Managing your anxiety symptoms extends beyond how we are thinking and our emotions. There is a biological component to our anxiety symptoms and often times if you have been dealing with chronic anxiety and panic is it possible that GABA is playing an important role in the presence of your anxiety symptoms. In fact, it is possible that some of us have genetic disorders that make it difficult for our brain to convert an enzyme of glutamine acid transaminase into GABA.

So what is GABA exactly?

The scientific name for GABA is Gamma-amoniobutyric acid and it is known by many as the molecule of relaxation. It is an amino acid that functions to reduce the activity of the neurons to which it binds. By reducing nerve transmission to the brain it calms the nervous system activity. Leading to a more tranquil feeling.

How does GABA work?

Our nervous system is made up of individual nerve cells called neurons. These neurons serve as a pathway for messages to be passed throughout our body and mind. Signals are transmitted through the length of the neuron as an electrical impulse which jump from cell to cell using neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are stored at the end of each neuron, and they attach to specialized receptor sites and send those electrical impulses through others neurons.

GABA is made in the brain from glutamate, an vital neurotransmitter that is involved in increasing the likelihood that the neuron it acts upon will have a nerve impulse, and functions and blocks the nerve impulse. So glutamate is wanting to “fire” and GABA is blocking that impulse. Without this action our nerve cells fire too often and too easily.

Why is GABA important for anxiety management?

During stressful weeks your brain can become very excited and as a response your body normally produces GABA to bring your nervous system back to a state of calm.

Anxiety disorders, as well as other conditions such as addiction, headaches, Parkinson’s syndrome, seizure disorders, and cognitive impairment are related to low GABA activity. Depletion comes from a depletion of magnesium in the body, which we talk more in another blog.

How can I support my GABA production for better anxiety management?

For those with a coffee habit you are not going to like this news. Coffee inhibits GABA release. The less GABA, the more nerve transmissions occur. Think what too much coffee feels like—this is the sensation of glutamate without enough GABA. 

Many people take GABA supplements to improve mood and relive anxiety. However, there have not been enough research studies to uncover the side effects and risks of GABA supplements. And while foods do not contain GABA, vitamin B-6 is a required co-factor for GABA synthesis.

Foods rich in B-6, spinach, garlic, broccoli, brussel sprouts and bananas are helpful to keep in your dies. Multivitamins that have an active form of B-6 can also support you.

Since low levels of GABA are linked to magnesium depletion, magnesium supplementation will likely be useful.

The practice of yoga and meditation have been shown to have a positive influence on GABA levels.

Low levels of GABA are often the result of prolonged stress, inadequate diet and genetics. Finding useful stress management techniques, getting adequate sleep, and managing our diet appropriately can help increase the production of GABA allowing for relief of anxiety.

If you are looking for more support with your anxiety reach out today to schedule an appointment.