Luckily, there are ways to increase GABA and balance glutamate through various medications and lifestyle changes.
Drugs That Alter GABA
Several drugs currently on the market alter brain activity of GABA.
Many have been tested and/or used as FMS treatments, but less so for ME/CFS.
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These drugs are called agonists.
They don’t causeneurotransmitterlevels to rise but instead increase activity by stimulating receptors.
GABA agonists include:
Could Yoga Increase GABA?
Yogais generally believed to be calming.
Research suggests that it might increase GABA in the brain.
However, more research is still needed.
Synthetic GABA
A synthetic form of GABA is available as a supplement.
What causes excessive glutamate?
The precise cause of high glutamate is unclear.
It can occur because the body releases too much of it or glutamate receptors do not function properly.
It is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and Huntington’s disease.
The low-glutamate diet consists of healthy, whole foods that are low in glutamate and aspartate.
Aspartame, hydrolyzed proteins, and gelatin contain aspartate and should also be avoided.
However, supplements that come in capsules typically contain gelatin, which should be avoided.
Opt for real food sources or liquid supplements.
What happens if glutamate levels are too high?
An excess of glutamate can overexcite nerve cells.
Remember that evennatural treatmentscan have serious side effects.
Other neurotransmitters that are implicated in these conditions includeserotonin,norepinephrine, anddopamine.
Treatments include GABA-modulating drugs, dietary changes, and low-glutamate diets.
Some supplements and yoga may also help.
2010;17(Suppl 1):S5-.
PMID: 26733784; PMCID: PMC4679930.
