Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Reference Guide
  /  
GABA
Sign up free to test for 
GABA
.
One login for 30+ lab companies.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid

Hey Practitioners! Ready to become a world class gut health expert? Join Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN, for a Free Live Class that dives into how popular diets impact the gut microbiome, the clinical dietary needs of your gut, biomarkers to test to analyze gut health, and gain a clear understanding of the Doctor’s Data GI360™ profile. Register here.

What's 
GABA
?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, often shortened to GABA, is a naturally occurring chemical in your brain. Think of it as your body's "brake pedal" - it helps to slow things down and keep you calm. When your brain gets too excited or overactive, GABA steps in to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of fear and anxiety. It's like a soothing lullaby that helps your brain to unwind and relax. This amazing substance also aids in sleep, muscle relaxation, and even the regulation of our mood. So, in a nutshell, GABA is your body's natural chill pill, helping to keep your brain calm and balanced.
If Your Levels Are High
High levels of GABA in the brain could indicate a variety of factors. It could be a result of your body's natural response to stress or anxiety, as GABA works to calm the brain and promote relaxation. Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or some types of anti-anxiety drugs, can also increase GABA levels. Additionally, conditions like depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder may be associated with altered GABA levels. It's also worth noting that lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can influence GABA levels. For instance, foods rich in probiotics can boost GABA production, while regular exercise can help regulate it. However, it's important to remember that while GABA plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health, an imbalance - whether too high or too low - can disrupt normal brain function.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of GABA could include excessive sleepiness, lethargy, and a decrease in alertness or cognitive performance.
If Your Levels are Low
Low levels of GABA in your brain could mean that your brain's natural calming system isn't working as well as it should be. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, or certain medications like stimulants or some types of antidepressants. It could also be linked to specific conditions like depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Without enough GABA, your brain might be in a constant state of high alert, making it hard for you to relax or sleep well. It's like having a car with a faulty brake system - it's harder to slow down when you need to. So, low GABA levels could mean your brain is struggling to find its chill, which can affect your mood, sleep, and overall sense of calm.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Gamma-aminobutyric acid could include feelings of anxiety, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and mood swings.

Test for

Gamma-aminobutyric acid

Order, track, and receive results from 30+ labs in one place.