Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a natural amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter inhibitor. It works by blocking certain brain signals and reducing the activity of the nervous system. Therefore, GABA supplements are often used in the treatment of conditions related to stress, anxiety, and mood disorders. With many health benefits for the brain, GABA has become a popular supplement in recent years. GABA-containing foods are fermented foods, such as kimchi and miso.
1. What is GABA?
✅ Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter inhibitor because it blocks certain brain signals and reduces the activity level of the nervous system. When GABA attaches to a protein in the brain called the GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect that helps reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. It can also help improve sleep, prevent seizures, and brain damage. The brain usually releases GABA naturally at the end of the day to promote sleepiness and allow the body to rest. Therefore, if the GABA content is low, it will increase anxiety, the risk of mood disorders, seizures, and chronic pain.
✅ Thanks to the known effects, GABA has become a commonly used functional product in recent years. This is partly because it is not available from many food sources. The only foods that contain GABA are fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and tempeh.
2. Top 3 GABA health benefits
2.1 GABA health benefits: Reduce anxiety
✅ GABA is a natural substance made by the body, the main role of GABA is to reduce the activity of nerve cells in the brain and central nervous system, make the body in a state of greater relaxation, and reduce stress and anxiety. There is still debate among scientists about the effectiveness of external GABA supplements in reducing anxiety and stress because of long-standing questions about the ability of GABA supplements can enter the brain from the blood.
✅ However, several studies have shown GABA to be effective in reducing anxiety and increasing relaxation. In one study, the impact of 100 milligrams of GABA in a group of people who had just done a mentally stressful task. Scientists measured the slowing of brain waves in people who took GABA supplements, indicating a reduction in mental stress. According to a 2006 article, two very small studies showed that participants taking GABA supplements increased their feelings of relaxation during a stressful event compared to those taking placebo or L-theanine, a Substances also work to reduce stress.
2.2 GABA health benefits: Lowering blood pressure
✅ GABA supplements are sometimes used by people as a natural way to lower blood pressure. There is scientific evidence that GABA can reduce high blood pressure. A 2009 study found that taking chlorella supplements containing GABA twice daily helped lower blood pressure in people with limited hypertension. In a 2003 study on the consumption of fermented milk products containing GABA in people with mild hypertension. As a result, their blood pressure dropped after 2-4 weeks compared to those who took a placebo.
✅ In addition, maintaining a healthy blood pressure can also help protect your sleep. Blood pressure drops naturally at night as part of the body’s progress to sleep. High blood pressure can be a sign of excitement, alertness, and physical vigilance that can make it difficult to fall asleep.
2.3 GABA health benefits: Improve sleep
✅ GABA’s activities made by the body are important for sleep. GABA allows the body and mind to relax and fall asleep, and sleep well throughout the night. Low GABA activity is associated with insomnia and interrupted sleep. The combination of GABA and 5-HTP can work together to improve sleep quality and increase sleep duration.
✅ A number of recent studies have shown that GABA produced in fermented foods can increase sleep time and reduce sleep time. Also in a small 2018 study, participants who took 300 milligrams (mg) of GABA an hour before bed felt that they slept faster than those who took a placebo. They also reported improved sleep quality four weeks after starting treatment.
3. Foods that contain GABA
✅ Unlike many dietary supplements, GABA cannot be found in regular foods. The only foods that contain GABA are fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and tempeh. However, certain foods, including fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine, can have a significant impact on GABA production in the body. At present, it is unclear whether certain foods increase or decrease the effects of GABA on the brain.
4. Notes when using GABA
When using supplements that contain GABA, you should keep the following in mind:
- GABA supplements are considered to be safe when taken orally for up to 12 weeks. Some of the potential side effects of GABA supplements commonly reported include stomach pain, headache, drowsiness, muscle weakness.
- Pregnant and lactating women should consult a physician before use.
- GABA can cause drowsiness and hypotension. Therefore, caution should be exercised when used together with other sedatives and blood pressure.
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🎁 NOW Supplements, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) 500 mg + B-6
✅ 1968 Since 1968 NOW has been a leader in the natural products industry. Even when healthy foods and natural supplements weren’t mainstream, we’ve never wavered from our mission – to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives.
✅ GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the “brain’s natural calming agent”. By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension. NOW provides only the naturally occurring form as found in food and in the body. Take 1 capsule 2 to 3 times daily as needed, preferably with juice or water on an empty stomach. Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
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