Feeling anxious? You’re not alone. Anxiety is a significant issue in the United States, impacting a substantial portion of the population. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the U.S., affecting approximately 40 million adults, or about 18.1% of the population. The prevalence of anxiety is not limited to adults; the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that anxiety disorders often manifest during childhood, with approximately 31.9% of adolescents aged 13-18 experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point.
While many treatment options are available through prescription, some people are turning to over-the-counter supplements like GABA to address their anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore and compare two high-quality GABA supplements, Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count and Thorne PharmaGABA-100, to help you make an informed purchase decision.
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Keep Calm and Maximize Your Focus With the Best GABA Supplement for Anxiety: Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count vs. Thorne PharmaGABA-100 is an original (LimitlessMindNews) article.
Best GABA supplement for anxiety:
Understanding anxiety
Before delving into treatment options, let’s take a deep look at what anxiety is and what causes it. Anxiety is a natural and adaptive response, a survival mechanism that alerts us to potential threats and prepares us to react appropriately. However, in some instances, this essential function of anxiety takes a turn, leading to chronic, excessive, or disproportionate responses. This deviation from the norm results in what we commonly refer to as anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions, each characterized by a persistent and intense sense of apprehension, fear, or worry. The presentation of these disorders is diverse, with symptoms that may vary from person to person. But there are some common threads that unite these experiences.
Excessive worry is a hallmark symptom, an ever-present companion for people contending with anxiety. Spanning various aspects of life, the spectrum of concern extends far and wide, often to scenarios and circumstances that pose no immediate threat. Restlessness is another telltale sign, leading to feelings of constant tension and edginess.
Irritability is often observed in those grappling with anxiety, making interpersonal relationships more challenging. Anxiety can also manifest physically, with symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, trembling, and stomach discomfort. Sleep disturbances frequently accompany anxiety, causing insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
Understanding the roots of anxiety disorders is a complex task, as they often emerge from a myriad of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. A genetic predisposition, with a family history of anxiety disorders, can heighten your susceptibility to such conditions.
Trauma plays a significant role as well, with the aftermath of traumatic experiences often leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders. Stress, whether stemming from work, personal relationships, or other sources, can be a significant catalyst.
Brain chemistry, including imbalances in neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, can play a pivotal role in the development of anxiety disorders. Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or excessive worry, may also increase someone’s vulnerability to anxiety.
Traditional prescription medications are well-established in treating and managing anxiety, particularly in cases where the condition is severe or significantly impairs daily functioning. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often prescribed as first-line options. SSRIs, such as sertraline and escitalopram, work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety. SNRIs like venlafaxine target both serotonin and norepinephrine, offering an alternative for those who don’t respond well to SSRIs alone.
Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam and diazepam, are another class of medications that provide rapid relief from anxiety symptoms. However, they are typically used for short-term treatment due to their potential for dependence. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, may be prescribed to control physical symptoms of anxiety, like tremors and an elevated heart rate. These medications are effective tools in managing anxiety, but they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, who can determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your unique needs and circumstances.
Best GABA supplement for anxiety:
GABA, a potential alternative
In lieu of traditional treatment methods, some choose to use GABA supplements. To understand how they work, it is important to examine what GABA is and how it affects the body.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is a crucial neurotransmitter in the human brain and central nervous system. It plays a significant role in maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition, serving as an essential regulator of neuronal activity. GABA’s primary function is to inhibit and calm, acting as a counterbalance to excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. This balance is vital for proper brain function and overall mental well-being.
GABA operates by binding to specific GABA receptors on the surface of neurons, where it exerts its inhibitory effects. By doing so, it suppresses nerve signals and inhibits the transmission of impulses. This process is instrumental in reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and inducing a state of tranquility within the brain.
However, GABA’s influence isn’t confined to the brain alone; it extends to various bodily functions. GABA is instrumental in regulating muscle tone, helping to prevent muscle spasms, and maintaining healthy muscular function. Additionally, GABA plays a role in regulating blood pressure through vasodilation, which involves the widening of blood vessels. This multifaceted impact underscores the systemic importance of GABA throughout the body.
Supplementing with GABA has gained increasing attention for its potential benefits to mental and physical health. One of the most notable advantages of GABA supplementation is its potential for anxiety management. By leveraging its inhibitory properties, GABA can effectively calm the mind and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress, offering a potential natural remedy for those seeking relief from these challenges.
GABA’s role in relaxation and calming the nervous system also extends to improving sleep quality. Some people find that GABA supplements help them fall asleep faster and experience more restful sleep, making it a promising option for those dealing with sleep disturbances.
GABA can also play a role in stress management. By reducing the physiological and psychological responses to stressors, GABA may enhance overall resilience, helping people navigate challenging situations more effectively.
Moreover, as a key neurotransmitter, GABA has the potential to influence mood regulation. For people grappling with symptoms of depression or mood disorders, GABA supplementation may offer some relief and contribute to a better emotional balance.
GABA’s role in muscle tone and relaxation is not limited to its calming effects on the brain. It can also be beneficial for those experiencing muscle tension or spasms, offering a potential natural solution for addressing these issues.
GABA’s impact on vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, holds promise for those dealing with high blood pressure. By helping regulate blood pressure, GABA may assist in managing hypertension and promoting cardiovascular health.
Now that we have a better understanding of anxiety and how supplementing with GABA may help mitigate it, we can evaluate Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count and Thorne PharmaGABA-100 across several categories.
