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Here’s How to Restore Your Inner Calm with GABA
These days, it seems like everyone’s worried or on edge. How’s your stress level? Do you feel like you’re being stretched to the limit? Maybe you’re experiencing headaches, muscle tension, or sleep issues. These can be associated with increased stress in your life. The Problem with Stress Stress is prevalent in our society. A recent report from the American Psychological Association found that 84% of the people surveyed have been experiencing elevated levels of stress. Additionally, almost half of them reported mood issues, as well as weight changes and problems with sleep – conditions that often accompany being emotionally overwhelmed. Stress occurs when a person perceives excessive demands on his or her emotional or physical resources. It typically represents a response to external forces – a deadline at work, an argument with your spouse, or a fender bender. Once the situation has been resolved, the stressful feelings subside and you may feel like you can start to relax. In some cases, however, the pressure is relentless and can cause excessive stress. This can lead to feelings of desperation or a loss of control. So, how can you tell if you’re just feeling the effects of everyday stress, or if you’re struggling with a serious stress problem? Good Stress/Bad Stress A little bit of stress is actually good because it can motivate you to meet your goals. Low-level stress can also help you with resilience, problem-solving, and adapting to everyday challenges. Stress becomes unhealthy when it reaches high levels for prolonged periods. At that point, stress can take a toll, both physically and mentally, and become harmful to your health. Too much stress can: produce fear, anxiousness, worry, irrational excitement, and avoidance decrease overall brain function create hormone imbalances cause inappropriate eating, which can result in weight gain increase vulnerability to physical illness Fight or Flight High levels of stress can keep you in fight or flight mode. This can disrupt bodily systems and increase the likelihood of developing serious health problems. For example, excessive circulation of the stress hormone cortisol in your body can disturb healthy immune function and negatively affect your cardiovascular system, brain, and other organs. Unfortunately, when people have too much stress in their life, they often turn to unhealthy ways of dealing with it; such as using alcohol, recreational or other unproven drugs, or overconsumption of comfort foods to feel better. However, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long-term. The good news is you can adopt some healthy habits to deal with the stressors in your life. Learn to increase your inner calm with these stress-busting tips. 5 Ways to Relieve Stress and Restore Your Inner Calm with GABA 1. Consistent Exercise Regular exercise can lower stress hormones and help you become more resistant to stress over time. Aerobic exercise, sufficient to raise your heart rate for twenty to thirty minutes, is particularly good. When you raise your heart rate through exercise it can increase beta-endorphins, the brain’s own natural morphine, which can boost your mood. It also can increase a brain growth factor known as BDNF, which helps with healthy brain maintenance. The stress-reducing effects of exercise are well-documented. Try a new sport or dance. Go for a run, walk, or bike ride. It’s a good idea to frequently change up activities and to exercise 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week. Enjoy! 2. Just Breathe By using relaxation techniques, you can gain better control over the stress and worry that’s ruining your health and happiness. Deep breathing is an effective therapy that can be done anywhere, anytime! Take deep breaths and let your mind and body start to relax. A simple exercise to reduce stress is breathe in for 8 seconds; hold it for 8 seconds; breathe out for 8 seconds, and then hold it for 8 seconds. Repeat 4 times. Try it. You should feel the difference right away. 3. Solid Connections Never underestimate the importance of being around the right people. The health habits of the people you spend time with may have a dramatic impact on your own health and habits. So, surround yourself with people who are happy, upbeat, and kind. Building and maintaining healthy relationships may help you feel understood and cared for. As you attend to others, you may find that your perspective has changed. When you care for others and feel cared for, your brain releases oxytocin, the “bonding” hormone, which can counteract some of the negative effects of stress. 4. Happy Place Meditation is a very effective way to soothe your mind and help you create a state of deep relaxation. It can stimulate the brain by increasing blood flow to the areas responsible for attention and forethought while calming down the areas that generate frustration and inner turmoil. Clearing your mind and slowing your breathing can help restore inner calm. Choose a haven – a place where you feel comfortable and that you can imagine with all your senses. If it’s the beach, visualize the ocean, feel the sand between your toes, and the warm sun on your skin. Your haven can be any real or imaginary place where you’d like to spend time. Spend at least 20 minutes a day on this refueling, life-changing exercise. You’ll be amazed at the results. 5. Calming Supplements The neurotransmitter most associated with calming effects in the brain is GABA (technically Gamma-AminoButyric Acid). A simple and easy way to ensure you get plenty of GABA is through supplementation. Clinical trials have shown that taking authentic (chemically pure) GABA by mouth can help relieve stress, improve mood and mental sharpness, and generally have calming effects. The blood-brain barrier has transport proteins that move GABA in or out of the brain tissue, to and from the blood vessels that deliver blood to the brain. If you suffer from anxious or negative thoughts or have difficulties entering a relaxed state before bedtime, you might consider taking a high-quality GABA supplement. Calm Your Mind With GABA Supplements GABA Calming Support is a unique combination of clinically proven ingredients that can help you cope with restlessness, irritability, and other challenges associated with occasional anxiety. It can help facilitate the production of calming brain waves, correct stress-causing nutritional deficiencies, and promote relaxation. GABA Calming Support can calm your racing thoughts to help prepare you for sleep. It doesn’t cause drowsiness, so it’s safe to take during the day. This soothing formula includes: GABA – is the body’s main calming neurotransmitter. By slowing the excessive firing of neurons, it supports the body’s natural mechanisms for quieting the mind and gradually falling asleep. L-Theanine – working mainly by way of GABA receptors on nerve cells, l-theanine is an amino acid that has calming and relaxing effects while preserving mental focus, and also improves sleep quality. