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GABA .....May Just Be What You Need in Menopause!
Beth Ley Knotts, Ph.D. (Nutritionist)
Why GABA Benefits May Just Be What You Need in Menopause!

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is naturally produced in our brain and eating a healthy diet can boost its production. However, supplements are available and a great option to boost your levels.

GABA keeps us calm and relaxed. It also produces positive feelings and relieves stress. Besides this, it helps control motility in our gut. Without it, our brain can’t function well!

Low GABA is one of the culprits to depression, but sadly, most doctors don’t recognize this, and we are given tranquilizers or anti-depressants instead.

Too many of us are stressed during midlife and menopause, thankfully, GABA can help!

Good news is, there are plenty of ways to support our GABA levels. Our food choices play a big role in helping our brain make more GABA. Although we can’t get GABA directly in fresh foods because it is created through fermentation, there are certain foods that can stimulate its production.

  • Whole Grains and Wheat
  • Broccoli
  • Banana
  • Almonds
  • Spinach
  • Rice bran
  • Lentils
  • Beef liver
  • Halibut
  • Walnuts
  • Tree Nuts
  • Oranges and foods high in citrus
  • Oats


5 Powerful GABA Benefits for Menopause

With GABA’s help, we can eliminate a lot of menopause symptoms, especially annoying mood problems.

Our body is like a huge cobweb, every part connects to the center, which in this context is the brain. However, the brain can’t work by itself. So, it needs brain chemicals, such as GABA, to execute its commands. For this reason, GABA can influence numerous functions in the body.

1. Relieves mood swings, anxiety and depression.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter by nature. This means it hinders or stops certain actions of the body. It SLOWS down overactive neurotransmitter activity (like racing thoughts which can lead to anxiety).

Mood swings, anxiety and depression are common during menopause. They happen when our central nervous system (CNS) is overactive and responds to stress in an exaggerated way. Our GABA taps our CNS and calms it down. So, we can relax and relieve mood symptoms.

2. Reduces stress
When we’re caught up in a stressful situation, our body releases natural chemical messengers such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These messengers give us a kick of adrenalin and keep us alert.

GABA oversees the action of these important messengers. When their job is done, GABA slowly deactivates them to bring back the body’s normal balance.

3. Aids in better sleep
Sleep problems are very common during menopause. One of the many GABA benefits is that it helps improve sleep by relaxing our nerves and releasing its sedative effects.

According to studies, insomniacs who took GABA supplements showed improvement in their sleep quality. GABA also helps us maintain a regular sleeping schedule. Typical bedtime dosages range from 750 to 1,500 mgs. But 2,250 mg is also acceptable if the lower doses are not enough. To avoid a "hangover effect" take 1-2 hours before bed.

4. Decreases inflammation
Inflammation can worsen symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog and more. GABA prevents inflammation, especially in the gut, by regulating the response of our immune or inflammatory cells called cytokines.

5. Increases growth hormone (anti-aging)
Among the many GABA benefits, its anti-aging gift is one of the best! Human growth hormone (HCG) is known as the “fountain of youth” hormone because of its potent anti-aging property! It can strengthen muscles, lower the risk of diseases, keep skin healthy and more.

HCG can also increase libido, boost energy and improve memory. GABA is a great HCG booster!

Experts say that if we take three grams (3,000 mg) of GABA after a resistance exercise, we can increase HCG by 400%!