Anti-Anxiety Secrets of Natural Medicine: GABA & Phenibut

Phenibut

Suffering with anxiety can be lonely and difficult. Utilizing traditional treatments can create even more apprehension as patients are left with a host of side effects from prescription medications. Naturopathy utilizes nature to help restore balance and a sense of calm. Neurotransmitter GABA and a derivative of GABA called phenibut can have a significant effect on mood based on how high or low their levels are in the body.

GABA & Phenibut in the Body

Low levels of the neurotransmitter GABA have been associated with panic and anxiety disorders, depression, alcoholism and bipolar disorders. GABA is not directly absorbed into the brain, taking GABA is not the best way to restore levels. Phenibut combined with activated B6 can be taken orally and has been shown to provide relief within an hour. Phenibut, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, will bind to GABA B receptors and have an anxiolytic effects. Phenibut is valuable as it is able to lower stress levels without adversely affecting an individual’s performance.

Yoga: The Secret Weapon

Physical activity is a great all-natural way to help the brain produce the feel good endorphins. Even a short exercise session of 20 minutes can help create a sense of calm and improve overall mood and outlook.  While all exercise can increase GABA, yoga, in particular, can act as a powerful catalyst to increased GABA levels.

There is substantial evidence that supports the correlation between yoga practices and GABA levels in the brain. A study was performed with 8 yoga practitioners and 11 control subjects. The yoga practitioners did 60 minutes of yoga posturing and breathing while the control group read quietly for an hour. Following the experiment, MRIs showed 27% increase in GABA compared to the control group. A second study compared 19 yoga practitioners with 15 walkers. The participants did yoga or walked for an hour three times a week for 12 weeks. In the end, Yoga practitioners had improved mood and anxiety compared to those who walked, and MRI results showed increased GABA in the thalamus.

Visit Wild Woman Wellness for Guidance & Support

Dr. Tanya Escobedo of Wild Woman Wellness is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Redwood City, California. She uses special testing to safely evaluate neurotransmitter imbalance, and uses natural treatments to restore balance by addressing the root cause – without using drugs or causing adverse side effects.  Contact her today for your complimentary 15 minute phone consult.