Gamma-aminobutyric acid is your brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, a chemical that decreases the activity of nearby brain cells. GABA produces signals in the brain that keeps brain activity from rising too high, as it does during seizures, and also focuses responses during sensory perception and decision-making. The disruption of GABA signaling is thought to underlie some neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as depression. Even in healthy individuals, the overuse of stimulant and depressant substances can alter the balance of GABA in your brain.
First Step
Reduce your consumption of stimulants, such as caffeine or diet pills. Because stimulants raise the level of some neurotransmitters, your brain raises levels of GABA to compensate for the increase in activity.
Second Step
Limit your consumption of depressants or downers, such as alcohol or supplements containing exogenous GABA. Continue taking any anti-anxiety, antidepressants or other drugs prescribed by your doctor. Similarly to stimulants, depressants cause your brain to reduce the levels of GABA.
Third Step
Eat a healthy diet containing plenty of protein. Amino acids, which make up protein, are used to produce neurotransmitters, including GABA. Failing to get enough protein in your diet can cause many effects, including abnormal levels of neurotransmitters. If you are unsure of your required daily protein intake, talk to your doctor or a certified nutritionist.
Fourth Step
Add regular physical activity to your lifestyle. When you are sedentary, the normal daily rise and fall of hormones and neurotransmitter levels are disrupted. This can lead to an abnormal metabolism, anxiety, malaise and stress.
Fifth Step
Find ways to reduce physical and mental stress. Like a sedentary lifestyle, stress can disrupt the normal activity of your hormones and neurotransmitters.
We all know that GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, meaning that it prevents our neurons from over-firing and being over-stimulated. Supplementing GABA may help with stress, anxiety, relaxation, muscle tension, convulsions, insomnia, and epilepsy. Follow the steps above and enjoy your life.