GabaCalm

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid in the brain and is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Being an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA blocks nerve impulses, slowing down the activity of nerve cells and preventing them from over-firing. Frequent over-firing of brain cells can lead to cell death, meaning that stress can actually kill brain cells. Keeping GABA levels optimal can help prevent this. Thus, GABA serves as a critical calming agent for the body, helping to combat stress and anxiety.

The brain synthesizes GABA from glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. These two neurotransmitters work together in a beautifully orchestrated system of checks and balances. Neurotransmitters are the brain’s basic components of communication, and when there is a breakdown in this communication system, brain function becomes affected. 

This product is made via a process where the amino acid glutamic acid (glutamate) is fermented using Lactobacillus hilgardii, a beneficial bacteria also used to ferment foods including vegetables such as KimChi. This fermentation process aids in superior absorption and assimilation to be used in the body and experienced in your nervous system.

Details on safety for children and breastfeeding: the bioidentical form of GABA, pharmaGABA, in this product has been shown to be safe with no harmful side effects as opposed to anxiolytic GABAergic drugs that have serious withdrawl symptoms and side effects.

The body both blood-brain barrier and nervous system receptor function seem to regulate dosages upwards of 3,000mg within a 24 hour window without adverse health effects. With this said we recommend sticking to a max of 1,000mg per day for adults and 500mg per day for children which is higher than necessary to get benefits as can be seen with as little as 2-4 chews a day (200-400mg). 

As always talk to your healthcare team on use of this compound. Note: Pregnant women may also see benefit of use and when comparing risk factors associated with other anxiety drugs if faced with the need for medication intervention. Some studies have shown a reduction of blood pressure and potential elevation of prolactin which would need to be considered on a case by case basis. 

Can I take GABACalm with my medication? 

Always consult your medical team when looking to add supplements to your medication list. With this said, this formula has GABAergic effects which may conflict with anxiety medications or provide blood pressure lowering effects.

This is often used in my clinic and as a recommended primary tool in The Anti-Anxiety Diet protocol to support optimal health in combination with, in place of, or to support successful wean of prescription medication.**

How quickly should it take to feel the effects? How long can it be used?

Effects are experienced within 10-15 minutes of chewing. 

GABACalm can be used daily with safety but you may find benefit to further support stress response in the body if relying on daily need. If you notice that you are reaching for GABACalm at 3+ daily for more than 6 weeks, consider adding in Calm and Clear and Relax and Regulate to support the body’s foundational stress response and address the system to get more parasympathetic reducing the overall reactivity to stress.

I thought neurotransmitters can’t cross the blood-brain barrier. How does this form of GABA work?

PharmaGABA is absorbed likely in two mechanisms, one way for certain is along the gut-blood barrier and interacts with your enteric nervous system (ENS) or the brain of your gut. Your ENS communicates with your central nervous system (CNS) via the vagus nerve providing impact on neurotransmitter balance and signaling while providing direct peripheral nervous system influence.  

Beyond the gut-brain connection, recent studies have found that there may be an active transport system for GABA called the GABA-transporter in the blood brain barrier. This dual mechanism of peripheral nervous system activity via the ENS and direct brain and spine impact from CNS via the blood brain barrier is likely how GABA has been used for decades with success for seizures and epilepsy and development of gabapentin drug. 

Barrett E., Ross R. P., O’Toole P. W., Fitzgerald G. F., Stanton C. (2012). γ-Aminobutyric acid production by culturable bacteria from the human intestine. J. Appl. Microbiol. 113, 411–417. 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05344.x

Takanaga H, Ohtsuki S, Hosoya Ki, Terasaki T. GAT2/BGT-1 as a system responsible for the transport of gamma-aminobutyric acid at the mouse blood-brain barrier. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2001 Oct; 21(10):1232-9.

I thought you hate non-caloric sweeteners, why is there stevia and xylitol?

Xylitol and stevia were selected in this product as they are compatable with the F-MELT tablet technology and are safe for clients using with anxiety or behavioral issues with neurological or genetic conditions requiring a tight ketogenic carb-free diet. Also the sweeteners used are anti-cariogenic aiding to reduce cavities making it the best choice for a middle of the night chew without requiring teeth brushing. 

I am 100% against using these in your diet as a choice but use these in supplements to ensure pharmaceutical grade delivery. 

If this formula is for calming is it going to make me tired?

When you aren’t constantly stressed and wired, your energy is tonified, grounded, and strong. This is a welcomed balance that allows the fortitude to take on the day in a relaxed but aware state supporting optimal cognitive function, creativity, and balanced mood. 

GABA plays a key role in reducing depression and anxiety. 

Sergeeva OA, Kletke O, Kragler A, Poppek A, Fleischer W, Schubring SR, Görg B, Haas HL, Zhu XR, Lübbert H, Gisselmann G, Hatt H. "Fragrant dioxane derivatives identify beta1-subunit-containing GABAA receptors." J Biol Chem. 2010 Jul 30;285(31):23985-93. doi:10.1074/jbc.M110.103309

Stress depletes GABA levels and throws off brain balance.

In stressful situations, GABA levels in the body can decrease, and this delicate system becomes out of balance. In a study on humans, prefrontal brain GABA levels decreased by 18% after acute psychological stress, specifically threat of shock. 

Hasler G, van der Veen JW, Grillon C, Drevets WC, Shen J. Effect of acute psychological stress on prefrontal GABA concentration determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Am J Psychiatry. 2010;167(10):1226–1231. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.09070994

A randomized clinical trial finds GABA when compared to placebo to favorably modulate performance. Steenbergen L, Sellaro R, Stock AK, Beste C, Colzato LS. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration improves action selection processes: a randomised controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2015;5:12770. Published 2015 Jul 31. doi:10.1038/srep12770

This study looks at oral administration of GABA and its ability to increase alpha brain waves supporting relaxation and reduced anxiety. Abdou AM1, Higashiguchi S, Horie K, Kim M, Hatta H, Yokogoshi H. Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-8.

GABA aids in hypertension and blood pressure regulating effects.

The results of this study confirmed that daily supplementation of 80 mg of GABA reduces BP in adults with mild hypertension. 

Matsubara, F. & Ueno, H. & Tadano, K. & Suyama, T. & Imaizumi, K. & Suzuki, T. & Magata, K. & Kikuchi, N. & Muneyuki, K. & Nakamichi, N. & Kumagai, H. & Saruta, T.. (2002). Effects of GABA supplementation on blood pressure and safety in adults with mild hypertension. Japanese Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 30. 963-972.