Gaba
Gaba (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a natural chemical produced by the brain, and is a valuable anti-anxiety neurotransmitter.
When we experience stress, the adrenal glands are triggered to produce hormones that trigger what we know as “flight or fight” responses. Gaba counteracts these natural stimulants by relaxing the brain.
Gaba is mostly used as an anti-anxiety remedy, but it has many other benefits like helping with inflammation issues, PMS relief, and other chronic pain issues.
*Drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) work by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for overall health and wellness, and most Americans are deficient.
There are some studies that have shown that magnesium may ease certain symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Magnesium may help to control the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain, resulting in a calming effect on the body.
Magnesium may help to manage your stress response system and cortisol levels. Low levels of magnesium in the body can increase stress, and high levels of physical or mental stress can lower magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for muscle function, and helps muscle tissue to relax. A deficiency in magnesium can increase muscle tension.
RelaxMax
(Gaba + Magnesium)
This is a supplement that contains Gaba AND Magnesium.
Contains a blend of ingredients including L theanine, GABA, and myo inositol, that supports the body's natural synthesis of catecholamines, the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, and hormonal balance.
RelaxMax aims to promote a calm, relaxed, well-balanced emotional and physiological state. Supports neurotransmitter balance and neuronal stabilization, both components of supporting brain health.
Lemon Balm & Valerian
There have been several studies showing that lemon balm, especially when combined with other calming herbs like valerian, can help reduce anxiety and sleep issues.
In one study of lemon balm and valerian combo, 81% of people with minor sleep problems reported sleeping much better than those reported in the placebo group (1).
In another study, 18 participants received 2 single doses of lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg), or placebo, for a week. The 600 mg dose reported significantly increased mood, calmness, and alertness (2).
The research isn’t quite clear on how valerian works, but scientists believe that it increases the amount of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) in the brain which helps regulate nerve cells and provides a calming effect.
Kava Root
There has been research showing that kava root can be used to treat anxiety by stimulating dopamine receptors and inducing euphoria. It has been reported to improve mood, ease anxiety, and boost sociability.
One Australian study deemed that kava can be considered a go-to therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (3). And another meta-analysis of seven trials reported significant effects from kava treatment for anxiety (4).
Kava is best used under the guidance of a healthcare provider as it can interact with certain medications (5).
There is also concern that kava may cause liver damage. However, researchers haven’t been able to confirm whether kava itself causes liver damage, or whether taking kava in combination with other medications is the cause.
Non-Supplement Ways to Reduce Anxiety
Cut out processed foods/sugar, and eat whole, organic foods
Get adequate sleep - quality & quantity. A sleep breathing disorder may need to be adressed!
Support through friends, family, or a licensed professional counselor
Quit smoking and/or drinking
Acupunture
Breath work
Tapping therapy
Spending times with animals and/or outdoors
Daily exercise
Daily meditation and/or prayer
Sources:
1 Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, Perry EK, Wesnes KA. Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosom Med. 2004 Jul-Aug;66(4):607-13.
2 Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S, et al., Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003;28(10):1871-81.
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