- Health advice
- Nov 16, 2015
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is widely considered to be the most important relaxing brain chemical (neurotransmitter) produced by the human brain.
GABA promotes the following effects:
- Relaxation
- Calmness
- Sleep
Which brain chemicals do what?
The major excitory neurotransmitters are:- Adrenalin
- Noradrenalin
- Glutamate
- GABA
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
What happens when the balance get upset?
A disruption of this balance commonly leads to excessive excitory neurotransmitter activity and inadequate inhibitory activity,which can give rise to symptoms such as:- anxiety
- irritability
- insomnia
- restlessness
Causes of such imbalances include:
- Prolonged stress
- Nutrient deficiency
- Dietary and lifestyle choices
- Certain medications
- Accumulation of environmental toxins
- Methylation imbalances
The right nutrients are essential for optimal GABA activity
Many pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for stress, anxiety and insomnia work via their effects on GABA activity. However what is commonly overlooked in managing these conditions is the importance of providing the nutrients that your body needs for optimal GABA activity. These include:- Minerals Magnesium and Zinc
- The amino acids Glutamine, Theanine (from green tea),
- Taurine and Lactium (peptides derived from milk)
- The fatty acid Butyrate
- Vitamin B6 and Inositol (Vitamin B8)