherosclerosis | Nervousness |
| Convulsions [2] | Panic attacks [8] |
| Depression [3] | PMS [9] |
| Epilepsy [4] | Post partum depression [10] |
| Excessive stress | Post traumatic stress disorder |
| Feeling overwhelmed | Racing mind |
| Hypertension [5] | REM sleep behaviour disorder [11] |
| Insomnia [6] [7] | Tourette's syndrome [12] |
Animal studies have shown that low GABA levels may lead to elevated blood sugar levels in diabetics. [13]
Low GABA levels have been shown to lower the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is needed to moisturise the skin and lubricate connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons. [14]
Low GABA levels also allow for an increase in the potentially harmful hormone prolactin. Excessive amounts of prolactin is known cause of both male and female infertility, increase the risk of breast cancer and suppresses immune function. Prolactin also contributes to obesity due to its ability to increase adipose (fat) tissue formation.
How To Increase GABA Levels Naturally?
The body is an amazing resilient organism and under the right conditions, both nutritionally and physically it can easily produce GABA. The body needs Zinc, Vitamin B6 and L-Taurine to convert the amino acid L-Glutamine into GABA, without these nutrients Low GABA levels continue along with one or more of the above symptoms. Additional nutrients including L-Theanine, Inositol, Magnesium and L-Glycine along with the herbs St John's Wort, Passion Flower, Kava Kava and Valerian all help to increase low GABA levels. By enhancing the amount of GABA the body can produce and improving GABA uptake by the GABA and Benzodiazepine receptors.
Exercise, meditation, yoga, tai chi and mindfulness also are of great benefit in helping to increase low GABA levels
A word of warning if you suffer from low GABA levels then please be aware that caffeine lowers brain levels of GABA and long-term excessive or chronic alcohol consumption reduces the number of receptor sites within the brain that uptake GABA.
In our clinic we recommend Be-Calm Capsules and NatroVital Cortisol Calm an alcoholic free herbal blend, to help increase low GABA levels and increase the numbers of the GABA and Benzodiazepine receptors. The greater the health and numbers of the receptors the easier it is for the body to balance and maintain GABA.
The information provided in this blog Low GABA Levels is of a general nature 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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