Are you tired of keeping your eyes closed but not being able to sleep even though your muscles need the rest? Or are you so anxious and depressed that you can not help but sleep all day without being productive which only increases your stress?

In either case, I have unpleasant news for you! You might be lacking gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA, in your brain. Wait, you’re saying I have a lack of GABA? What’s GABA?

According to a study, GABA is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in our brain, which helps with reducing anxiety and relaxing our muscles and mind. Even if you lack it, by taking the best GABA supplements, you can regain the lost benefits of GABA in your brain you’ve been missing out on.

But before choose the right supplement for yourself, let’s first make sure you have a clear-cut understanding of what GABA is and how it affects your brain.

How Does GABA Help One Sleep Better?

GABA is a non-proteinogenic amino acid chemical found naturally in our brain and muscles. Since it is made up of amino acids, you can get it naturally from certain foods, like beans, or fermented foods, like miso paste.

Furthermore, GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brain that helps in reducing activity in our nervous system when needed, like when you are trying to sleep.

Its job is to block certain receptors from transmitting brain signals in order to decrease the level of activity in the brain. This blocking of receptors results in a calming and soothing effect, which helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Since GABA is a need in our body, we can also look for supplements if it is hard to get enough from food sources.

Uses of GABA Supplements

Although there was a lack of evidence to support the efficacy of GABA in supplement form, many researchers did give a thumbs up to the idea of taking GABA supplements.

THe benefits of using GABA supplements include:

Reduces Anxiety

Research conducted in 2006 found that people who consumed supplements were more relaxed and calm in stressful situations than those who did not take any supplements. The study also found that the effects of relaxation were noticeable within an hour.

Lowers Blood Pressure

A study published in 2015 found that rats that were treated with GABA had improved function of their blood circulatory system. These findings are hopeful for those affected by hypertension.

Improves Sleep

In a study published in 2019, a GABA mixture given to rats was found to decrease sleep latency and increase sleep duration. This means that the test subjects spent less time trying to get to sleep and more time staying asleep.

Reduces Stress and Fatigue

Another common use of GABA is to reduce mental stress and fatigue by consuming a small amount.

The claims are not baseless. A study conducted in 2011 to test the effectiveness of GABA in counteracting fatigue used three doses of the neurotransmitter in a beverage that was given to 30 participants.

The control group was given a beverage with 0 mg GABA, and the experimental groups were given 25 mg and 50 mg in their respective beverages. Both the 25 mg and 50 mg drinks were effective in reducing mental stress and fatigue, but the beverage with 50 mg GABA was more effective at getting the job done.

There is some debate between researchers on whether GABA supplements are helpful for your brain. This is because there is not an agreed upon understanding of how the supplements could cross from the blood into the brain. Because the pathway is unclear, claims about GABA supplements improving brain function are not supported by science for now.

1. Horbaach, GABA, Non-GMO and Gluten-Free

Do you want a balance in your routine and the ability to go to sleep on time? Do you need a supplement that helps reduce your day-to-day stress levels? If yes, then we suggest you stock your cupboard with a bottle of Horbaach GABA.

Horbaach GABA 750 mg supplement helps prevent insomnia by providing a sense of relaxation and calmness within an hour of its consumption. One capsule of Horbaach GABA provides your bloodstream with 750 mg of GABA.

Because each capsule contains such a large amount of GABA, the suggested serving size of the supplement is only one capsule per day. The product itself is gluten-free and lactose-free. So If you are sensitive or intolerant to gluten and lactose, this could be a great product for you to try out.

In addition to being gluten and lactose-free, Horbaach GABA 750 mg has no artificial colors and flavors making the Horbaach GABA more natural and less likely to cause an adverse immune response. One thing to consider before buying this product is that it’s a flavor-free capsule that you may find too bland to swallow without washing it down with a liquid.

Key ingredients 

• Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): 750mg

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2. NOW Supplements, GABA 500 mg + B-6

The next supplement in our lineup is the NOW GABA supplement. This supplement comes in capsule form with each capsule containing 500 mg of GABA and 2 mg of vitamin B-6, which also has many benefits including the ability to reduce symptoms of depression and treat mood disorders.

Because each capsule has 500 mg of GABA in it, you only need to take one capsule a day for a full serving. In addition, the product is non-GMO with vegan flavoring, making it a suitable choice for everyone.

The supplement itself is not costly. If you are looking for a low-cost but effective supplement, we suggest you add NOW Supplements 100-count to your cart.

