How to measure the level of gamma in the human body. How to raise the level of gamma (gaba) and limit glutamic acid. Gamma and glutamic acid balance

Gamma-aminobutyric acid began to be considered as a potentially important substance for the functioning of the brain a little over 60 years ago, and only about 28 years ago, scientists assigned it the status of a neurotransmitter.

We now know that approximately 40% of the nerve cells in the mammalian brain synthesize this particular acid.

It plays an important role in disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress. Studying the structure and functions of a substance helps to solve health problems.

What is GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps transmit signals between the brain and the nervous system.

The main function is to control the level of glutamic acid (an excitatory neurotransmitter) and reduce the activity of nerve cells.

By suppressing nervous excitability, it naturally has a calming effect, suppresses feelings of anxiety and fear.

Sources of this acid

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is synthesized in brain cells from another, glutamic acid, in the presence of the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase and the active form of vitamin B6. A lack of vitamin B6 leads to a decrease in GABA production, the accumulation of glutamate and nervous tension.

In addition, the immune system can attack and destroy glutamate decarboxylase. It is observed in autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's disease, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes and other neurological disorders.

Since the substance in question is produced during the fermentation process under the influence of lactobacilli, it cannot be found in fresh products. This makes fermented foods its only source. These products include:

kimchi (traditional Korean cabbage dish);
kefir;
sauerkraut;
yogurt;
miso;
Puer tea;
fermented rice and beans.

Functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid

Reducing anxiety and improving mood

One of the main tasks of GABA is to reduce the excitability of nerve cells, resulting in a decrease in the frequency of feelings of fear and anxiety.

There are clinical data that indicate a link between a deficiency in the body of gamma-aminobutyric acid and the occurrence of anxiety disorders.

It enhances the alpha rhythm of the brain, promoting relaxation, improving mood, and smoothing out the effects of stress.

Improves sleep quality

With insomnia, there is a reduced level of GABA. It is noteworthy that in the part of the brain called the thalamus, which is involved in the regulation of sleep, a large number of receptors for this acid are concentrated. This is explained by the sedative effect that it has on the body. When the level normalizes, the rate of falling asleep increases, as well as the time of the deep phase of sleep.

Prevention of depression

As with insomnia, depressed people are deficient in GABA. After successful treatment, its level rises. Thus, it is used as an alternative to traditional drugs in the treatment of depression and related disorders.

Relieves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (or PMS) is a collection of symptoms that occur before the onset of menstrual bleeding. Typical symptoms: anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, fatigue, abnormal hunger. This is accompanied by a violation of the level of acid, which can help mitigate the manifestation of some symptoms.

Eases pain and reduces inflammation

GABA plays an important role in the transmission of pain impulses and the development of inflammatory processes. Studies note that a reduced concentration of this substance is accompanied by such physiological disorders, as well as other pain syndromes. This substance suppresses the transmission of pain impulses and reduces the inflammation that accompanies pain of various origins. This improves the effectiveness of the treatment.

Symptoms and consequences of underproduction

When the substances necessary for the normal functioning of the brain are in balance, a person feels energetic, motivated enough to perform tasks productively. Or, depending on the circumstances, calm and relaxed.

When the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid decreases, the brain is constantly in a tense state. As a result, the person is unable to relax.

The most common symptoms of GABA deficiency are:

feeling of fear for no apparent reason;
the person is constantly scattered and disorganized;
a person does several things at the same time, but does not succeed due to low productivity;
feeling anxious even when things are going well;
inability to relax, the flow of thoughts does not allow to fall asleep;
unexplained rapid heartbeat or uneven rhythm;
addiction to high-carbohydrate foods, alcohol and substances that help achieve relaxation.

Low acid levels are associated with a number of disorders: increased anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fibromyalgia. Its deficiency is not the cause, but is noted in autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and epilepsy.

How to normalize acid levels

B vitamins are vital substances involved in the synthesis of many neurotransmitters, including GABA. Accordingly, with a deficiency of vitamin B6 (to a lesser extent - vitamin B12), a decrease in the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid is also observed.

