GABA is a chemical messenger known as a neurotransmitter that helps provide the body with tranquilizing effects, allowing you to focus on the things that matter. It has been shown to help relieve anxiety and elevate mood in individuals who suffer from anxiety or depression.
GABA Benefits
Here’s a list of some of the most commonly reported benefits of GABA supplementation…
- Creates a clear state of mind
- Boosts your concentration
- Elevates mood
- Reduces anxiety levels
- Minimizes stress hormone production
- Promotes feelings of calm
Helps Relieve Anxiety
GABA is a neurotransmitter that your brain produces when levels of certain anxiety-producing neurotransmitters get to high. Or at least, that’s how it is supposed to work, but it doesn’t always function properly. This can lead to high anxiety levels. Some people supplement with GABA to relieve anxiety in order to make sure their levels are properly balanced out.
Boosts Your Concentration
There can be a lot of craziness and havoc going on in your brain. GABA is seen as sort of a regulatory neurotransmitter that helps balance everything out, which can boost overall brain function and improve concentration.
What Is GABA?
GABA is a necessary neurotransmitter meant to help your body undergo feelings of relaxation in times of peak anxiety or stress. GABA should not be supplemented on its own, because it is not able to readily cross the blood-brain barrier and provide you with the benefits it has to offer. Many of these benefits have to do with treating people who undergo anxiety, panic attacks, deal with ADHD and depression, and have trouble with restlessness.
Sources of GABA are often placed in nootropic supplements in order to give you the ability to calm your mind. This is especially helpful when the nootropic supplement has some sort of stimulant that might make you feel more wired than you are used to. It acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that can calm excited neurons in periods of over stimulation.
How Does GABA Work?
GABA works by trying to ensure that your brain chemistry is balanced with other neurotransmitters, allowing you to have a general sensation of calmness and peace. It is the second most abundant neurotransmitter in your brain, acetylcholine being the first. These two neurotransmitters work together in order to create a mindset that is able to focus clearly and in a relaxed state.
Since GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier, ingredients must be supplemented that either allow it to cross, or stimulate the production of GABA. A popular supplement that can cross the blood-brain barrier and works identically to GABA is called phenibut. It works in the same way by providing the mind with tranquilizing effects that allow you to relax in times of peak stress.
Your brain is sensitive to stimulus, and can easily be overworked. When overworked, you can experience high levels of anxiety which are detrimental to productivity. It can cause you to become irritable and restless, making you difficult and short with coworkers or friends.
GABA can inhibit the firing of neurons, forcing your brain to a more relaxed state.
GABA Side Effects
GABA side effects are rare and very mild if present. If you take an extraordinary amount of GABA, you may notice some nausea. Keep in mind, GABA is already naturally occurring in your brain, which means it is not a foreign substance. Your brain and body already produce GABA on their own. Just make sure not to take more than the recommended dosage.
Pros of GABA
- Helps to keep you balanced
- Natural tranquilizer
- Completely natural
Cons of GABA
- Cannot cross the blood brain barrier on its own
GABA Benefits – Summary
Overall, GABA is an amino acid and neurotransmitter that is widely regarded for its ability to boost concentration and help keep your brain relaxed during times of stress. It is often found in some way shape or form in many nootropic supplements, and can make a big difference in the life of someone who suffers from anxiety.
I’m not just a supplement analyst. I’m an extremely qualified one! I am a Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) and actually received my certification directly from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I am also a Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, certified by the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA).