PharmaGABA

To achieve calm concentration naturally GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid in the brain and is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA blocks nerve impulses, slowing nerve cell activity and preventing them from "overfiring." Frequent "overfiring" of brain cells can lead to cell death, meaning that stress can actually kill brain cells. Maintaining optimal GABA levels can help prevent this. Thus, GABA serves as an essential calming agent for the body, helping to combat stress and anxiety. The brain synthesizes GABA from glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. These two neurotransmitters work together like a beautifully orchestrated brake-and-accelerator system that can mutually self-regulate. Neurotransmitters are the basic messengers that enable communication in the brain, and when there is a breakdown in this communication system, brain function is affected. In stressful situations, GABA levels in the body can decrease, and this delicate system becomes unbalanced. In one human study, prefrontal GABA levels in the brain decreased by 18% after acute psychological stress, specifically the threat of shock (Hasler, G, et al, Am J Psychiatry, 2010). Thus, supplementing with PharmaGABA™, a natural, bioidentical GABA, may be beneficial in helping to cope with stressful situations, whether they arise from everyday or extreme stress.