To normalize production, foods containing glutamine, glutamic acid and glutamate are useful (not to be confused with monosodium glutamate, a food supplement). These include bananas, beef liver and other organs, broccoli, citrus fruits, halibut fish, lentils, molasses, nuts.

A healthy lifestyle also helps restore amino acid balance, as stress, lack of sleep, excess caffeine, poor diet, and gluten insensitivity are common culprits for low GABA levels.

Given the fact that full-scale studies of GABA began to be carried out not so long ago, many aspects of the effects on the brain and body remain unexplored. At the moment, it is safe to talk about the positive effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid on anxiety and related disorders, while research in other areas is still ongoing. For example, encouraging data is coming in to promote muscle gain and fat burning, which in the future may significantly expand the scope of GABA.

What happens when our brain malfunctions? The consequences are impossible to predict. They can be quite gloomy: from various physical illnesses to identity problems.

Often, when there are signs of problems with the nervous system or for the treatment of more serious diseases, specialists prescribe medications with GABA. It has another name - GABA. Let's see what it is and why is it so important?

Indications for the use of gaba acid

An amino acid is a chemical biologically active element that is directly involved in the metabolic processes of the brain. It is essentially an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

This means that gamma-aminobutyric acid acts as a link between the gray matter and all elements of the body. Synthesis of GABA is carried out from glutamic acid using an enzyme (glutamate decarboxylase).

The effect of gamma aminobutyric acid is expressed as follows:

energy processes awaken;
it promotes better blood circulation;
breakdown of glucose occurs;
release toxins;
blood pressure is normalized;
prevention of muscle cramps;
tissues become saturated with oxygen;
there is a stabilization of nervous processes;
has a calming effect on the central nervous system.

The lack of GABA can be replenished by taking special supplements. For example, take a look at Natural Factors' Pharma GABA Stress-Relax (60 chewables per pack). But before starting the course, you must definitely go for a consultation with your doctor!

Remember! Too much gaba acid in the body can cause shortness of breath and cramps in the limbs and cause restlessness. So, when does a person need this drug?

Most often, gaba aminobutyric acid is used in combination with other drugs that can relieve symptoms in the following diseases:

epilepsy;
stroke;
arterial hypertension;
atherosclerosis;
cerebral palsy;
endogenous;
cerebrovascular insufficiency.

A food supplement with gamma-aminobutyric acid is used for many other purposes:

For the recovery of patients after traumatic brain injury;
Gamma-aminobutyric acid helps to reduce the manifestations of alcoholic encephalopathy;
It is a valuable assistant in the fight against the symptoms of motion sickness;
Helps with persistent headaches and sudden dizziness;
The effectiveness of GABA is also manifested in the fight against difficulties in concentrating;
Helps to improve the memorization mechanism;
It is prescribed by doctors for all kinds of violations of the speech apparatus;
It is recommended to use acid for babies who are lagging behind in development, and for children with severe dementia;
In addition, it has a relaxing effect and is simply indispensable for those who suffer from insomnia;
Gamma also helps in solving problems of sexual function, because. promotes relaxation of the whole body.

Will Gaba help you lose weight?

GABA supplements play an important role in the process of weight loss. This is facilitated by such a property of acid as the ability to accelerate muscle recruitment. Many who want to get rid of extra pounds start right away with physical activity. But first of all, you need to remove the fat layer.

Muscles begin to grow, and fat disappears due to this. In addition, those who have sleep problems often suffer from obesity. Lack of sleep leads to weight gain. The metabolism slows down, the whole body is in a stressful state. All this leads to a feeling of hunger.

Of course, you won't lose weight instantly with an active GABA supplement. But in any case, you will get enough sleep and get rid of excessive appetite.

How to prevent a deficiency of a useful substance?

People who are deficient in GABA cannot work productively during the day and sleep at night. This is because an overexcited brain cannot recover. For this reason, there is a feeling of regular anxiety, depression, unreasonable aggression.

