GABA The Science
Let’s talk neuroscience. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid made from glutamate in your brain cells. GABA and glutamate are the two most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain, especially concentrated in the cerebral cortex where sensory perception and thinking occur.

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter; GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Where glutamate fires off, GABA cools out. Where glutamate excites, GABA composes. GABA increases alpha brain waves, which produce feelings of “in the zone” calmness and relaxation. Likewise, GABA decreases beta brain waves, which produce feelings of nervousness and anxiety. Those beta waves are the waves of distraction. They get in your way and muddle your mind.

GABA The Results
In a world of hyperactivity, GABA helps those with plenty of energy feel relaxed, centered and focused. Athletes who took GABA supplements before exercising had lower blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rates. Students who took GABA before tests experienced less anxiety and stress than students not on GABA. Their test scores were higher, too.

Since the 1950s, people have successfully used GABA to restore mental calmness; to improve learning performance and memory; to improve sleep quality; to deal with situations involving high stress, extreme anxiety, phobias and fears; and to regain mental focus and concentration.