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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