| Sometimes it's hard to believe that tiny molecules traveling throughout our bloodstream can affect the way we think and feel, but research has shown that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can significantly affect the way we deal with stress.
But what is GABA? It is one of the amino acids that naturally occur in our bodies. In normal circumstances, it appears in about a third of all of our brain synapses, and acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. The results of normal GABA activity include the protection of normal sleep patterns, cognitive functions including memory, and management of chemicals that can induce stress and anxiety, leading to insomnia and fatigue.
In many instances, our bodies produce all of the GABA we need – if not more. However, if you undergo a significant amount of stress in your personal or work life, or if you have been exposed to toxins in your environment, your GABA levels can ebb, and you can end up tired, anxious, crabby, depressed, and unable to sleep. Your muscles may even experience fatigue as a result.
Think about how you react when a stressful event takes place. The adrenaline rush and anxious feelings go back as far as human history itself – the stress you feel when you hear about impending layoffs at your company is the same stress our ancient ancestors felt when their crops failed, or when a warring tribe appeared on the horizon. The body's heart rate spikes, as does blood pressure. The body hoards sugar from the diet as a precaution, just in case the carbs are necessary later.
We don't have the same energy outlets that our progenitors had, though. Given the sedentary lifestyle that too many of us lead, the stored blood sugar turns into fat, and our increased blood pressure and heart rate simply tax our cardiovascular system. The result is that our weight problems continue to worsen, and our cardiovascular systems take on additional burdens.
This is where GABA supplements can help. Over time, as GABA depletes due to stress, we're more susceptible to the harmful effects of continued stress. This can become a vicious cycle if we don't catch it in time. A regimen of regular GABA supplements, though, can help our mental processes and internal anxiety management return to normal, or even improved, function.
 Bodybuilders can also benefit from taking GABA supplements, as research has shown that a regimen can enhance activity in the anterior pituitary gland, boosting HGH (human growth hormone) production, which will help build muscle more quickly and keep the body from absorbing fats.
GABA supplements come in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets. Bioavailable forms of GABA, including PharmaGABA, are easier for the body to absorb, leading to quicker response times.
The side effects reported with GABA tend to be quite minor, if they manifest at all. You might notice some tingling in the neck or face, and your heart rate may slightly change, but all of these effects only last a few minutes. GABA can also make you feel sleepy, so the best time to take it is around bedtime. |
