What Is GABA And What Is It For?

First of all, what is a neurotransmitter? A neurotransmitter can be defined as a synaptically released substance by a neuron that affects another neuron or muscle cell in a specific way. The criteria that a neurotransmitter must meet to be considered as such are:

• That can be synthesized in the neuron.
• That this present in the presynaptic ending and is released in sufficient quantity to exercise its supposed action on the postsynaptic cell
• That when applied exogenously in concentrations similar to those found in the neuron, it exactly mimics the action of the endogenously released neurotransmitter.
• That there is a specific mechanism to remove it from the synaptic space.

Among the amino acid neurotransmitters is the GAMMA-AMINO-BUTYRIC ACID (GABA) It is one of the most important neurotransmitters and the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter. Its function is to slow down brain activity

The mechanism of action of the neurotransmitter GABA is the step of information from one neuron to another neuron or to a muscle cell. The phases of passing information are:

1. Neurotransmitter release: It happens when action potentials arrive in the terminal buttons of the neuron, which cause the synaptic vesicles to discharge their content into the synaptic space. The neurotransmitter molecules then move along the concentration gradient.
2. Binding with receptor molecules: consists of a key-and-lock-like union between neurotransmitter molecules and receptor molecules, which produces a direct (Ionotropic NT) or indirect opening through a 2nd messenger (Metabotropic NT) of specific ion channels , which will produce changes in the membrane potential in the postsynaptic neuron.
3. Postsynaptic potentials: which can either be depolarizing (PEPS) or hyperpolarizing (PIPS) depending on which ion channel opens the NT-receptor junction.

Has it happened to you that you feel stressed, sad or anxious for long periods for no apparent reason? One possibility is that your levels of the neurotransmitter GABA are low.

GABA helps us reduce stress and anxiety levels and to reduce the likelihood of other health problems. It is responsible for regulating muscle tone. It also influences sleep. For this reason, sometimes the GABA for sleep

When we feel irritated, anxious or sad for no apparent reason, it may be because GABA is below normal levels. There are also some mental disorders and diseases related to GABA dysfunction, such as some types of dementia, depression, schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy, bipolar disorder…

Between the benefits of GABA As we have seen, we can mention the reduction of stress, anxiety and improved sleep but what if we introduce it artificially?

Lately, GABA supplements that ensure calm and well-being are very fashionable. Certain companies claim that these supplements, which they usually call “allies of happiness or well-being,” have effects such as:

• Control panic attacks.
• Relax in case of overstimulation.
• Resolve anguish and anxiety naturally.
• Help athletes achieve optimal muscle mass gains.
• Pain reduction.
• It acts efficiently against depressive states.
• Reduces convulsive attacks.

However, I have not found studies that support such properties, therefore I would not recommend them. Since there is no research that clearly concludes the properties and contraindications of GABA. If we want to increase our levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid we can do it Natural way

Three natural ways to increase GABA levels:

• Foods that contain GABA: We can increase GABA naturally through diet. Some foods such as chestnuts, potatoes, bean sprouts, beans, corn, brown rice, sweet potatoes, spinach or kale contain GABA.
• Avoid caffeine consumption or reducing it is important since caffeine prevents GABA from binding to its receptors.
• Physical activity: On the other hand, the practice of physical exercise is also related to an increase in GABA levels. Especially activities like yoga. Gamma-aminobutyric acid levels can increase significantly after a yoga class. Don’t you feel relaxed after a yoga session? Learn 4 easy yoga exercises.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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