Rose knows that without your body’s ability to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid your muscles would be constantly tense, your mind would never stop racing and your overall ability to function would be impaired. Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA is an important chemical that is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates the firing of neurons which maintain the balance between the body and the state of excitation. GABA supplements can increase this valuable resource in your body and increase the level of HGH or Human Growth Hormones, help you to relax and sleep, reduce muscle tension along with stress, anxiety and depression to promote an overall well being. GABA supplements also relieve other disorders such as ADHD, hypertension, obesity, insomnia and alcoholism just to name a few. GABA also aids athletes and bodybuilders as it enhances the body’s muscle mass as well as facilitate fat and weight loss.
People that are GABA deficient are known to experience anxiety symptoms, irritability, headaches, hypertension, heart palpitations, seizures, lower sex drive and disorders of the cardiovascular system. Many take prescription medications like Valium, Xanax or Ativan to stimulate GABA receptors in the brain but these drugs often have unwanted side effects. The safest way to naturally improve your brain chemistry is to eat foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates as they increase glutamine, an amino acid and precursor to create GABA. GABA-friendly foods will benefit your diet as long as you avoid simple sugars, white flours and wheat products other than whole grains. Here is a list of GABA-friendly foods:
- Almonds, tree nuts
- Bananas
- Beef Liver
- Broccoli
- Brown Rice
- Halibut
- Lentils
- Oats, whole grain
- Oranges, citrus fruits
- Rice bran
- Spinach
- Walnuts
- Whole wheat, whole grains.
If you would rather take a GABA supplement to over your anxiety consider taking L-theanine which is a natural amino acid found in green tea which aides in the formation of GABA and has few, if any, side effects. L-theanine can create a calming effect, increase mental clarity without feeling drowsy. L-theanine is available in your local health food store or pharmacy. The dose and frequency varies according to your symptoms, but most people take 100 to 200mg 1 to 4 times daily. It is recommended to consult with your physician before taking any supplement especially if you are on other medications or have other medical problems.
Remember GABA controls the brain’s rhythmic theta waves so you feel more physically and mentally balanced as too much excitation can lead to restlessness, insomnia and even seizures. GABA is able to induce relaxation, analgesia and sleep all the while overcoming anxiety. GABA is also involved with the production of endorphins the brains chemical of well-being also known as the runners high. Endorphins are produced in the brain when the body is being physical such as stretching or even sexual intercourse. Once the endorphins are released you will feel a sense of calm which is referred to as the “Endorphin Effect”.
Anxiety is common but chronic anxiety is not as it can lower your quality of life and impact your immune system. If you are suffering from chronic anxiety talk to your doctor as he may recommend a test either by urine or saliva that will determine your neurotransmitter levels. Hormones and neurotransmitters are interrelated in how they can affect mood regulation. Try to avoid taking prescription anti-anxiety medications as they have side effects and they are habit-forming. A GABA supplement to overcome anxiety is a safe and natural alternative.
Important information about Valium
You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam, or if you have myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a severe breathing problem, or sleep apnea. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Valium if you are pregnant.
Before taking Valium, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, asthma or other breathing problems, kidney or liver disease, seizures, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction, mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Valium. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.
Never take more of this medication than your doctor has prescribed. An overdose of Valium can be fatal.
Valium may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Thus medicine should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Valium?
Valium may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Valium should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. You should not use Valium if you are allergic to diazepam, or if you have:
· myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder);
· severe liver disease;
· narrow-angle glaucoma;
· a severe breathing problem; or
· Obstructive sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Valium. Before taking diazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
· glaucoma;
· asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, COPD, or other breathing problems;
· kidney or liver disease;
· epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
· a history of mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
· A history of drug or alcohol addiction.
FDA pregnancy category D. Valium can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine while you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Diazepam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, incoordination, short-term memory loss, weakness. Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety, chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping, difficulty speaking, hallucinations, inability to control urination, increased muscle spasms, interrupted breathing, involuntary eye movement, sleep disturbances, stimulation, sudden rage, yellowing of the skin or eyes. Symptoms may include clumsiness, coma, confusion, deep sleep, loss of consciousness, slow reflexes. If you suspect an overdose of Valium, seek medical attention immediately.
In conclusion researchers find L-theanine contradictory that green tea with its high caffeine content would produce a calming effect.
Scientist are researching L-theanine as an alternative to Ritalin for children and adults that have ADHA, treat women for PMS, controlling high blood pressure, sharpening the minds ability to concentrate, and an anti-cancer agent. L-theanine is also known to reduce the negative side effects of caffeine bought on by over consumption of caffeinated beverages.
If you decide to try L-theanine you can purchase it as a supplement in capsule form or in green tea.
Note: UCLA Center for Human Nutrition found that decaffeinated tea contains only
a third of the catechins found in regular tea. Regular tea contains 21 to 103 milligrams of catechins per gram. Decaf contains only 5 to 50 milligrams.
Another separate study by the US Department of Agriculture reported similar findings. According to this study, decaffeinated green tea contains only 56 milligrams of catechins per gram, less than half of the catechins found in a regular tea.
This is bad news.
Catechins are the most active antioxidants in green tea. They contribute greatly to its flavors. No wonder many complain that decaf tastes awful. Where have the catechins gone? The answers lie in the processing. Decaffeinated green tea is usually made using two chemical solvents: ethyl acetate (causes liver problems) and carbon dioxide (expensive to process and hard to find).
So for those that like a cup of tea before bed to calm your nerves try green tea straight up (fully caffeinated) but limit it to one cup as too much tea as with any liquid will only wake you up during the night to go to the bathroom.
The information in this article is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.