Best GABA supplement for anxiety:
Ingredient quality
Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count and Thorne PharmaGABA-100 share a strong commitment to ingredient quality by utilizing natural ingredients and maintaining gluten-free formulations. Both brands prioritize the use of natural, minimally processed components, reflecting a dedication to clean and wholesome dietary options. By maintaining gluten-free formulations, these two companies acknowledge the growing importance of catering to various dietary requirements, particularly for those with gluten sensitivities.
Furthermore, the companies produce their supplements in USDA-approved facilities within the United States. This shows a commitment to adhering to stringent quality standards, enhancing safety, and supporting local production in the USA. These practices exemplify a dedication to delivering high-quality supplements to a diverse and health-conscious consumer base. In this category, they are tied.
Best GABA supplement for anxiety:
Number of quality ingredients
Thorne PharmaGABA-100 prides itself on its minimalistic ingredient list, which includes magnesium citrate as one of its key components. Magnesium citrate is a compound that combines magnesium with citric acid. Magnesium, a crucial mineral in the human body, plays a vital role in maintaining overall nervous system health. When included in a GABA supplement like Thorne PharmaGABA-100, magnesium citrate contributes to the relaxation and calming effects of the supplement. It achieves this by promoting the regulation of neurotransmitters and receptors involved in stress response, reinforcing the calming properties of GABA.
Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count stands out for its comprehensive blend of ingredients, including apigenin, luteolin, resveratrol, ashwagandha, niacin (vitamin B3), and magnesium, all of which work in harmony to enhance the effects of this GABA supplement. Apigenin and luteolin, which are natural compounds found in herbs and plants, act as powerful anxiolytics by binding to GABA receptors in the brain and facilitating GABA’s calming influence. Resveratrol, a potent antioxidant found in red grapes, can further promote relaxation and protect neurons from oxidative stress, complementing the anxiety-reducing properties of GABA.
Ashwagandha, a renowned adaptogenic herb, contributes to stress reduction, while niacin (vitamin B3) and magnesium play pivotal roles in supporting a balanced nervous system. Niacin is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis and overall brain health, while magnesium promotes muscle relaxation and helps regulate GABA receptors. Together, these ingredients create a synergistic effect, making Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count a holistic and effective GABA supplement for those seeking comprehensive anxiety and stress management.
In terms of the number of quality ingredients, Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count is the clear winner.
Best GABA supplement for anxiety:
Price
Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count and Thorne PharmaGABA-100 are both high-quality supplements with reasonable prices, making them accessible choices for people seeking anxiety and stress management solutions. However, it’s worth noting that Thorne PharmaGABA-100 stands out as the more cost-effective option, priced at $29, whereas Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count is available for $39.99. This price differential makes Thorne PharmaGABA-100 a more budget-friendly choice for those looking for a GABA supplement that delivers value without compromising on quality.
Best GABA supplement for anxiety:
Which is better?
While Thorne PharmaGABA-100 undeniably offers a high-quality GABA supplement at a slightly lower price, Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count emerges as the superior choice for those seeking comprehensive anxiety relief. Levium’s formula contains a rich blend of high-quality ingredients, including apigenin, luteolin, resveratrol, ashwagandha, niacin, and magnesium, each with its unique benefits for anxiety and stress management. The slightly higher cost of $10 for Levium Premium Liquid 12-Count becomes negligible when you consider the value it delivers in terms of a more robust and multi-faceted approach to combating anxiety.
With this wealth of carefully selected ingredients, Levium offers users a broader spectrum of potential benefits, making it the top choice for those prioritizing comprehensive anxiety relief and overall well-being.
Best GABA supplement for anxiety:
Building an anxiety plan
Supplementing with GABA can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety, but it’s important to remember that a holistic approach to anxiety relief involves not only supplements but also dietary and lifestyle changes. These changes can significantly contribute to reducing anxiety and enhancing your overall well-being.
In terms of dietary changes, adopting a balanced diet rich in whole foods is essential. This should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients for mental and physical health. Nutrient deficiencies can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, so ensuring that your diet is nutritionally sound is key. Limiting or eliminating caffeine and refined sugar can also be beneficial, as both can contribute to nervousness, restlessness, and energy fluctuations, which can exacerbate anxiety. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) and flaxseeds, can have a calming effect on the nervous system and help reduce anxiety.
In terms of lifestyle changes, engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety naturally. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones, helping to improve mood and alleviate stress. Practicing mindfulness techniques, like meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you manage stress and promote relaxation. These methods encourage you to stay present and reduce rumination on anxious thoughts.
Ensuring you get enough quality sleep is crucial for anxiety management, as sleep deprivation can exacerbate anxiety. Reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco can be immensely beneficial, as both substances can exacerbate anxiety and trigger symptoms. Building a strong support network and maintaining close connections with friends and family can provide emotional support during challenging times. Open communication and sharing your feelings can further alleviate the burden of anxiety. Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as time management, setting realistic goals, and addressing stressors head-on, can help prevent anxiety from becoming overwhelming.
While GABA supplements can be valuable in anxiety management, their efficacy can be enhanced when combined with these dietary and lifestyle changes. It’s essential to remember that what works best for one person may not work for another, so a personalized approach, potentially in consultation with a healthcare professional, is key to finding the right balance for managing anxiety naturally.
Further Reading:
American Medical Association: What doctors wish patients knew about managing anxiety disorders
MindBodyGreen: The Research On GABA & Sleep: How Much To Take + How It Works
Livestrong: What Is the GABA Dosage for Severe Anxiety?
Cleveland Clinic: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): What It Is, Function & Benefits
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry: The Role of GABA in Anxiety Disorder
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