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – a member of the mint family that has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2000 years, lemon balm helps relieve stress and anxiousness, likely by increasing GABA activity in the brain as well as the activity of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter that promotes mental focus. Magnesium – sometimes called the relaxation mineral, magnesium plays important roles in relaxing mind and body, calming racing thoughts, and promoting overall sleep quality. Research suggests that magnesium’s calming effects are enhanced by vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 – vitamin B6 is required by the brain enzymes that produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which promotes relaxation and enhances mood. This supplement provides B6 as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, its most readily utilized forms. GABA Calming Support boosts GABA to help relax your brainwaves and pump the brakes on anxious and fearful thoughts. As a gentle, natural sleep aid, it has helped countless people transition from an agitated awake state into a restful sleep state. And it can help you too! Try GABA Calming Support today so you can relax and prepare for restorative sleep tonight! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about GABA Calming Support and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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How to Naturally Increase GABA for Better Sleep
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a natural, mental, and physical “off” switch to downshift your brain and body at the end of the day? In these stressful times, relaxation and restful sleep are more important than ever to well-being. If you’re feeling stressed out or are unable to unwind, instead of turning to a glass of wine, refined carbohydrates – or worse, prescription medication – consider healthier ways to unlock your body’s natural ability to remain calm. One healthy way to promote R&R is to get more of the amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) into your diet through foods or supplementation. Think of GABA as a calm balm for both the mind and body. Here’s how it works. GABA for Sleep and Relaxation GABA is naturally produced within the body, where it functions as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are the brain’s messengers, which move from one neuron to another to relay information. Some neurotransmitters induce activity while others inhibit activity. GABA is the key inhibitory transmitter of the brain. What does that mean? GABA helps to slow down your brain’s neuron activity and decreases activity in the central nervous system. In other words, it helps to calm worrisome, ruminating thoughts, as well as balance mood, alleviate painful sensations and relax the body. Supporting healthy sleep with GABA supplementation has gained traction in recent years. What the Research Says Though research on GABA supplementation and sleep is limited, some scientific studies indicate promising results. One study showed that subjects who took GABA fell asleep more quickly and enjoyed better sleep quality. GABA has mild relaxation properties that support a balanced mood and restful sleep. Lower activity of this neurotransmitter in some brain regions has been linked to mood challenges, difficulties with self-control, and excessive worry. How to Increase GABA You can eat GABA-rich foods and/or take GABA supplements to help support your body’s ability to unwind. GABA Foods The best way to get GABA in your diet is to eat an abundance of the plant foods that contain GABA. What’s more, the foods that contain GABA are also highly nutritious. You’ll be supporting your overall health and your body’s relaxation mechanisms at the same time! GABA-rich foods include cruciferous vegetables, beans, peas, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, sprouted grains, rice (particularly brown rice), and chestnuts. Also, enjoy fermented foods (kefir, yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, etc.) and oolong and white teas, which all naturally contain GABA. GABA Supplements A simple and easy way to ensure you get plenty of GABA is through supplementation. If you have difficulties entering a relaxed state before bedtime, you might consider taking GABA. GABA Calming Support GABA Calming Support is a unique combination of clinically proven ingredients that can help you cope with restlessness, irritability, and other challenges associated with occasional anxiety. This formula can help calm your racing thoughts to help prepare you for sleep; it doesn’t cause drowsiness, so it’s safe to take during the day. It includes: GABA – by slowing the excessive firing of neurons, it supports the body’s natural mechanisms for quieting the mind and gradually falling asleep. L-Theanine – working mainly by way of GABA receptors on nerve cells, this unique amino acid can have calming and relaxing effects while preserving mental focus. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – a member of the mint family that has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2000 years, lemon balm increases GABA activity in the brain as well as the activity of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter that promotes mental focus. Magnesium – sometimes called the relaxation mineral, magnesium plays important roles in mind and body relaxation, the calming of racing thoughts, and in promoting overall sleep quality. Vitamin B6 – also known as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, vitamin B6 helps the brain produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps promote relaxation and enhance mood. This formula can help facilitate the production of calming brain waves, correct stress-causing nutritional deficiencies, and promote relaxation. GABA Calming Support is a natural sleep aid that has helped countless people get quality sleep and can help you too! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about GABA Calming Support and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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Struggling with a Vitamin B6 Deficiency?
