Certain chemicals in the body exist for very important functioning and survival. Some of which are produced naturally by the body to permit transmission of an impulse from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle, organ or tissue. These chemicals are considered as emissaries of neurologic stimulus from one cell to another all throughout the body. These chemicals are known as the neurotransmitters. One of these neurotransmitters is called the Gamma Aminobutyric Acid.
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid or shortly termed as GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Among humans, GABA is also the foremost responsible for muscle tone regulation. In a condition called hypertonia of muscles there is an impaired absorption of GABA due to the lesions on the upper motor neurons. The muscles are attached to those nerves that can no longer absorb GABA. Generally, deficiencies in GABA can cause significant negative effects on an individual’s coping abilities to even the lowest level of stressors. This neurotransmitter is critical to the upkeep of the total mental wellbeing of a person. This important neurotransmitter is also responsible for improving sleep and rest cycles. Thus, it has has been long used to treat mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and even seizures, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
As mentioned earlier, gamma aminobutyric acid is mainly good for inducing relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing focus and concentration. Some symptoms of GABA deficiency are evident in anxiety attacks, depression, irritability, hypertension, headaches, seizures, palpitations, heart disorders and reduced libido. As an anti anxiety neurotransmitter, it aids the brain to sustain mental and physical balance. It is a fact and supported by studies that GABA is considered to be the most significant and beneficial neurotransmitter of the brain. GABA is the sole neurotransmitter responsible for the equilibrium between the excitation and inhibition of body processes. This is the main reason why irritability, restlessness, and insomnia occur. And when GABA levels are very low or there is impaired absorption despite the occurrence of too much excitation then even seizure occurrence is possible.
Furthermore, GABA is also vital in the production of endorphins. These endorphins are brain compounds that has the ability to generate a feeling of wellbeing and induce a sense of calmness and relaxation. It is also commonly known as the body’s natural pain reliever. That is the main reason why GABA is considered to have an analgesic effect. Moreover, GABA stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete increased levels of human growth hormone (HGH) which is a powerful anabolic or muscle building hormone and as the name suggest is responsible for one’s physical growth.
At present, with the innovations of the pharmaceutical community, the availability of GABA stimulating drugs is made possible. One of these drugs is the benzodiazepines which can efficiently stimulate GABA receptors. However, these drugs almost always accompany side effects and may become ineffective until the dose is increased. Thus its dosage is relatively proportional to its accompanying side effects. Though GABA is not readily found among foods, its precursor, glutamine is present in high amounts in walnuts, almonds, bananas, broccoli, spinach, oranges, citrus fruits, and whole wheat and grains.
GABA is also available in tablet or capsule form at your local or internet vitamin store. If you want to add the benefits of GABA without the calories from eating foods high in this substance, then a supplement is exactly what you need.
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