Maintaining brain balance and function: The role of GABA
GABA plays a fundamental role across a broad spectrum of cognitive functions, and unbalanced levels of the chemical have been linked to a whole host of health conditions. In this post, we’re breaking down what exactly GABA is, how it works, and what happens if we don’t have enough of it.
What is GABA, and how does it work?
Let’s take a basic run-through of what GABA is, and the purpose it fulfills:
GABA stands for Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, an amino acid, which is a neurotransmitter.
Neurotransmitters are the intermediaries of neural communication, allowing for chemical messages to pass from neuron to neuron within the central nervous system.
These signals can be what’s called excitatory (i.e. promote the generation for action potential), or inhibitory (i.e. prevent the generation of action potential).
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and it works as a counterbalance to glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.
Therefore, GABA blocks certain brain signals, thus decreasing nervous system activity. This slowing of message transition can be useful in regulating mood, stress, fear, and anxiety.
What happens when we don’t have enough GABA?
Reduced levels of GABA activity can cause a wide range of issues, including:
Mental health disorders
GABA works together will feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is relevant in mood disorders. Without enough GABA, the brain can’t produce a healthy response to stress, and the risk of MDD, or major depressive disorder, is greater.
Issues concerning GABA-A receptors have been linked to certain features of schizophrenia.
Lower levels of GABA may play a role in ASD, or autism spectrum disorder.
Physical health conditions
In those with Huntington’s disease, a reduced amount of GABA could accentuate dysfunction in the area of the brain responsible for voluntary movement.
During seizures, a lack of GABA activity has been related to excessive nervous system activity.
GABA contributes to the sedative effects required for restful sleep, and with less in the system, sleep quality can be greatly impacted.
Can I have too much GABA?
The short answer is yes. As much as having too little GABA is an issue, having too much can also be a problem. GABA production and activity can be affected by drugs like alcohol, which promotes GABA receptor activity, creating a temporary feeling of relaxation. However, this feeling is fleeting, causing a tolerance to be built up and the potential for an addiction to form.
Too much GABA can also be a factor in Parkinson’s disease, blocking messages within the movement centers of the brain.
Where does GABA come from, and how can we get more of it?
GABA occurs naturally within the body, however, chronic stress, trauma, genetics and more can all affect its delicate balance. Although there is a range of pharmaceutical drugs designed to treat this, there are also natural ways to give your body a helping hand. These include:
Diet: Vitamin B6-rich foods including salmon, bananas, and spinach. The building blocks of GABA, including green tea, berries, and lentils, along with fermented foods and probiotics, can give your system a helping hand.
Practicing stress-releasing activities: meditation, yoga, and exercise can help to simultaneously boost GABA synthesis and reduce its depletion.
There are certain non-prescription supplements designed to increase GABA levels - make sure you do your research and consult a professional before trying anything new.