It becomes difficult to function normally during the day according to your schedule. A person cannot cope with the tasks necessary to complete it and only gets more upset. And when preparing for sleep, insomnia begins, thoughts spin in my head and prevent me from falling asleep.

How can this outcome be prevented? There are several options to replenish your gamk levels:

Add acid-rich foods to your menu;
Relaxing physical activities (for example, yoga, etc.);
Taking active food supplements.

When preparing the menu, add kiwi, oranges, bananas there. Eat oatmeal and whole grain baked goods. You can eat more by-products. Lentils, broccoli, spinach will also be useful. From time to time it is worth eating different ones. As drinks, you should use natural herbal infusions and green tea. It will be good to add lemon balm to them.

But not in every case it is possible to get the desired result only with the right diet. And not everyone can find time for sports. In addition, physical exercises must be performed correctly, preferably under the guidance of a professional trainer. And these are extra costs.

Then bioadditives containing gamma-aminobutyric acid come to the rescue. Today, buying dietary supplements with home delivery is not difficult. There are many drugs from different manufacturers.

You will find a large selection of GABA products on the popular iHerb online store website from the USA. There you have the opportunity to choose the option that suits you from the widest range. For example, GABA (500 mg, 200 capsules) from Now Foods.

Where is it profitable to buy GABA?

You can buy GABA supplements at a pharmacy or order on the iHerb website.

To make your search easier, check out the list of trade names:

Nicotinyl gamma;
Aminalon;
GABA or GABA;
Gammalon;
Ganevrin;
Myelomad;
Gaballon;
Apogamma;
Gammaneuron;
Encephalon;
Gammar.

This is not the whole list. There are many nootropics on the market with this component.

We indicate a number of analogues of gamma-aminobutyric acid:

Aminalon. Produced in the form of tablets. It is prescribed to help the central nervous system to eliminate the symptoms of hyperexcitation. Patients tolerate it well. Aminalon should be purchased only by prescription;
Nicotinyl gamma. The white powder, consisting of crystals, does not smell of anything. It is instantly absorbed, almost does not have a toxic effect. If there are problems with blood circulation in the brain, experts recommend taking nicotinoyl gamma as the main medicine to combat this ailment;
Gammalon. Also available in tablets. It has nootropic pharmacological properties. It normalizes the development and functioning of nervous processes. For admission, a consultation with a doctor is necessary.

The iHerb official website has a huge selection of active food supplements. You can easily choose the right product for yourself, both in terms of cost and incoming ingredients. Delivery is a nice bonus. Couriers will bring products directly to your home.

Let's get to know some of them:

dietary supplement from Now Foods GABA. Tablets of 100 pcs. in a jar. The cost at different sites varies and is approximately $ 7. Helps to relieve overstrain of the nervous system;
GabaSolgar (L-theanine) - The product is plant-based. 1 capsule Solgar includes 500 milligrams of the active ingredient. There are 100 pills in a jar. About $24 per can without discounts. Promotes relaxation and calm. Also useful for keeping fit.
Dymatize NutritionGABA. This gamma-aminobutyric acid is unflavored and comes in powder form. Mixes well, can be used alone or added to cocktails and other drinks. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the recommended dose in grams! Serving Size: 1 scoop (2 g). Per jar: 56 servings.

It is quite difficult to decide which drug to choose on your own. It would be better to consult with a specialist and pass the necessary tests before taking it. Only an integrated approach will make it possible to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Instructions for using GABA

Must be taken before meals. First of all, read the manufacturer's instruction leaflet. There is information on dosages and possible side effects.

The body can react in its own way. Nausea and vomiting may occur. In some cases, there is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. There may be jumps in blood pressure or a rise in temperature. But all these effects gradually pass.

Contraindications for use:

individual intolerance;
acute renal failure;
the first three months of pregnancy.

You can give to children only after 1 year and always after visiting a doctor!

