The Science of Calm
In today's world, stress levels are at an all time high, and signs are everywhere that the average person's ability to cope is bending under the pressure. From a health perspective, it is no secret that stress of any kind can wreak biochemical havoc on the body's systems.
Whether it is positive or negative, stress sets into motion a series of biochemical changes that can have significant consequences on overall well-being.
A Natural Path to Peace-of-Mind
GABA is a synergistic blend of the very nutrients upon which your body relies to combat stress and remain in a serene state when faced with over stimulation: the key neurotransmitters GABA, Taurine, and Glycine.
Studies have shown that supplements of all three are highly beneficial, serving to replace losses due to stress, as well as to fill gaps generated by poor synthesis.
Chemistry of Calm
Our bodies possess mechanisms to calm and regenerate themselves during times of stress. One such mechanism involves inhibitory neurotransmitters, chemicals involved in nerve regulation which serve to inhibit excessive bioelectrical activity.
The amino acids Glycine and Taurine, as well as the related compound GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) are all major inhibitory neurotransmitters of the human body. They appear to be closely related in structure and function, and in fact work in conjunction with one another.
GABA is the #1 inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is derivative of the amino acid glutamic acid, and is related to the sleep-enhancing biochemical Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate. Many scientific studies have found that GABA plugs into and activates anti-anxiety brain receptors, bringing right to the source what the nerves need most to stay calm. Taurine is the second most plentiful amino acid in the human brain, and has recently been acknowledged as having its own neurotransmitting properties.Taurine contributes to stability in the over-active brain in four important ways:
- It serves as a brain cell membrane stabilizer, preventing excessive or erratic electrical activity in the brain.
- It works synergistically with GABA and Glycine, two other important inhibitory neurotransmitters.
- It suppresses the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine (noradrenalin) and glutamic acid.
- It helps facilitate the synthesis of GABA. This function makes Taurine nearly as valuable as external sources of performed GABA in increasing GABA levels in the brain.
The body can generally make Taurine from the sulfur amino acid cysteine, and both can be obtained in the diet primarily from amino foods. However, inadequacies of both can arise in individuals following vegetarian diets. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, stress may increase the body's need.
Glycine, like GABA and Taurine, is one of the brain's major inhibitory neurotransmitters. it is found naturally throughout the brain, where it is though to be involved in stabilizing the misfiring and over activity of nerve cells. Supplemental Glycine has been shown to readily pass the Blood-Brain-Barrier, where it acts synergistically with GABA and Taurine.
Source: Source Naturals
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Scientific References
- Braverman, E. & Pfeiffer, C. The Healing Nutrients Within; Facts, Findings and New Research on Amino Acids. ©1987 by Keats Publishing Inc.: New Canaan, CT.
- Champe, P. & Harvey, R. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry. ©1987 by J.P. Lippincott Co.: Philadelphia, PA.
- Gibson, C. & Wurtman, R. (1979). Life Science 25:265-272.
- Hunt, S. & Graff, J. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. ©1990 by West Publishing Co.: St. Paul, MN.
- Schauff, C. Moffett, D. & Moffett, S. Human Physiology. ©1990 by Times Mirror/Mosby Publishing: St. Louis, MO.
- Weber, W. (1979). Pharmacology Review. 37:25-79.
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