GABA Review

A Nootropic is referred to as a smart drug or memory enhancer. They have also been called cognitive enhancers and intelligence enhancers. Their purpose is to improve one or more mental functions such as; working memory, attention spans and motivation.

What is the Nootropic GABA?

GABA (y-Aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid produced and used in adult brains and is the primary messenger telling our bodies how to function and inhibiting excitatory nerve impulses. What this means is it is able to calm neurons that have been stimulated to an excitement point. GABA helps to relax us, without it we would be in a constant state of agitation. Without GABA we would not be able to calm or relax.

Our bodies produce GABA through glutamate chemical process. To replicate this commercially, Lactobacillus hilgardii K-3 is used. This is a bacteria found often in cheese, wine, cider and cured meat.

As a Nootropic, GABA would seem the ultimate treatment for depression, anxiety or ADHD. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid supplements have been reported to consist of a low blood-brain barrier consistency, especially in adults so they do not make significant impact on those conditions.

Since GABA has a low ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, research has come up with other GABAergic supplements that are taken from GABA which consist of better brain bioavailability and work better as nootropic.

What Is The Nootropic GABA Used For?

People mainly use the nootropic GABA to reduce anxiety and increase or intensify their moods. Anxiety is believed to come from an over-excited brain. This means different neurons are firing all at the same time. GABA is what calms the brain down as it regulates how often those neurons fire. GABA will give one a feeling of calmness and help them relax. It will reduce stress and anxiety levels. Alcohol will trigger GABA in the brain to help one relax and relieve anxiety also.

There are claims GABA helps to fight pain as it triggers the release of chemicals responsible for those sensations. It also assists nerves and neurons to communicate more efficiently. Through this communication the ability improves to perform cognitive functions like focusing attention or switching focus.

Many reasons people use the supplement in pill form is it has gained the reputation for being a “quick fix” when suffering anxiety or mental stress. Users have placed a pill under their tongue during these episodes to receive near instant relief. The daily use of the supplement could provide the same effectiveness as a daily anti-depressant or as a way to control mood swings.

GABA is not a stimulant that will provide the user a feeling of being “high”. The effects of the supplement are much more subtle .

Research on GABA

Neuroscientists have conducted a lot of research into finding anxiety reducing supplements that increase the level of GABA in the brain. These nootropics include GABA and give you more components that are needed to synthesize the neurotransmitter that will break down directly into GABA.

One of the excellent GABA boosters that is a natural product is, L-Theanine and is known to help in relaxation and focus. This can be found in green tea.

Research has not provided proof that the supplement GABA has an effective result in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia or panic attacks. This does not mean users are not experiencing positive results, just not all users will benefit from the supplement. Research shows GABA cannot cross the blood-brain barrier which is a membrane that protects the brain from harmful substances.

Science does not agree with the power of the GABA supplement as it cannot cross the blood brain barrier. It does agree that GABA deficiencies can have harmful effects to short term happiness and health. Where it disagrees is that the pill is not the best option to increase those levels in the brain. Science states it is necessary to use GABA agonists that can target specific receptors once inside the brain.

These will act just like the GABA and result in the same effects. Some of these agonists are; Phenibut, L-Theanine and Picamilon.

Benefits of the Nootropic GABA

There have been many correlations found between low GABA levels and people having trouble sleeping, depression, inability to focus or keep concentration, people suffering from anxiety, drug and alcohol abusers and those suffering from panic attacks. When GABA levels are increased these symptoms improve as GABA production benefits are to calm.

The supplement, GABA is considered to be safe. Few side effects have been reported and those that have are considered to be mild. This agent is a natural calming supplement. It has been used as an anit-epileptic also. GABA is the second most important neurotransmitter in our brains and it is extremely important for proper brain function. GABA also helps our bodies to create endorphins, which are chemicals that are responsible for us feeling happy and a sense of well-being.

When the levels of GABA are increased it produces a sense of tranquility in our systems. Anxiety levels will decrease when the GABA levels increase and there is also a lowering of depressive symptoms. Increasing the levels has also been known to decrease insomnia and sleep disruption may cease completely.

ADHD or ADD symptoms have been known to decrease when GABA levels increase as it helps with focus and concentration abilities. To put the benefits simply, GABA has an inhibitory effect on over stimulation within the brain. It has a calming and soothing effect contributing to a person's sense of well-being.

Long term effects of Nootropic GABA

It has been found the Nootropic GABA is detectable for at least four months after taken. This would indicate the substance does continue to help with the creation of long term memory.

How to take the Nootropic GABA

There are not any recommended dosages listed by the FDA for the GABA supplement. The recommended dosage amounts are set by users and what has been found to be effective amounts. Users of the supplement find best results are seen when 500 mg to 1500mg are taken two to three times throughout the day.