One more nuance should be remembered. GABA receptors are sensitive to alcohol. It is strictly forbidden to use active additives and alcoholic beverages! Since the effect of alcohol on the body is similar to the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid, their combined use leads to a strong inhibitory reaction. There may be a state of depression and indifference to the outside world. A person becomes depressed, inhibitory reactions appear, buzzing in the ears.

The study of GABA and its use over the years has given doctors a chance to draw some conclusions. Good reviews from medical professionals leave no doubt that today many people need additional intake of gamma aminobutyric acid.

The main regulator of our entire body is the brain. Thanks to him, the actions of all systems are coordinated. With the help of the brain and spinal cord, we can move, see, hear, speak, feel and understand. Naturally, they carry out their action through special structures - neurotransmitters. These include a number of substances that help the brain in signaling.

The action of neurotransmitters in the body

In order to carry out transmission between nerve fibers, as well as to muscle tissues, helpers are needed. They are intermediaries that conduct an electrical impulse through the synaptic spaces. The impulses go along the nerve ending and, reaching the end, cause the release of the neurotransmitter. "Helpers" fall into the gap and affect the neighboring neuron, which becomes permeable to the signal. Thus, the transmission of all electrical impulses in the body is carried out. Neurotransmitters are substances of chemical origin that can cause both excitation and they are divided into 3 groups: amino acids, catecholamines and peptides. The most common representatives are epinephrine and norepinephrine, gamma-aminobutyric dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, acetylcholine.

Functions of GABA in the body

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (from English GABA) refers to mediators that inhibit the nervous system. It is a chemical substance present in the body of humans and animals. GABA is one of the non-essential amino acids that are not capable of synthesizing protein molecules. Despite this, its importance in the body is very high. Gamma-aminobutyric acid performs 2 important functions:

Mediation action. Due to its inhibitory effect, GABA has hypotensive, sedative, anticonvulsant effects. In addition, it promotes sleep stimulation, regulates motor activity, and improves thinking.
metabolic function. GABA improves metabolic processes in the brain and its blood circulation, provides nerve cells with energy. Thanks to this substance, one of the most important effects is carried out - antihypoxic, that is, preventing oxygen starvation. The next action of GABA is the removal of metabolic products from the body and the effect on the stimulation of the production of somatotropic hormone by the anterior pituitary gland.

Sources of gamma-aminobutyric acid

GABA is one of the components of blood and brain tissue. With a lack of natural reserves, it is necessary to obtain it from other sources. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is present in some plant foods. These include tea and coffee leaves, filamentous mushrooms, and the juice of cruciferous plants. In addition, GABA is obtained chemically using microbiological methods. For its development, human bacteria, such as E. coli, are used. Some drugs contain the main substance - nicotinoyl gamma-aminobutyric acid. It refers to analogues obtained in the laboratory.

Signs of GABA deficiency in the body

With a lack of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a number of pathological processes occur. The main ones are depression, anxiety and muscle cramps. This is due to a decrease in the functions that gamma-aminobutyric acid performs in the body. GABA is needed to provide the brain with energy, control the processes occurring in it. Therefore, with its deficiency, many disorders of the central nervous system develop. These include:

Vascular pathologies of the brain - hypertension, atherosclerosis, the development of strokes and heart attacks.
Headaches, weakness, dizziness, sleep disturbance, memory, attention.
Epilepsy.
Alzheimer's disease.
Cerebral paralysis.
encephalopathy.
Increasing the level of somatotropic hormone.
Dementia after brain injury.
Parkinson's disease.
depressive states.
Underdevelopment of mental processes in children.
Unstable neuropsychic status.
Sea and air sickness.

All these conditions require drug replenishment of gamma-aminobutyric acid, as well as increased consumption of products in which it is contained.

