The Role of GABA in HGH Secretion

GABA is the abbreviation for Gamma-Aminobutyric acid. It is classified as a nonessential amino acid and neurotransmitter. Its the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and controls specific neuronal activities within the brain. What does this mean? Simply stated, GABA prevents the over-firing of nerve cells within the CNS and induces analgesia, relaxation and sleep.

GABA is considered one of the most important nonessential nutrients in human physiology. Other than its sedative properties, GABA plays a key role in motor control, vision, and other significant cortical functions. GABA can be obtained from both dietary and supplemental sources.

Uses:

GABA’s uses are still being evaluated in studies around the world. Today, its main therapeutic application lies within the disorders linked to the over stimulation of the brain’s motor centers. These conditions include (but are not limited to) insomnia, epilepsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), PMS, libido, and anxiety.

By inducing relaxation, GABA also enhances mood. Studies have shown that when GABA is combined with inositol and nicotinamide, stress-related impulses may be “re-routed”. This is important as stress is considered a key component in sleeplessness and depression.

Eliminating stressors and elevating mood with GABA may be beneficial for those suffering from mild to moderate anxiety, insomnia, and depression. GABA is so important to relaxation that GABA receptors are targeted by a number of popular anti-anxiety and sleep medications. However, unlike these drugs, GABA is thought to be non-habit forming.

A study conducted in 2006 evaluated GABA’s effect on immunity and relaxation during stress. GABA not only effectively induced relaxation in the study’s participants, but also reduced anxiety. The findings showed that GABA does indeed work as a quick and natural relaxant. It also showed promise in increasing one’s immunity during stressful conditions.

Chronic pain has also been a topic of ongoing study with GABA. Chronic pain can be, at times, associated with an absence or deficiency of GABA. Because of its mechanism of action on nerve impulses, GABA may work to lessen the intensity of pain in persons with this disorder. These findings are encouraging but more research is needed, however.

GABA levels in the brain have been theorized to influence the seizure activity of epilepsy as well. GABA’s ability to tranquilize has proven beneficial for this condition, which is characterized by manic behavior and acute agitation. Previous studies have shown that epilepsy patients respond favorably to long-term GABA therapy.

Finally, the oral supplementation of GABA may increase Human Growth Hormone (HGH) secretion. GABA stimulates the anterior pituitary gland. Various clinical trials have documented this effect and conclude that only 5 grams of GABA can elevate GH to five times its normal output in only ninety minutes. However, there is some question as to whether these findings were based on the intravenous or oral administration of GABA. Nonetheless, GABA seems to increase HGH secretion very quickly and very effectively. Many popular HGH supplements like Sytropin use GABA as an active ingredient because of this ability to induce higher levels of HGH. For more information about GABA’s role in HGH secretion, please visit http://www.sytropin.com

John MacNamara is a published author and researcher whose work has appeared in for the website The Supplement Guide and other online health and fitness publications. He is active in HGH research and the establishment of safety guidelines for nutritional supplements.