GABA And Testosterone Levels: Does GABA Increase Testosterone Levels?
GABA And Testosterone Levels
You might have heard about some of the many benefits of GABA and are wondering if there might also be a link between GABA and testosterone levels.
This article is going to look at how GABA can increase human growth hormone and can also indirectly increase testosterone levels.
Its importance is such that GABA is found in a number of health supplements and is being talked about as a natural stress reliever.
GABA actually stands for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and is something you shouldn’t miss out on if you’re trying to boost your testosterone levels. What links GABA and testosterone? Let’s find out!
What is Gaba?
GABA is a neurotransmitter that your brain uses for sending messages between its different parts and the rest of the body’s nerves.
The main role of GABA is inhibitory i.e. it reduces the activity of neurons.
It also plays an important role in cognition, behavior and the body’s response to stress. Research has shown that GABA helps in controlling fear when the neurons become overexcited.
Dangerously low levels of GABA can cause depression, anxiety, and other sleep disorders.
GABA and Testosterone Levels
Researchers have found that GABA controls the synthesis of Human Growth Hormone, and once in the bloodstream it can help stimulate the testes to manufacture more testosterone.
It is also known that boosting testosterone will increase Human Growth Hormone showing how these hormones work together synergistically to have positive effects on the body.
Research has proven that taking GABA supplements can result in a 400% increase in GH when taken before a workout and a 200% increase when taken after a workout.
And as mentioned in my article on Human Growth Hormone Stimulators one of the benefits of boosting HGH is that it burns FAT which is a big testosterone killer.
GABA also reduces anxiety and promotes sleep, which are the two ideal ingredients for increasing testosterone levels. GABA has often be referred to as nature’s valium because of its stress reducing properties.
If you are looking to increase your testosterone levels then you should definitely try to increase the intake of GABA in your diet.
Studies on GABA
By now, you might be wondering whether there are any studies which show the relationship between GABA and testosterone and any studies to show that it can increase growth hormone.
Well, the following are some studies which show this relationship. Some studies show that GABA increases testosterone levels while other studies show that enhancing testosterone levels improve GABA levels in the body.
We will also look at how GABA is proven to increase human growth hormone. So let’s have a look at these studies:
1)A study was done way back in 1980 to find the effects of GABA on growth hormone. In order to see whether GABA induces the release of GH, the researchers studied the levels of GH after the administration of GABA. In order to confirm that the increase in GH level was due to GABA and not something else, the researchers also administered some drugs that could block the action of GABA.
In about 9 subjects, the administration of GABA led to an increase in the GH levels. However, anti-GABA drugs decreased the GH elevation caused by GABA. The findings of this study clearly show that GABA leads to an increase in growth hormone.
2) Another study was done to find the effect of repeated administration of GABA on growth hormone. In the study, about 5g of GABA was administered to 19 subjects and their blood samples were taken about 3 hours before and after GABA administration. The placebo drug was given to 18 subjects who served as controls.
It was found that GABA led to an elevation in plasma growth hormone levels. The results of the study clearly indicate that GABA affects Growth Hormone in a positive way. To see this study click here.
3) A study was done in 2008 to find out the effect of ingestion of GABA at rest and after exercise. The main purpose of the study was to find whether the ingestion of GABA stimulates the GH levels. About 11 men participated in the double-blinded study. During each of the experimental sessions, participants were given either 3g of GABA or sucrose (placebo) between the resting and exercising sessions.
The blood samples were obtained about 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 minutes after the ingestion of GABA for evaluation of Growth Hormone Levels. It was found that, at rest, GABA ingestion increased GH levels by 400%. Exercise increased GH levels even further. To see this study click here.
4) A study was done in November 2000 by researcher GL Jackson and his colleagues to find the effect of GABA on the testosterone releasing hormone, the luteinizing hormone. Sheep were used as a test subject in the study. In the study, rams were infused with a GABA-like drug, baclofen.
The results of the blood samples showed that GABA had a positive effect on the Luteinizing hormone.
5) There was one certain study done in May 2003 on rats to find the effects of testosterone treatment on GABA receptors. In the study, the rats were given about one, three or five testosterone-filled sailastic capsules and the results were found after 6 and 14 days.
The results of the study showed that testosterone treatment after 14 days enhanced the GABA receptors.
How to Increase GABA Intake?
It is now clear that GABA can help to increase HGH and testosterone levels. So now you might be wondering how to increase GABA in the body. The following are some ways to increase the intake of GABA:
Eat Foods High In Glutamic Acid –There are many foods which are high in glutamic acid and can increase GABA in the brain. These foods include almonds, banana, beef, oats, potatoes, spinach, walnuts, brown rice, beef liver, and whole grains.
Exercise Regularly –Exercise increases the levels of all neurotransmitters. When a person exercises, he gets a euphoric feeling which is attributed to the increase in endorphins. There are a couple of studies which show that yoga helps in increasing GABA levels with an increase of 27% after a one-hour session. You can also do other exercises because they will all have a positive influence on GABA.
Consume Valerian Root Tea – The University of Maryland Medical Center states that valerian root has the ability to increase the GABA concentration in the brain. To make valerian tea, bring a cup of tea to a boil. Then add 1 tsp. of valerian root and allow the tea to steep. After that, strain the mixture and consume the tea about two to three times every day.
Boost Vitamin B6 Intake –There is a link between Vitamin B6 and GABA intake. When Vitamin B6 levels are high in the body, then GABA intake increases and vice versa. To increase Vitamin B6 intake, eat foods like beef, citrus fruits, poultry, and vegetables or take a good quality B Vitamin Complex Supplement.
