Supplements are one of the most common interventions that a lot of body builders usually resort to. These supplements help the body in rebuilding the muscles thus producing a well toned and well formed outcome. One of the most common types of supplements used by most bodybuilders is the GABA or the gamma-aminobutyric acid. But what is GABA? Are there such things as GABA side effects?
GABA is definitely a popular choice these days when it comes to uplifting the mood and developing better body figure. GABA is basically a type of neurotransmitter that plays two main purposes in the body. First, it acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which produces more serotonin in the brain. This mainly helps the body prepare for sleep. This is the reason why GABA is also popular amongst insomniacs or people who are having difficulties of falling or maintaining sleep. This extra serotonin production also exhibits better mood results, which is why GABA is also useful as an antidepressant. However, some users feel that GABA does take all the types of feelings and not just the negative ones. This results rather to the feeling of numbness.
Another function of the GABA supplement is that it influences the pituitary gland to release extra growth hormone. This growth hormone is very essential in burning fat, building muscles and fixing wounds. It likewise has a powerful anti aging benefits. These are the reasons why many body builders would resort to the use of GABA. However, the use of growth hormone supplements is considered illegal in some countries like the US and the UK. Aside from this, GABA also induces deep anabolic sleep for the body thus causing muscle building and repairs.
Even though GABA is considered to be a natural component or substance in the body, taking in supplements could still cause or carry various side effects. Most of us would usually assume that dietary supplements are always safe and effective; however, this does not generally apply to all. Since supplements do have medicinal or pharmacologic properties, it is not excluded in having side effects in the body. Nevertheless, when it comes to GABA, only few side effects have been reported with its use. This, however, may be due to the fact that GABA is only studied or tested very little in humans. This lack of examination may have caused the low results in side effects. On the other hand, GABA supplement administered through IV has reported more side effects that the PO route or by mouth. It is said to have caused an unexplained or unpleasant feeling called dysphoria. It is also found out to have side effects in blood pressure, which increases upon taking in the supplement. It can also cause increase in heart rate.
So in case we are planning to use GABA as our supplement, it is better for us to weigh the benefits and the risks first before using such medication. It is even much better for us to inquire from our health care providers with regards to our desire of using the supplement GABA.
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