LONGEVITY with Nathalie Niddam Episode #185: Unlocking the Secrets of the GABA Neurotransmitter with Dr. Scott Sherr
Why is GABA, a neurotransmitter that's vital for regulating our feelings, emotions, thoughts, and experiences, often overlooked in the world of neuroscience?
In this episode of the Biohacking Superhuman podcast, I ponder this question with Dr. Scott Sherr, a repeat guest, who unravels the mystery surrounding GABA’s key role in our mental well-being. We venture into the complex labyrinth of the GABA system, elucidating its significance in controlling the firing of neurons, its connection to a leaky blood-brain barrier, and the implications for those of us entrenched in the hustle and bustle of life.
Dr. Sherr and I also put under the microscope the intriguing world of supplements and drugs. We peel back the layers on how they interact with the GABA system and the potential mental health risks they harbor. From the influences of alcohol, Xanax, barbiturates, and sleep drugs on the GABA system to natural alternatives, we left no stone unturned. Moreover, if you're on SSRIs, you might find our explorations on supporting the GABA system and rebalancing emotions, thoughts, and feelings very enlightening.
In the concluding part of our conversation, we touch upon the intriguing effects of nicotinol GABA, THC, and CBD. We assess the potential benefits of Trozzy, an innovative sleep aid supplement. As the saying goes, 'Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.' Therefore, we also shed light on the importance of good sleep habits and natural ways to enhance the GABA system. Join us for this exciting conversation with Dr. Sherr, and get a deeper understanding of how to optimize your brain's functioning and mental health.
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Website: https://troscriptions.com/ and https://home-sf.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drscottsherr/
What we discuss:
(0:00:03) - GABA’s Importance in Brain Function
(0:04:00) - Exploring Gaba and the Blood-Brain Barrier
(0:10:55) - Understanding the GABA System
(0:22:38) - GABA Compounds' Impact on Mental Health
(0:27:36) - SSRIs and the GABA System
(0:33:13) - GABA's Effects on the Brain
(0:47:37) - THC/CBD Impact on GABA System
(0:51:19) - Introducing Trozzie
(0:58:42) - Enhancing GABA System and Sleep Habits
Key takeaways:
- About 20% of our neurotransmission is GABA. While GABA is all over the brain, they're also in a place that are called interneurons. Interneurons are these waystations between neurons that help regulate the processing of information, both downwards and upwards. This is extremely important for how we regulate our emotions, how we regulate our feelings, how we regulate our interactions with other people, and then how we process our thoughts, how we process our experiences, both in the now and also in the past and the future.
- We may not realize it, but a lot of us are actually GABA deficient. GABA deficiency is a big deal because it's associated with depression, anxiety, and compulsive disorder. It's potentially contributing to things like schizophrenia, mental illness, and alcoholism.
- We know that SSRIs work on some level to help with mood regulation. However, they do not work right away. It requires anywhere from four to eight weeks for the antidepressant effects to kick in. On the other hand, GABA compounds work right away and elevates your mood.