New Pathway GABA and Theanine

Paula Gallagher on
Pathway Chewable GAGA and Pathway Chewable L-Theanine

Stress is a tricky subject because there are so many factors involved. Often when we’re chronically stressed, it’s a sign that something is out of balance in our lives and needs to be addressed, such as pressure at work or saying “yes” to too many requests for help from family or friends. Ongoing stress can lead to other problems such as sleep disorders, cardiovascular issues and much more. Tackling stress involves a multipronged approach that typically involves re-examining commitments and priorities, in addition to sleep, diet, exercise and self-care. Counseling can also be helpful.

Luckily, there are also several supplements that are thought to help. As always, speak with your health care practitioner before trying a new supplement, as not every product is right for every person.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and L-theanine supplements are often used to help decrease stress and promote relaxation.

GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain and seems to have a calming effect on the nervous system. GABA plays a role in the healthy functioning of the body’s immune and endocrine systems, as well as in the regulation of appetite and metabolism. There’s also emerging research about GABA’s role in gut health and gastrointestinal function, where it may work to support motility, control inflammation and support immune system function, and help regulate hormone activity.

Low GABA activity in the body can result in:

  • Anxiety
  • Chronic stress
  • Depression
  • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
  • Muscle pain and headaches
  • Insomnia and other sleep problems
Low GABA activity is also associated with substance use disorders.

    Benefits of Gaba

    Sleep: GABA enables the body and mind to relax and fall asleep, and to sleep soundly throughout the night. Low GABA activity is linked to insomnia and disrupted sleep. In one study, GABA levels in people with insomnia were almost 30% lower than in people without insomnia.

    Stress and anxiety: As a natural chemical the body produces, GABA’s primary role is to diminish the activity of neurons in the brain and central nervous system, which puts the body in a greater state of relaxation and alleviates stress and anxiety. Supplemental GABA may benefit sleep by aiding relaxation and providing relief from anxiety and stress.

    Blood pressure: GABA supplements are sometimes used by people as a natural way to lower blood pressure. There is evidence indicating that GABA may work to reduce high blood pressure.

    Theanine

    L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that calms and relaxes the body and mind, without causing drowsiness. It is particularly helpful for relieving anxiety and stress, enhancing sleep quality, improving attention, supporting memory and cognition, and benefiting cardiovascular health. Studies show theanine increases alpha waves in the brain, which produce an alert, yet relaxed, state. It also helps block excitatory stimuli, while producing the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA, and has been shown to have protective effects on brain cells during acute stress. Another benefit is that theanine can counter the jitteriness of stimulants, such as caffeine.

    Benefits of Theanine

    Sleep: L-theanine can help with sleep in a of way couple of ways. Theanine may help people fall asleep more quickly and easily at bedtime, thanks to the relaxation boost it delivers. Research also shows L-theanine can improve the quality of sleep – not by acting as a sedative, but by lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation.

    Stress and anxiety: L-theanine is an anxiolytic, which means it works to reduce anxiety. Some anxiolytics, such as valerian and hops, have sedative effects. Theanine, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and stress reduction without sedating. L-theanine can help foster a state of calm, attentive wakefulness. It has positive effects on both the mental and physical symptoms of stress, including lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

    Attention and focus: L-theanine may help boost other cognitive skills. Research shows that it can increase attention span and reaction time in people who are prone to anxiety. It may help improve accuracy – one study shows that taking L-theanine reduced the number of errors made in a test of attention.

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