GABA Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that occurs naturally in the brain. Neurotransmitters are responsible for sending particular signals between neurons in the brain and throughout the nervous system.¹

Researchers believe that GABA’s role is to reduce or stop the level of activity between neurons and nerve cells. GABA helps to prevent overactivity and excitement in the brain. This makes GABA an important chemical for reducing the effects of stress and anxiety on the brain and the nervous system.^1,2

GABA Health Uses and Health Benefits

GABA is responsible for several neural functions, including cognitive behavior and the body’s response to stress. It is believed that a GABA deficiency is linked to multiple mental and mood disorders like schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. This is why taking GABA for anxiety and stress can help to improve several mood disorders.²

Chronic stress and anxiety are relevant and increasing problems in today’s fast-paced world. Many people are seeking natural ways to help lower anxiety and relieve stress. GABA benefits can provide these results in a safe and natural way by acting as a supplement for a naturally occurring chemical in the brain. 

Because GABA supplements help to reduce the activity of neurons and nerve cells, GABA uses for natural health include being a treatment for the following conditions:

• Anxiety Disorder (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) - Taking GABA for anxiety can help control panic attacks and other anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder. 
• Bipolar Disorder - GABA can help to reduce certain symptoms of bipolar disorder related to anxious and depressive states.
• Depression - GABA can help improve the stress-related effects of major depression.
• Epilepsy - Because GABA benefits can help to reduce the activity in brain and nerve cells, it can help reduce incidents of epileptic attacks in people with epilepsy.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder - People with body dysmorphic disorder often suffer from severe anxiety and stress. Taking GABA for anxiety can help treat body dysmorphic disorder symptoms.

GABA Side Effects and Precautions

There are no known GABA side effects when taken in appropriate doses. However, GABA side effects on pregnant and breastfeeding women are not known and supplements should be avoided as a precaution.³

References

1. http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_04/d_04_m/d_04_m_peu/d_04_m_peu.html
2. http://www.everydayhealth.com/gaba/guide/ 
3. http://www.livestrong.com/article/414645-do-gaba-supplements-have-side-effects/