Do you sometimes feel a heavy weight on your heart, a sense of worry, or anxiety for no reason? Or do you toss and turn in bed at night until dawn? These things are a common experience for many of us these days. So, today we are going to talk about a little friend inside our own body that comes to our aid at times like these. His name is GABA.
Simply put, who is this GABA?
GABA, which stands for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, is a chemical that is naturally produced in our brains. To be precise, it is a neurotransmitter that transmits messages in the nervous system. Think of our brains as a car. There are messengers that act like the accelerator, which speeds up the car, and there are messengers that act like the brakes, which slow down and stop the car. So, GABA is the main brake in our brains.
When we feel stressed, our bodies release hormones to prepare us for the fight-or-flight response. You may remember how your heart beats faster and your body shakes when you suddenly chase a dog or go to an important interview. At that time, the brain becomes hyperactive. The main function of GABA is to control this hyperactivity and give the brain a signal that says, "Okay, calm down now, it's okay," and relax our mind and body.
If GABA levels decrease, our brain has difficulty applying this 'brake'. As a result, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and various mental problems begin to arise.
What are the main benefits of GABA to our health?
Now you know that GABA is a natural mood-boosting and calming chemical. But not only that, GABA can help with a number of other health problems.
Mental calmness and anxiety control
This is the most well-known and important benefit of GABA. In several studies on this, people who were given GABA as a supplement had their brain waves measured with an EEG test for as little as an hour. What was seen was that the alpha waves, which occur in a calm and relaxed state of the brain, increased significantly. This means that GABA can eliminate unnecessary anxiety and fear in our minds and create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Helps control high blood pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure is a silent enemy for many people in today's society. It greatly increases the risk of serious conditions such as stroke and heart attack.
In one study, adults with high blood pressure were given GABA for 8 weeks and their blood pressure was monitored. The study found that those who took 80 milligrams of GABA per day had significantly lower blood pressure. However, there is one thing you should definitely keep in mind here. This is research-based. If you have high blood pressure, do not stop taking your doctor's prescribed medication or start taking any new ones. It is important to talk to your doctor before doing anything.
To reduce obesity and maintain body shape
Obesity is also a risk factor for a number of diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. A study conducted in Korea found that GABA supplements can help reduce body fat and triglyceride levels, as well as increase lean muscle mass. GABA is also reported to help the body recover more quickly after exercise, especially for those who exercise vigorously.
Are there any risks in using GABA supplements?
Because GABA is naturally produced in our bodies, GABA supplements are generally considered safe to use. There are not many reported drug interactions.
However, there are a few places where we need to be very careful.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers: There is not enough research to say that GABA supplements are 100% safe for you. Therefore, it is wise to avoid taking GABA supplements during this time.
- Other medical conditions: If you are being treated for any other medical condition, you should definitely consult your doctor before starting a GABA supplement.
The simple truth is, if you're considering using a GABA supplement for any reason, it's best to talk to your family doctor and get his approval before doing so. That's the best way to protect yourself.
How can you get GABA? Let's learn about foods and dosages
The recommended dosage of a GABA supplement varies depending on age, gender, and medical condition. Therefore, your doctor is the best person to know what dosage is right for you.
However, we are not limited to GABA supplements, but also have ways to obtain it from natural foods.
| Foods that naturally contain GABA | Foods that help produce GABA in the body |
|---|---|
| Spinach | Barley |
| Sweet potato | Beans |
| Kale | Beans, such as green beans and chickpeas |
| Broccoli | Rice (especially bran rice) |
Adding these foods to your daily diet will help maintain good GABA levels in the body naturally.
Take-Home Message
- GABA is a natural, calming chemical produced in our brain. It acts like a 'brake' in our brain.
- This can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, control high blood pressure, and reduce body fat.
- Some foods, such as spinach and sweet potatoes, naturally contain GABA.
- Most importantly: Always consult your doctor before using GABA or any other supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication for another condition. Never take medication or supplements based on advice from others.
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