GABA or gamma amino butyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter - a chemical involved in nerve regulation which serves to inhibit excessive bioelectrical activity. GABA is the #1 inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is a derivative of the amino acid glutamic acid and is related to the sleep-enhancing biochemical Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate. The function of GABA is to decrease neuron activity and inhibit nerve cells from overfiring. Many studies have found that GABA plugs into and activates anti-anxiety brain receptors. Together with other chemicals, GABA prevents anxiety and stress-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by occupying the receptor sites for these messages. GABA brings to the source what nerves need to stay calm.

Traditional treatment for most types of anxiety disorders are the pharmaceuticals Xanex and Valium which seem to work by stimulating the production of GABA in the brain. The nutrient GABA can be taken to calm the body in much the same way as these pharmaceuticals but without the fear of addiction. Supplemental GABA can quiet anxiety, reduce muscle tensions, help reduce "chatty brain" (incessant thoughts) and induce sleep.

Ironically, too much GABA can cause increased anxiety. Other symptoms of GABA excess are shortness of breath, numbness around the mouth, and tingling in the extremities. Dr. Julian Whitaker, M.D. recommends about 750 mg. per day to his patients. We have found that smaller quantities of GABA taken as sublingual tablets can be as effective as higher dosages swallowed in pills.