10 Natural Ways to Increase GABA to Calm the Mind and Reduce Seizures

Do you suffer from anxiety, seizures, mood problems, chronic stress, panic attacks, or alcoholism? According to research, these disorders may be linked to low levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that is essential for calmness in the brain. As the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in your brain, GABA works quietly in the background while other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and endorphins, receive more attention.
The messengers in the brain that transfer information from one cell to another are called neurotransmitters. GABA's primary functions include regulating brain cell hyperactivity and slowing down quickly firing neurons. In the absence of this neurotransmitter that calms things down, the brain's unregulated neuronal activation can cause feelings of anxiety, racing thoughts, and even seizures.
Conversely, insufficient nerve cell activation in the brain can result in drowsiness, disorientation, and sedation. The health and function of the brain depend on having enough levels of GABA. Here's all the information you need to feel more at ease regarding this crucial neurotransmitter and how to maximize it.

What is GABA?

GABA facilitates heart rate and breathing reduction. It functions by keeping the brain from being overstimulated by other neurotransmitters like noradrenaline and dopamine. Moreover, GABA eases tense muscles and encourages sound sleep.
You can feel worried and anxious if your GABA levels are too low. Some people seek solace from these emotions in alcohol and other drugs, which can be highly risky for people living with epilepsy.

How GABA works

GABA is produced by a diverse range of cells in the body and brain. GABA's inhibitory function is initiated when it lands on and attaches to a neuron's GABA receptor; this instantly reduces the nerve cell's capacity to make, receive, or transmit chemical messages to other nerve cells. Dopamine and adrenaline are two examples of stimulating neurotransmitters that are balanced by the calming effects of GABA. Practically speaking, GABA is essential for maintaining reasonable levels of stress, anxiety, and terror.

Benefits of GABA

Making sure your body gets enough GABA offers a lot of advantages. According to one study, researchers have recognized that adequate GABA levels may help alleviate symptoms of a number of mental health and neurologic disorders, including pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in some circumstances, depression.
GABA can also be helpful in treating some addiction-related problems. According to one study on alcohol withdrawal, symptoms may be alleviated by higher GABA levels. In a similar vein, a different study discovered that normal GABA levels may reduce overeating symptoms. Adequate GABA levels also appear to alleviate PMS symptoms in women who struggle with them, according to study.
Indeed, studies show a correlation between better seizure management and elevated GABA levels in the brain. The cardiovascular system benefits from GABA as well because it has been shown to lower hypertension.

Consequences of low levels of GABA

It's interesting to note that patients with anxiety, panic attacks, alcohol problems, mood disorders, and seizure disorders have been shown to have low levels of GABA. GABA deficiency can also be caused by genetics, bad food, stress in early life, and sustained, chronic stress.
People with epilepsy are often prescribed anti-seizure drugs by their doctors. These medications are often very successful in part due to their strong GABA activation properties. Benzodiazepines and anti-seizure drugs are two examples. Drugs play a significant part in society, but they are very addictive and hard to stop. They should only be used for temporary treatment because of this.
To maintain your body's ideal GABA levels without the side effects of medication, there are more natural alternatives.

Start Improving GABA Naturally

It goes without saying that you should always get your doctor's approval before stopping any prescribed medicine, and you should never take supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Whether you're in recovery or attempting to avoid taking anti-seizure drugs, naturally raising GABA levels can assist to reduce anxiety and promote calmness in your body and mind.
You'll probably feel less tense and stressed, and your mood and sleep quality may both get better when your GABA levels are within normal range.

10 ways to balance GABA naturally:

1. Eat foods high in the building blocks of GABA
Although food does not naturally contain GABA, you may help your body produce it by eating foods high in these building blocks. These include berries, tomatoes, potatoes, noni fruit, lentils, wild-caught fish, and grass-fed cattle. They also include tea (green, black, and oolong).

2. Consume meals high in vitamin B6 or Consume a B6 vitamin supplement.
GABA transaminase and glutamic acid decarboxylase, both of which need vitamin B6 as a cofactor, are the enzymes that generate GABA. GABA and serotonin production are significantly influenced by vitamin B6, which helps to prevent the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Eat foods high in vitamin B6, such as salmon, lean poultry, tofu, potatoes, bananas, avocados, spinach, garlic, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, to ensure your body gets enough of it. You may be deficient in B6 if you drink a lot of alcohol or have a history of anemia.