If you are using this supplement to assist in sleep 500mg to 1000mg before bed is suggested. If you are looking for relief of anxiety, depression, panic attacks or ADHD users find taking 250mg to 650mg three times each day has been effective.

These amounts can be followed for your base line. You many increase or decrease as you experience your personal results.

Side effects of the Nootropic GABA

Side effects from the use of the supplement Nootropic GABA have been very minimal. Those some have experienced are a tingling, itching or tickling sensation on the skin. Some users have reported an increase in their heart rate, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and drowsiness. The breathing and heart rate effects do not continue for long, they normally disappear after a short time. The tingling, tickling or itching sensation have been found to last about 20 to 40 minutes in those that do experience the effect. The smaller the dose the less the effects occur.

There have been reports in some users that have taken the supplement for an extended period of three months or longer that their anxiety levels began to increase. Further study is being conducted to understand this effect. Those users that have experienced this side effect stopped the supplement and note their anxiety ceased.

Users who have had GABA administered by IV have seen different side effects. These users report experiencing a sense of dissatisfaction or unease, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and also a feeling of being lightheaded.

Care should be taken if combing GABA with any other drugs that affect the pathways to the brain. These would include barbiturates, benzodiazepine and alcohol. It is not recommended for people suffering bipolar or unipolar disorders. GABA does have a side effect of drowsiness so it is not recommended to be taken while driving or using heavy machinery. Other conditions where it is not recommended for use are women who are pregnant or lactating, those with kidney or liver conditions or by children.

Our brains have an effective self-regulatory system to prevent harmful substances from entering it. If there are already sufficient amounts detected it uses a blood-barrier from allowing more to enter. This is why GABA side effects are rare. Alcohol activates one type of receptors for GABA and should not be consumed while taking the supplement.

The form of the Nootropic GABA

The Nootropic GABA is sold in the powder form as this is much cheaper form of the supplement. The powder is also available in the bulk form in many nutritional stores. To purchase in the tablet or pill form can cost anywhere from six to ten times more. To look at the cost difference by comparing the capsule to the powder, capsules usually cost approximately .16 per capsule for 30 grams while the powder is about .02 for 500 grams.

Powder is sold in foil bags designed to be resealable and to protect it from exposure to sunlight. A measuring spoon is normally included so you can measure the amount correctly. There is also a capsule making machine available if you would prefer to take in this method, or if you would prefer to take this form along on travels. The machines are inexpensive and can be purchased through sites like Amazon or Ebay. Making your own capsules would still offer lower cost benefits.

Using Choline with the GABA Supplement

There has been evidence showing the use of dietary choline will influence the metabolism which effects the GABAergic neurotransmission. In a test using laboratory mice; however it was showen there was not any positive effects from the combination.

The intake of dietary choline did not have an effect or alter the GABA levels in the brain.

Other Nootropics To Stack With GABA

In the world of nutrional supplements stacking is a common practice to enhance the performance of each. This method of stacking is also true for cognitive enhancers as well. It is actually rare not to stack them as benefits are much more pronounced when the combinations work together. When stacking is done with with multiple supplements they each become more powerful than if taken separately.

There are endless combinations of nootropics to try together to get the results you are seeking. Most times it will involve trying different combinations as all of our systems are different and will react in different ways. It often involves trying different combinations until you reach your desired effect.

For help with mild anxiety you may want to try stacking Aniracetam, Bacopa and L-Theanine. It will basically come down to knowing which supplements work for you on certain conditions and then using some of them together to enhance each of their effects. There are numerous guides on the internet stating the effect each will provide to know which should work together.

Nootropic GABA User Reviews

What the users of Nootropic GABA have to say:

Use of the supplement Nootropic GABA continues to grow even though there is much skepticism concerning its overall benefits. The controversy appears to stem from whether or not it can cross the blood-brain barrier to have its intended effects.

Here are what some users of the supplement have to say after using the Nootropic GABA:

— One user reports taking 750mg, 1500mg and so on multiple times trying to gain a relief from the supplement. They did not achieve the relief they were looking for and so agree with the science statements regarding this supplement.

— Another user who was suffering from anxiety says it worked for her better than she had hoped. She agreed it works as well as benzo. She began her usage with 500mg four times a day before experiencing a relief after a two week period. She is now experiencing more calmness in her day and finds she is more sociable.

— Even though the supplement has not been stated to treat depression, one user claims by taking it they have been in a good mood every day. They were surprised by the euphoric sensation they experience for about five minutes after taking the supplement, but say it is a good thing.

— Another user claims to have taken up to four pills at a time and experienced no effects. They do not blame the pill as they also use other medications, but it did not have any effect on their depression.

It is difficult to say whether or not the Nootropic GABA is effective on its acclaimed benefits as different sources state different views. The best judge of this supplement will be trying it personally to see how it will work with your symptoms.