Feel stressed? You need to know about GABA

Does the sound of the Eastenders theme tune give you the shivers? Actually, that could happen to anyone so maybe it's not a fair question. Jokes aside, are you stressed, or do you feel anxious and panicky? Did you know that a nutrient deficiency could be the cause of this? Our mental state is governed in large part by a unique cocktail of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain—one of which is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Let's take a closer look...

Long-term stress and trauma can lead to the development of anxiety or panic disorders. It's often thought that these health issues strike suddenly. But all health problems, whether physical or psychological, cause a long-term shortage of certain nutrients, which can have consequences.

Stress guzzles up nutrients

Do you feel like your stress levels have been high for a long time? Then there will almost certainly be shortages of magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B12, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and numerous enzymes. GABA, in particular, is an effective anti-stress agent that restores peace of mind and reduces feelings of anxiety.

What exactly is it?

GABA is a funny-sounding, anti-stress amino acid naturally produced in the brain and acts as a neurotransmitter. It falls into the non-essential amino acid group, so we produce it ourselves. It promotes good brain function and blocks stress-related messages.

Fight or flight mode

Did you know that stress is a clever way your body looks after itself? It's meant to make you focused in a life-threatening situation - also known as the fight or flight response. But it can also happen in everyday situations that can be stressful, such as when you argue, are stuck in traffic, or have an impending work deadline.

In prolonged stress, your body will produce an unnecessary amount of adrenaline when you don't actually have to fight or flee. This will drain your energy and eventually exhaust your body resulting in burnout. Many people with burnout experience restlessness, panic and fear. 

A deficiency of GABA often plays a role in anxiety (disorders). High GABA? Then the stimulus sensitivity of your central nervous system remains low, so feelings of fear remain limited. Medications that stimulate GABA activity are benzodiazepines. These have a calming effect, but unfortunately, they also have many side effects.

Are you deficient in GABA?

These are some of the symptoms:

• headaches

• irritability

• palpitations

• anxiety

• low libido

Another thing in which GABA is a major player - is sleep. A large part of the GABA receptors (signal transmitters) are located in the hypothalamus, which is closely involved in sleep. Are you feeling restless? Is it hard to think calming thoughts? Then extra GABA can make you more relaxed and encourage better sleep.

Eat right

The good news is that you can help to resolve most GABA deficiencies with the right foods, and supplements if needed.

• green vegetables

• leafy vegetables

• avocado

• seeds (pumpkin and sunflower)

• nuts

• potatoes

• brown rice

Tip: Switch your afternoon cup(s) of coffee with oolong tea. When we're stressed and tired, we naturally gravitate towards coffee. But high levels of caffeine send the activating brain chemical dopamine soaring. While it's a win for short-term productivity, that jittery feeling and insomnia hours later is inevitable in your worn-out state. Choose oolong tea instead. It contains GABA, and a warm cup of it may give your brain and body the break they are craving.

You can also take GABA as a dietary supplement. If you do this, opt for a combination with a vitamin B complex because combined, they perform much better.

Do you want less stress and more stability in your life? Then, in addition to learning ways to deal with stress, make sure that your GABA levels are sufficient and your diet contains enough of the right nutrients. This will calm both your brain and your body.