Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health cover image

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

The Role of GABA in Health and Well-Being - Discussion between Dr. Scott Sherr and Dr. Mercola

Dec 12, 2023
Dr. Scott Sherr, Director of Integrative Hyperbaric Medicine and Health Optimization, discusses the role of GABA in health and well-being. They cover topics such as GABA as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, the conversion process from glutamate to GABA, stress hormone's impact on GABA production, and the controversy surrounding GABA's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. They also touch on the importance of aligning sleep with circadian rhythm, the benefits of meditation in increasing CO2 levels, and the significance of proper breathing, CO2 tolerance, and insulin levels.
01:07:09

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • GABA is an important neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the brain, regulating brain activity and essential for learning, memory, and skill acquisition.
  • The production of GABA is influenced by various factors such as nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and leaky gut and brain issues, and supplementing with positive allosteric modulators like Kava, Valerian root, or nicotinyl GABA can enhance GABA production and function effectively and safely.

Deep dives

GABA: The Unsung Neurotransmitter

GABA is an important neurotransmitter that often goes unnoticed compared to more well-known neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. However, GABA plays a crucial role in the brain, acting as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. When balanced with the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, GABA helps regulate brain activity and is essential for learning, memory, and skill acquisition. Deficiencies in GABA have been associated with a range of mental health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and impulsiveness. GABA supplementation, although challenging due to its large molecule size, can be achieved through alternative approaches such as using positive allosteric modulators like Kava, Valerian root, or nicotinyl GABA, which enhance GABA production and function without the risk of addiction or withdrawal.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner