GABA – The Forgotten Neurotransmitter

What do you know about GABA – the forgotten neurotransmitter?

We’ve heard about Serotonin and its use as an antidepressant but we seldom hear about the related GABA neurotransmitter.

GABA – the Forgotten Neurotransmitter

GABA is our inhibitory neurotransmitter, along with Serotonin, that helps relax the mind and calm the body. Read more about our neurotransmitters in this article.

It helps manage muscle tension, sleep, digestion, pain, and mood.

GABA plays a role in coughs, vomiting, and diarrhea of unknown origin.

GABA plays a big role in pain management, anger, irritability, oversensitivity, and anxiety.

GABA Neurotransmitter – Our Body’s Stabilizer

GABA, as the great stabilizer in the human body, can regulate the bowels which may be either too loose or too constipated, or are alternating. 

GABA helps govern reflux, ringing in the ears, panic, mood swings and so much more.  Good restful sleep requires normal GABA levels as well as good Melatonin (derived from Serotonin).

While I see many clients on some form of Serotonin, or a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor such as Paxil or Lexapro, I seldom see people on prescription or natural forms of GABA.   Many times, adding some support for GABA allows people to reduce their SSRI’s (and their side effects), and get much better results as well.

Others need just GABA to improve sleep, anxiety, mood swings and more.

GABA Deficiency & Support

1. Passion Flower: You can take Passion Flower extract every few hours or just at night. The bottle dose allows anywhere from 10-240 drops a day. It is safe for all ages (children require smaller doses) and will not conflict with other medications unless the patient is being sedated or is on prescription painkillers. Find it here in an alcohol tincture if preferred.
2. Valerian, Skullcap, & Avena Sativa: These herbs support calming and relaxation. I recommend N3 – Relaxa. 
3. GABA:  Pharma GABA works best on an empty stomach, as all amino acids do. Pharma GABA is a special form that works better than the standard store variety.  It is naturally fermented from food rather than derived synthetically.
4. Gabatone: Apex Energetics Gabatone does not contain GABA. Instead it has multiple herbs, aminos, minerals and precursors which work to keep the brain in a steady GABA state. It is best used twice a day for the 24/7 support you need!
5. Prescriptions: These include Clonazepam, Lyrica, Gabapentin, Topamax, Depakote and more.  If you are currently taking these (and you don’t have seizures), try incorporating the above products to see if you can replace some of the prescriptions and eliminate their side effects. I always recommend a change in diet, along with natural supplements before turning to prescription medication.