- Tension and Stress Control
When
brain experiences an abundance of
nervous tension and stress, it can
be caused by a surplus of
norepinephrine or epinephrine
(adrenaline). To neutralize this
extra adrenaline, the brain produces
neurotransmitters, one of which is
GABA, that have
inhibitory effects upon the nervous
system.
The following diagrams explain how
the brain uses GABA to calm
excessive nervous tension and
stress. The diagrams will also show
the effect barbiturates,
benzodiazepines and alcohol can have
on the same brain cells.
Please Note: The
two inner rings are receptors for
other neurotransmitters that have
not yet been scientifically
identified. But scientists have
discovered that the two inner rings
are sensitive to external source
substances or chemicals, such as
benzodiazepines, barbiturates and
alcohol.These external substances
attach to the GABA receptor site
like neurotransmitters, and can have
an effect on the brain similarly to
their respective neurotransmittesrs.
However, when an external source
substance is used to take the place
of a natural internal substance for
an extended period of time, the body
begins to reduce production of those
natural chemicals. This can create a
deficieny in these naturally
occuring chemicals.
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that in
a precursor to GABA. Using a
nutritional supplement that contains
L-Glutamine along with a balanced
diet can support the natural
replenishment of GABA, as well as
other neurotransmitters.
Think of the GABA receptor complex as a round object, like a donut, consisting of three rings, and a center.
-
Center Opening: Chloride
Channel
Chloride neutralizes norepinephrine, thereby calming stress and nervousness. If any two of the rings fill with their respective chemicals, they will cause the 'donut' to tighten, widening the chloride channel to allow more chloride into the brain to neutralize the adrenaline. -
Outer Ring: GABA
Sensitive Ring
As the brain produces GABA, the molecules attach to the GABA Ring -
Second Neurotransmitter
Ring: Also sensitive to
benzodiazepines
Other neurotransmitters and benzodiazepine molecules attach to the middle ring, which can also assist in opening the chloride channel. -
Third Neurotransmitter
Ring: Also sensitive to
barbiturates and alcohol
Other neurotransmitters, barbiturate and alcohol molecules attach to the inner ring, which can also assist in opening the chloride channel.
GABA
- the Chloride
Channel
Diagram Two: GABA and The Chloride Channel
As the GABA Sensitive Ring and either the Second or Third Neurotransmitter rings begin to fill with their respective molecules, they tighten the whole GABA complex, thereby widening the chloride channel to allow more chloride to enter. Since chloride neutralizes norepinephrine, this process can calm excessive nervousness, tension, and stress.
Since the Second and Third Neurotransmitter Rings are sensitive to external source substances such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates and alcohol, these external substances can cause the Chloride Channel to open, thereby assisting in the neutralizing of additional adrenaline.
However, prolonged use of any external substances that cause the GABA complex to widen without the natural production of GABA, can eventually send the message to the brain that GABA is no longer needed. The brain doesn't produce neurotransmitters to store, rather it produces them for immediate use. Therefore, if the brain continues to receive the message that GABA is not needed to widen the chloride channel, the brain may finally slow down the GABA production, thereby creating a deficiency.
It takes at least two of the rings filling with molecules to tighten the whole complex. The amino acid L-Glutamine is a precursor to GABA. Therefore, an amino acid supplement containing L-Glutamine can nutritionally support the natural production of GABA.