The NOW supplement got mostly positive reviews, many of which mentioned how it helped reduce anxiety and depression, and how fast it puts you to sleep. However, a small proportion of people were unhappy with the supplement, stating they had a negative experience after ingesting the capsule. We recommend you seek medical advice from a doctor before begin consumption of this supplement.

Key ingredients

• Vitamin B6: 2mg
• GABA: 500mg

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3. Source Naturals Calm Mind – 180 Capsules

The Source Naturals is an established brand that produces high-quality GABA supplements that calm and ease the brain within just an hour of consumption.

This supplement is no different from the other supplements we’ve already discussed in that it also uses non-GMO GABA. It increases the mental focus and alertness of the brain by regulating cell-to-cell communication. It can also help you with achieving a better night’s sleep and with blood flow regulation and maintaining a positive mood.

If taste is a dealbreaker for you, this 750 mg of the unflavored capsule is easy to swallow. It is egg-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and wheat-free. Thus, it will not cause any problems for people with allergies. It is ideal for anyone with anxiety, depression, and sleeping disorders.

Key ingredients

• GABA: 750mg

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4. Pure Encapsulations GABA

The Pure Encapsulations GABA is a quality supplement from a brand which is well-known in the industry. Due to its exceptional performance, it effortlessly became a popular choice among healthcare professionals. The Pure Encapsulations GABA has 60 capsules per bottle, but just one pill can work wonders for you.

From regulating mood to enhancing sleep quality, Pure Encapsulations covers all bases. It relieves stress and helps with anxiety, and because it leaves you with a calm and mellow feeling, it enhances your sleep quality. By taking a capsule or two, you will fall into a deep sleep in no time.

For the best quality and to ensure nothing harmful goes into your body, this supplement features a gluten-free pill to cater to consumers with intolerances or allergies. The product is also free from soy, wheat, eggs, nuts, artificial taste, coatings and shellacs, GMOs, unnecessary binders, fillers, and preservatives. Pure Encapsulations is so careful with its ingredients that it provides the best results even to sensitive people.

Key ingredients

• GABA: 700mg

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5. BulkSupplements GABA Powder

The GABA powder made by BulkSupplements is a good option if you want to enhance your mental focus. It is a dietary supplement focused on boosting the thought process and enabling you to think at a higher level than you would otherwise be able to. It can also help you manage stressful situations by helping to control racing thoughts and to maintain a positive mood at all times.

It has been inspected, verified, and tested for quality, so you do not have to worry about that.

It is not only helpful for managing stress, but you can also use this supplement to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The Bulksupplement GABA powder will alleviate uneasiness before sleep to give you a night of quality sleep. It can aid with cognitive function, as well as the treatment of sciatica and insomnia.

The GABA also has anti-inflammatory properties which can allow it to reduce inflammation so that your skin remains healthy.

The GABA powder supplement has no taste, and since it is in powder form, it is easy to use. You can either swallow it or mix it with water and drink it. However, be mindful of the amount you use. Too much can cause an overdose which may have adverse effects.

Another feature that Bulksupplements gives to its customers is resealable packaging, however sometimes the zipper does not work properly. This is a minor issue though for most, and the effectiveness of the product completely makes up for it.

Key ingredients

• GABA: 750mg

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6. Chewable Pharma GABA, 100 mg

Last on the list, the Chewable Pharma GABA supplement secures its place among the most popular supplements for good reason.

Chewable Pharma GABA is a fast-acting capsule that will quickly provide you with fast relief from stress. It will enhance your focus and make you more alert. Like other GABA supplements, this one also increases sleep quality and promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation. It does not cure insomnia, but it is the ultimate remedy to help you sleep even if you suffer from insomnia.

The Chewable Pharma supplement contains 100 mg GABA per capsule which is enough to boost your emotional wellbeing and immunity during stressful situations. It can also help calm your brain if you experience intense anxiety or panic attacks.

Additionally, the brand, Natural Factors, makes this supplement from a natural and concentrated form of GABA which the brain uses to ease nervousness and collect scattered thoughts. It is a gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and non habit-forming capsule. It has also been tested and certified through advanced technology to guarantee purity and effectiveness.

Key ingredients

• Pharma GABA: 200mg

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Conclusion

We hope this article has inspired you to make your mental health a priority, and if needed, consider taking some GABA supplements to improve it. If you are struggling with falling and staying asleep, ask your doctor if taking GABA supplements is a good solution for you and your unique health situation.

References

1. National Library of Medicine: The effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid in our brain.
2. Frontiersin.org: GABA, a non-proteinogenic amino acid.
3. Healthline.com: Benefits of vitamin B6.