Medicines containing GABA

In order to make up for the lack of gamma-aminobutyric acid, you need to see a doctor. He will prescribe adequate replacement therapy. The main substance of all drugs is gamma-aminobutyric acid. Its analogues contain additives in the form of calcium, nicotinoyl, and are also derivatives of GABA. The main medicines include medicines "Aminalon", "Pikamilon", "Fenibut", "Neurobutal", "GABA". Indications for the use of all these drugs are disorders caused by a lack of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the body. Medicines containing GABA are contraindicated in children under 1 year old, pregnant women (in the first trimester), with hypersensitivity to the main or excipients, and in acute renal failure.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid: patient reviews

When prescribing GABA or its analogues, patients significantly increase their working capacity, regulate sleep and wakefulness, there is also a decrease in depressive states, it is stopped. Among the side effects, some patients note dyspeptic disorders, increased libido, and drowsiness.

Gamma aminobutyric acid(eng. Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) is an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human and mammalian central nervous system. Neurotransmitters in the broadest sense of the word are chemical substances with the help of which an electrical impulse is transmitted from a nerve cell to a neuron. For medical purposes GABA(or GABA) is used for various mental disorders (including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases), as well as as a sedative and relaxing agent.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): formula

GABA is an amino acid, an organic substance with a branched chemical formula. synthesized in the body from glutamine amino acid (part of proteins in the body and is not indispensable) with the assistance of a special enzyme - glutamate decarboxylase.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): receptors

It acts in the structures of the central nervous system through GABA receptors. In fact, receptors are cells that perform the function of transmitting electrical impulses, they can either activate the transmission process or slow it down. In case of GABA, receptors accept an amino acid, which, in turn, inhibits processes inside nerve cells. Receptors are located GABA in brain structures.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): properties

Properties gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) acids have been studied very well:

Mediators - this amino acid is responsible for the speed of transmission of impulses between nerve cells and neurons: GABA participates in the processes of inhibition.
Sedative and mild sleeping pills - GABA relieves irritation and soothes.
Metabolic - the amino acid improves metabolic processes in the brain, improves its oxygen supply. Along with GABA, cerebral circulation can be improved by taking, or.
GABA removes metabolic products from the body.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): application

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): in the pharmacy

You can buy at a pharmacy, the choice of drugs is small, and in general the quality leaves much to be desired. Why risk when you can buy an absolutely safe product at a good price, and the choice of drugs in the online store is diverse.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): Tablets

Pharmaceutical companies offer a wide range of drugs containing . Very often, buyers choose a tablet form (such tablets can be bought at a pharmacy). The concentration of the substance in such preparations is small - 250 mg, but this is convenient, the doctor can prescribe any dosage. Tablets enter the body and begin to act no earlier than an hour later, so they are best taken before bedtime. If there is a desire to accelerate the effect of the penetration of the active substance, then it is better to purchase a drug with capsules, there are most of them on the site, and they are quite relatively cheap.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): instruction

Optimal dose gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) per day - 750-1500 mg, this amount of the substance is contained in 2-3 capsules or tablets. In any case, in the instructions for a particular drug (the dosage may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer), recommendations for taking GABA are registered.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): how to take

You need to take it daily, depending on the dosage of the selected drug (100, 250, 500, 750), the intake can be divided into several times or you can drink 1 capsule once a day. For example, if the dosage in the preparation is 500 mg, then you can take a capsule three times a day, if 750, then a capsule twice a day. Prerequisite: the drug should be taken with water or juice, and preferably on an empty stomach or at bedtime.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): contraindications

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) can be taken only after prior consultation with a doctor, since there are a number of contraindications:

Hypersensitivity and individual intolerance;
Acute renal failure
Children's age up to a year.
1st trimester of pregnancy.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): buy, price

Here is such a large range of forms, dosages and manufacturers gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA):

