GABA and alcohol

GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are substances that relay messages in the body across nerves affecting our moods (amongst many other things). GABA, as far as mood goes, deals with messages of relaxation and anti-anxiety.

It has been found that GABA levels rise one hour after drinking alcohol and this may be the reason why we feel more socially acceptable and relaxed after drinking alcohol. GABA receptors (cells that receive messages from GABA) are responsible for the intoxicating effects of alcohol and chronic alcohol use can modify the behaviour of these receptors, causing an addiction. Therefore, supplementation of GABA may help with alcoholism.

I have never taken a GABA supplement. Does anyone have any experience of it? I’ll be intrigued to know if supplementation can bring on feelings of social acceptance.

Thyroid and depression

I’m going to come back and elaborate on this a little more later but I found the following extremely interesting:

‘Our results suggest that nearly 75% of patients with bi-polar disorder have a thyroid profile that may be sub optimal for antidepressant results’ – Cole et al, 2002.

‘We found thyroid auto antibodies in 70% of severely depressed patients’ – Konig et al, 1999.

Tahini salad dressing

Summer’s here! Couldn’t be a better time to post a delicious salad dressing.

1 large tbsp of light tahini
1 clove of garlic, crushed
dash of good quality oil (linseed oil is best, kept in the fridge)
dash of soy sauce or tamari

mix all of these together and then add lemon juice until you achieve your desired consistency. Simple!

Particularly nice with falafel and toasted seeds.