Stress is both psychological and physiological. But one secret to treating it lies in your brain. Stress and anxiety supplements (at least the ones I’m going to talk about here) work by altering your brain waves, as seen on an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Stress and anxiety trigger extreme internal changes that can negatively impact physical and mental health as well as quality of life. Whether the stressor is internal (worry about job loss) or external (being chased by a dog), the body’s reaction is the same, resulting in profound physiological changes. Common triggers include work, relationships, money, childhood trauma, drugs or alcohol, illness, lack of sleep or exercise (as well as too much exercise), and even genetics.
WHAT WORKS
Note: Taking an antistress supplement along with prescription medications for stress, anxiety, or depression may cause potentially dangerous drug interactions, so always check with your doctor or pharmacist. Also, sudden withdrawal from any supplement or drug that reduces stress or anxiety as well as your blood pressure, such as beta blockers, may be dangerous because it can cause a dramatic increase in blood pressure or heart rate; always taper off gradually over several weeks.
1. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) 50 to 200 milligrams a day
This amino acid is prescribed as a drug in many parts of the world, but in the United States it’s considered a dietary supplement. GABA is a naturally occurring brain neurotransmitter, but it’s also found elsewhere in the body. GABA dietary supplements increase alpha-wave activity and decrease beta-wave activity—which is proof that it works to promote relaxation but maintain concentration—and may reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
In preliminary studies, daily doses of only 50 to 200 milligrams have been shown to be effective (taken with or without food). Once I had an A-list friend (no name dropping here) call me before a big speech in New York City. It was one of the most important events of his career, and he was understandably nervous. He didn’t want to take a prescription drug because it would make him too relaxed and drowsy, reducing his ability to focus. I told him about GABA (and theanine, the next supplement) and he took it. I found out later it was the best speech of the night!
Researchers haven’t documented the side effects, including drug interactions, of this supplement very well because the studies haven’t been long term. I’m always concerned about drug interaction and dependency with antistress products, so check with your local pharmacist about any new concerns. Although GABA does help promote a sense of calm alertness, it also could lead to drowsiness in some people.
MOYAD FACT: Many companies are trying to add GABA to foods. One clinical trial using 28 milligrams of GABA in chocolate found it worked quickly—as little as 30 minutes—to reduce stress (based on salivary testing of stress compounds).
The Supplement Handbook - Mark Moyad