1. Buy gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at a low price and with guaranteed high quality, you can in the well-known American online organic store.
2. How to place an order step by step: !
3. We recommend using the iHerb promo code in your first order
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The drug is dispensed by prescription.
It is included in the list of medicines dispensed by prescription when providing additional free medical care to certain categories of citizens who are entitled to receive state social assistance.
TRADE NAMES
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, Aminalon, Aminalon tablets, film-coated 0.25.
DRUG FORM
Coated tablets.
HOW DOES THE DRUG WORK?
The drug belongs to the group of nootropic drugs. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a natural component of the cells of the human central nervous system. It acts on specific receptors, which activates energy processes, improves blood circulation, and facilitates the entry of glucose into brain cells. The drug provides increased productivity of mental work, improved memory, accelerated recovery of speech and movements after a violation of cerebral circulation (psychostimulating effect), reduced manifestations of "sea" or "air" sickness.
In addition, gamma-aminobutyric acid lowers blood pressure and reduces the pulse rate, increases the body's resistance to stress.
IN WHAT CASES IS THE MEDICINE PRESCRIBED?
In chronic disorders of cerebral circulation in atherosclerosis, hypertension, accompanied by impaired memory, thinking, speech, attention, as well as dizziness and headache.
For the treatment of a condition after an acute cerebrovascular accident (stroke), traumatic brain injury.
With the pathology of the brain (alcoholic encephalopathy) and peripheral nerves (polyneuropathy) with alcoholism.
For the treatment of children with mental disorders (birth trauma, cerebral palsy, impaired intrauterine development).
With "sea" and "air" sickness.
With some forms of depression, accompanied by difficulties in mental activity.
DRUG APPLICATION
RECEPTION RULES
The drug is taken orally, before meals.
The daily dose for adults is 3-3.75 g, for children aged 1-3 years - 1-2 g / day, 4-6 years old - 2-3 g / day, over 7 years old - 3 g / day. The daily dose should be divided into 3 doses. For the prevention and treatment of "sea" and "air" diseases, adults are prescribed 0.5 g 3 times a day, children - 0.25 g 3 times a day.
DURATION OF RECEPTION
The effect of the drug develops slowly, so the course of use is long (from 2 weeks to 4 months), depending on the nature and severity of the disease, as prescribed by the doctor. Repeated courses of treatment are advisable.
In the treatment of "sea" and "air" sickness, adults and children should take the drug for 3-4 days, for prevention, you should start taking the drug 3 days before the trip.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE
If missed, take the medicine as soon as you remember. If it's close to your next dose, skip the dose and take the medicine as usual. Do not take a double dose of the drug.
OVERDOSE
The drug has low toxicity, however, with a single daily dose, the risk of side effects increases.
EFFICIENT AND SAFE TREATMENT
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Individual intolerance, children's age (up to 1 year), acute renal failure, pregnancy (I trimester).
SIDE EFFECTS
Allergic reactions (skin rashes, angioedema, anaphylactic shock), nausea, vomiting, insomnia, changes in blood pressure (especially in the first days of admission), fever, diarrhea or constipation.
IT IS NECESSARY TO INFORM YOUR DOCTOR
You suffer from diabetes, epilepsy.
You are taking any other drugs, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and dietary supplements.
You have ever had an allergic reaction to any drug.
If you are pregnant
Do not take during pregnancy (in the first trimester).
If you are breastfeeding
The drug is contraindicated.
If you suffer from other diseases
In diabetes mellitus, taking the drug reduces the amount of blood glucose. In epilepsy, it is necessary to make sure that there are no contraindications to the joint appointment of gamma-aminobutyric acid and antiepileptic drugs.
If you drive a car or operate machinery
The drug reduces the rate of reactions.
If you are over 60 years old
You should make sure that all medicines you take are compatible with gamma-aminobutyric acid.
If you give the drug to children
For children under one year, the drug is contraindicated. For children, the daily dose at the age of 1-3 years is 1-2 g / day, 4-6 years old - 2-3 g / day, over 7 years old - 3 g / day.
INTERACTIONS
Use with other drugs
Gamma-aminobutyric acid enhances the action of benzodiazepines, some hypnotics and antiepileptic drugs.
Alcohol
In high doses, it can contribute to the occurrence of side effects.
STORAGE RULES
It should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C, in a dry place out of the reach of children.