What is GABA? Do GABA sleep supplements really work?
What is GAB<a href=https://healthport.tw/gaba>GABA</a>A?
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that, like serotonin, helps regulate mood and psychological responses.
What are the benefits of GABA?
G<a href=https://healthpulse.tw/gaba>GABA</a>ABA plays multiple roles in the brain, including anti-depression, emotional relaxation, and stress relief. However, the absorption and conversion rates of GABA... moreWhat is GABA? Do GABA sleep supplements really work?
What is GAB<a href=https://healthport.tw/gaba>GABA</a>A?
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that, like serotonin, helps regulate mood and psychological responses.
What are the benefits of GABA?
G<a href=https://healthpulse.tw/gaba>GABA</a>ABA plays multiple roles in the brain, including anti-depression, emotional relaxation, and stress relief. However, the absorption and conversion rates of GABA when consumed directly are very low, so supplementation through food is quite limited in its effectiveness.
Learn more about GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) has a structure similar to amino acids, but does not form proteins or other tissues in the body. GABA is an important neurotransmitter in the nervous system, which can steadily regulate our emotions and physiological responses.
There are two main sources of GABA:
1. Animal GABA
GABA in the human body is mainly concentrated in the central nervous system, including the brain and spine. Like serotonin, it is an important neurotransmitter. Maintaining GABA in the body is usually achieved by consuming protein foods containing glutamate, which is then synthesized into GABA in the body. Generally speaking, as long as you have a balanced diet, you don’t have to worry about a deficiency in glutamate or GABA, because glutamate is a very common nutrient that makes up about 20% of protein.
2. Plant-based GABA
Some plant seeds also contain GABA, such as brown rice, black rice, and purple rice. However, the GABA content in plants is very low, so it is often combined with microbial fermentation to obtain higher concentrations of GABA. Currently, the GABA health foods on the market are all derived from glutamate fermented by microorganisms, and their ingredients are labeled as "glutamate fermentation (containing GABA)".
Three major functions of GABA
GABA has three main functions in the nervous system:
1. Anti-depression
2. Calm the nerves
<a href=https://medvoyage.tw/%CE%B3-%E6%B0%A8%E5%9F%BA%E4%B8%81%E9%85%B8>GABA</a>; 3. Relieve stress
Studies show that when people enter deep sleep, GABA levels in the brain increase. Patients with epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, ADHD, anxiety and depression have less stable GABA levels in their brains than normal people.
Should I buy GABA supplements?
Given all the benefits of GABA, how can you supplement it? In addition to the influence of natural constitution, consuming rich glutamate through diet can help the body synthesize GABA. You can get enough GABA by consuming a moderate and balanced amount of protein foods.
The ingredients of GABA health food usually come from glutamate after microbial fermentation, and then go through a purification process to make a high concentration of GABA ingredients. However, consuming GABA directly is not very effective for two main reasons:
1. Self-regulation
The body's absorption and utilization of external <a href=https://medvoyage.tw/%CE%B3-%E6%B0%A8%E5%9F%BA%E4%B8%81%E9%85%B8>GABA</a>; nutrients requires a complex process, that is, when the content is too little, the absorption will be enhanced, and when it is too much, it will be excreted. The GABA content in a healthy person's body does not change easily, and even if a large amount is consumed, the body will excrete the excess.
2. Blood-brain barrier
This is the biggest problem with GABA supplements. There is a membrane called the blood-brain barrier between the central nervous system and the circulatory system. Except for oxygen, carbon dioxide and blood sugar, other substances such as drugs and proteins cannot pass through. GABA is no exception. Although it can be absorbed through the intestines, it cannot successfully cross the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain to exert its effects. The GABA in the brain is mainly synthesized in the brain and cannot be supplemented by food.
