Feeling overwhelmed, agitated and nervous? You might need to increase your GABA.

GABA-what?

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is one of the major neurotransmitters in our brain – and is a chemical that our brain cells use to communicate with each other.

It is a naturally occurring chemical that calms the mind and puts the brakes on brain activity when needed.

If you are easily overstimulated and often overwhelmed and stressed out, then your GABA might be depleted.

Other signs of GABA deficiency include:

• A feeling of dread, and a sensation like a knot in your stomach.
• A little bit disorganised and generally late to meetings and appointments.
• Difficulty finishing tasks – even though you are working hard.
• Finding new things to worry about, although everything is going well.
• Racing thoughts keeping you up at night.
• Heart palpitations for no reason.
• A tendency to use alcohol, drugs or high carbohydrate foods to relax.

While you can get synthetic GABA, as a naturopath I prefer to instead support the body to increase the production of GABA naturally.  Nutrients such as Vitamin B6, glutamine and l-theanine (found naturally in tea) helps us produce GABA, as well as magnesium and kava.

Eating carbohydrates can also help, but it is important to choose low-sugar, unrefined sources such as sweet potato, wholegrains, legumes (beans) and fruit. Include oats and almonds as these also naturally support GABA production.

And in case you need another reason as to why to enrol in that yoga and meditation class, then it is worth noting that yoga has been shown to increase GABA in the brain of those who practice regularly.