Do you struggle with a low mood? Are you challenged with irritability? Do you worry frequently? Are you feeling fatigued? If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, it is possible that you are experiencing a vitamin B6 deficiency. Previously thought to be relatively rare in the United States, research conducted at Tufts University has demonstrated that vitamin B6 deficiency is much more common than previously thought. The B vitamin family is made up of eight B vitamins, each of which performs unique and important functions. Additionally, these important vitamins are water-soluble. Since they are eliminated in urine, we require a continuous daily supply in our diet as our bodies cannot store it. Otherwise, it is important to supplement to ensure sufficient intake. Many people are surprised to learn about the critical role that vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays in their health. It is important in the production of such critical neurotransmitters as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, GABA – which help improve mood – and melatonin, a hormone that supports your natural body clock. Additionally, vitamin B6 is essential for at least 100 enzymes that help the body utilize amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. It is also vital for early brain development and for supporting the body’s innate antioxidant defenses. B vitamins, including vitamin B6, also help support adrenal function and help calm and maintain a healthy nervous system. Although vitamin B6 is found in a variety of foods – like leafy green vegetables, chickpeas, tuna, beans, beef, liver, and bananas – there is growing evidence which suggests that the systemic inflammation underlying most chronic diseases may impair vitamin B6 metabolism. Therefore, BrainMD Health is proud to utilize the two chemical forms of vitamin B6 that are most fully absorbed and utilized. Two of the products where these special forms of vitamin B6 can be found are Serotonin Mood Support and GABA Calming Support. If you are interested in trying a supplement that promotes a tranquil mind and body while supporting your vitamin B6 levels, give Serotonin Mood Support or GABA Calming Support a try. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!
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4 of the Best Ways to Calm Anxious Thoughts
In today’s ever-changing, fast-paced world, we’re faced with a variety of responsibilities and stress on a daily basis – there’s no escaping it! For many, it can be difficult to cope with everyday situations and experience peace, calm and happiness. See if any of these questions apply to you: Do you often feel overwhelmed? Is it difficult to relax? Does your mind race with anxious or stressful thoughts? Do you find yourself being irritable with those around you? Is it hard to handle life’s ups and downs? If so, you are not alone! When you calm your mind, you’re much less likely to overreact to the inevitable frustrations of life AND you can begin to experience clarity, happiness and a sense of wellbeing. Much easier said than done, though, right? Some of the tools that can help you cope with daily stress are things like exercising, eating right, getting plenty of sleep, meditating, and nurturing relationships with positive people. However, adding a supplement containing nutrients that help act as the biochemical “brakes” your brain needs to slow down your anxious or fretful thoughts can be a huge help. As you will learn in this short video featuring Dr. Amen and BrainMD’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Parris Kidd, BrainMD Health’s GABA Calming Support [insert link] is made up of several potent nutrients that support a healthy response to everyday stress and promote relaxation and a tranquil body and mind, naturally. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_HOp1jIZgg “Taming your anxious thoughts is integral to good quality of life. GABA Calming Support supports your body’s own mechanisms for achieving a calm, relaxed state.”– Daniel G. Amen, MD Here’s what you get with GABA Calming Support: GABA - Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter widely distributed throughout the brain that regulates brain excitability by inhibiting excessive firing of neurons, resulting in a sense of calm. Supplementing with GABA can help flip the "off" switch on worrisome, ruminating thoughts by supporting the body’s natural mechanism for quieting the mind. Additionally, GABA has mild relaxation properties and can enhance mood and support sleep. Lemon Balm - a member of the mint family and has been used as a medicinal herb in Southern Europe for many years. It has been attributed as a calming agent with mild sedative effects and is often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Research suggests that lemon balm may inhibit GABA transaminase, the main enzyme that breaks down GABA, therefore ensuring the brain maintains a healthy supply. Magnesium - Known as "the relaxation mineral," magnesium plays an important role in muscle relaxation, energy production, and the de-activation of adrenaline. Research suggests that magnesium’s calming properties are enhanced when taken with Vitamin B6. Magnesium may also help to correct stress-causing nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin essential in the production of such critical neurotransmitters as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, GABA – which help improve mood -- and melatonin, a hormone that supports your natural body clock. It is required by the nervous system and is needed for normal brain function as well as DNA synthesis. Stay calm, cool and even-keeled with BrainMD Health’s GABA Calming Support.
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