GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is the most abundant inhibitory
neurotransmitter in the brain. While GABA is an amino acid, it is
classified as a neurotransmitter and helps induce relaxation and sleep.
It balances the brain by inhibiting over-excitation. GABA contributes
to motor control, vision, and many other cortical functions. Anxiety is
also regulated by GABA. Some drugs that increase the level of GABA in
the brain are used to treat epilepsy and to calm the trembling of
people suffering from Huntington’s disease.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid also stimulates the anterior pituitary,
leading to higher levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Human Growth
Hormone contributes significantly to muscle growth and also prevents
the creation of fat cells.
WHEN IS GABA
TAKEN?
GABA is taken before going to bed on an empty stomach. When we say
"empty". we mean at least 45 minutes after your last meal. Taken GABA
at this time works worth you body's natural tendency for increased
growth hormone release approximately 90 minutes after you fall asleep.
This evening dose correlates well with GABA's slight sedative effects
for a restful nights sleep.
GABA'S ROLE IN
THE BRAIN
GABA is made in brain cells from glutamate, and functions as an
inhibitory neurotransmitter – meaning that it blocks nerve impulses.
Glutamate acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter and when bound to
adjacent cells encourages them to “fire” and send a nerve impulse. GABA
does the opposite and tells the adjoining cells not to “fire”, not to
send an impulse.
Without GABA, nerve cells fire too often and too easily. Anxiety
disorders such as panic attacks, seizure disorders, and numerous other
conditions including addiction, headaches, Parkinson's syndrome, and
cognitive impairment are all related to low GABA activity. GABA hinders
the transmission of nerve impulses from one neuron to another. It has a
calming or quieting influence. A good example to help understand this
effect is caffeine. Caffeine inhibits GABA release. The less GABA, the
more nerve transmissions occur. Think what too much coffee feels like:
that is the sensation of glutamate without enough GABA.
The reason caffeine does this is that other molecules can bind
to the neuron near the GABA binding site and influence GABA's effect.
This is how tranquilizing drugs such as Benzodiazepines and
barbiturates work. They increase or imitate GABA's effect, inhibiting
nerve transmission.
