GABA
Other names : Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
GABA is an amino acid and the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It inhibits the transmissions of nerve impulses and maintains a balance in the brain between excitation and inhibition, acting as a calming agent. Muscle tone is also regulated by GABA levels.GABA is manufactured by the body and deficiencies are rare, although depletion of GABA levels can occur due to environmental toxins and other external stressors. People deficient in GABA may experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, and muscle fatigue. Since GABA is manufactured by the body from the amino acid glutamine, a diet high in glutamine and B vitamins can improve the production of GABA in the body. Some glutamine food sources include whole grains, tree nuts, oatmeal wheat, and potatoes.
GABA deficiency
In addition to bowel trouble, other problems that GABA deficiencies cause are carbohydrate cravings, trembling, twitching, hyperventilation, flushing, tachycardia, palpitations, sweating, cold or clammy hands, paresthesia, chest pain or discomfort, restlessness, blurred vision, abnormal sense of smell, abnormal odors, lump in throat, butterflies in stomach, unusual allergies, anxiety, hypertension, cystitis, gastrointestinal disorders, tinnitus and PMS.
Special Precautions of GABA
A possible side effect is gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no known interactions with drugs, but if you are taking any medications, always consult your health professional first.
The benefits of GABA are
- For anxiety, nervousness, and depression
- For central nervous system
- For stress-related fatigue and weakness
- For insomnia
- For convulsive disorders
- For memory and cognitive function