3. Savor Fermented Foods
The body produces GABA outside of the brain. Research suggests that GABA may go to the brain through the gut-brain axis after being synthesized by the beneficial microorganisms in your stomach. Try eating more fermented foods, as these have been shown to enhance the production of GABA. Probiotic-rich foods include fermented pickles, kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut. It will also help with digestive health!

4. Consume probiotics to help synthesize GABA.
A supplement containing lactobacillus rhamnosus, lactobacillus paracasei, lactobacillus brevis, and lactococcus lactis can also be taken orally. Research indicates that these may aid in raising GABA levels.

5. Consume dietary supplements.
Taking supplements containing GABA, valerian, lemon balm, passionflower, l-theanine, magnesium, and taurine—all of which are linked to higher amounts of this calming neurotransmitter—is one of the easiest methods to increase your body's GABA levels.
Valerian: Since ancient Greece, Valerian has been utilized medicinally for a very long period. Because of its primary ingredient, valerenic acid, it is frequently used for relaxation and stress reduction. This acid, mostly present in the plant's roots, positively controls GABA.
Herbs for Skullcap: Skullcap is also referred to as Baikal skullcap, Chinese skullcap, scutellaria lateriflora, and scutellaria baicalensis. Flavonoids, found in this herb, have antioxidant properties. It may enhance neuron regeneration and cognitive function in addition to lowering anxiety. Additionally, skullcap might have anticonvulsant qualities. Consider giving this a try if you're interested in using GABA supplements in treatment for substance misuse.
Thymoquinone, a substance found in black seed oil, also goes by the name nigella sativa. It has been demonstrated to raise GABA activity in rats. Black seed oil has been shown to reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and anxiety in both human and animal trials.

6. Increase Your Dietary Magnesium
Magnesium has the ability to control GABA activity. It facilitates neurotransmission and relaxation by acting on GABA receptors. Because magnesium stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, it can also help to calm the muscles and central nervous system.
This portion of the autonomic nervous system is in charge of promoting relaxation in us.
Legumes, avocados, nuts, seeds, and some wholegrains are good sources of magnesium. Studies indicate that consuming approximately 3000 mg of magnesium daily helps lessen anxiety-related symptoms.

7. Increase Your Exercise
It goes without saying that increasing your physical and mental activity can benefit your well-being. Engaging in physical activity has the potential to elevate GABA levels and elevate Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). By promoting neuroplasticity and helping to create new, healthy brain cells, the latter helps to avoid anxiety and sadness. Even little daily exercise can improve your brain's health, however intense exercise is advised for elevated GABA levels.

8. Practice yoga
If you've ever practiced yoga, you are certainly familiar with the ensuing sense of peace and wellbeing. Studies reveal that yoga may be more beneficial than walking in raising GABA levels in the brain. In a different study, participants in yoga were compared to a walking group; during a 12-week period, each group engaged in 60 minutes of yoga or walking. By the end of the trial, the thalamus of the brains of the yoga practitioners had increased more GABA. In addition, they reported feeling less anxious and having a better mood than the walkers.
Surprisingly, one study found that following a 60-minute yoga practice, participants' GABA levels increased by 27% compared to a control group that read for an hour.

9. Develop the Practice of Meditation
It is a soothing practice to meditate. It makes sense that studies have connected meditation to increased levels of emotional regulation and GABA synthesis. Regular meditation and mindfulness exercises can increase the brain's production of GABA. Even though it could be challenging at first, especially the first few times you try it, clearing your head and concentrating on your breathing will help you relax. Locate a peaceful area, take a seat comfortably with your eyes closed, and practice taking slow, deep breaths from your nose and out through your mouth.
You can utilize meditation to help you fall asleep more soundly or to start your day. Additionally, you can reduce stress and increase GABA at the same time if you meditate and do yoga!

10. Eliminate GABA zappers.
Drinking, smoking, and caffeine all lower GABA levels. There's more justification for reducing your intake. Here's another incentive to cut back on caffeine and kick the drinking or smoking habit: both lower GABA levels. You can also include persistent stress in that list. They're all known to lower your GABA levels.
It’s important to bear in mind that GABA isn’t a magical cure. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may need medication to bring your condition under control. However, taking herbs and supplements that stimulate GABA production and engaging in yoga, meditation, and exercise can give you the extra help you need.If you’re looking for an Epilepsy Clinic that takes a holistic approach to heal, contact with us and talk to one of our highly trained professionals.
Our clinic's mission is to offer personalized, natural and effective therapeutic solutions for our patients with epilepsy. We believe that Ayurvedic treatments can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life and contribute to the long-term health of patients. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today!