One of my three interviews on The Anxiety Summit 5: Gut-Brain Axis airs on day 1 of the summit. The topic is: GABA & Tryptophan: The Gut-Anxiety Connections. In this interview, I’m interviewed by my colleague and friend Dr. Nicole Beurkens, PhD, and you’ll learn about:
- Low serotonin: fear, overwhelm, gut motility & anorexia
- Low GABA: physical tension, gut & rectal pain, burning mouth
- Blood brain barrier, phenibut, candida & CBD
I start with some background on why a summit on the gut-brain axis, what we don’t know about the incidence of anxiety and the huge increase we are seeing. The big message is that we have growing awareness but no real solutions. This goal of this summit is to create awareness around gut issues as a possible root cause and the growing research in nutritional psychiatry – AND to provide solutions!
We cover some of the basics in case you don’t know anything about GABA and tryptophan. If you’ve been following my work you’re likely going to be familiar with this section.
I cover plenty of new research throughout the interview and we start with 5-HTP as it relates to both gut health and anxiety. We discuss this 2019 paper: Effects of Serotonin and Slow-Release 5-Hydroxytryptophan on Gastrointestinal Motility in a Mouse Model of Depression:
- Administration of 5-HTP SR [slow release] to mice restored [serotonin] to the ENS [enteric nervous system] and normalized GI motility and growth of the enteric epithelium.
- 5-HTP SR [slow release] might be used to treat patients with intestinal dysfunction associated with low levels of 5-HT [serotonin].
This paper doesn’t mention anxiety or depression but we know that serotonin support with 5-HTP or tryptophan addressed this aspect too. And given this, it’s very possible that we could extrapolate some of this research to tryptophan.
We cover motility issues at length in the SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) interviews with Dr. Alison Siebecker and Shivan Sarna – SIBO: Anxiety, Testing, Probiotics and Fecal Transplants (Part 1 and 2). We also talk about the fear and overwhelm factor when starting a new protocol in that interview and in this interview of mine – and how addressing low serotonin helps so much.
We also talk about one of my favorite topics: GABA and the controversial blood-brain-barrier question and point you back to the discussion I have with Dr. Datis Kharrazian in his interview: Fix the Brain to Fix the Gut. Be sure to tune in to that one.
I also share some research on low serotonin and gut health in anorexia; interesting anti-candida properties of serotonin; how CBD can make tryptophan more effective (be sure to tune in to Dr. Hyla Cass’ interview for more on this: Endocannabinoid System and Your Gut); new GABA studies; the phenibut FDA ban; and updates on some possible reasons why one or more of the amino acids don’t work as well as expected when you do the questionnaire, you have all the symptoms, you review the precautions and a do a trial.
I mentioned this is one of 4 interviews I do on the summit. My other 3 interviews cover:
- How Collagen Can Cause Anxiety and Insomnia
- Simple Solutions for Anxiety and Gut Health
- Glutamine, DPA and Tyrosine for Anxiety and Sugar Cravings
Please join us and listen to my interviews and all the others on The Anxiety Summit 5: Gut-Brain Axis.
If you’d like to give feedback or ask a question, please post in the comments section at the bottom.
I’d love to hear from you once you’ve listened in to this interview and the others.
Thank you, Trudy, for the awesome info. Loved the Ann Louise Gittleman session on Bile. Having given up my gall bladder years ago, this is unlocking the key to why I am now having digestive upsets that I can no longer ignore. VERY helpful info on the bitters and GABA and more. I don’t take any prescription meds and love the more natural methods. Have your book on Anxiety Food Solution that I have used for years and good to refresh and review what you told me years ago. Anxious to hear more as days go by. You are my guardian angel!! Thanks, also to Ann. Also have her book, Get the Sugar Out, which is well worn and used regularly. God bless you!
Verdonne
So glad you enjoyed the bile interview – Ann Louise is awesome! I also have her book “Get the Sugar Out” and many others she has written.
And thanks for the very kind words – it’s great to get reminders/refreshers like this because we’re all in different places in our healing journey. I have to admit that I got many ah-ahs while doing these interviews – for myself and for certain clients I’m working with. Hearing things in different contexts and from different perspectives from all these experts help so much because they all have their own experiences and expertise too!
I wish you much digestive healing as you support your bile production!
I couldn’t get the links to gut-anxiety summit. I know it’s been a while since you did them. I just ran across this. GABA and burning mouth got my attention. I have anxiety and GI issues. Would love to hear interview.
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for all your work on ALL of these issues! However, I have a special request: I would love you to address the question of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency- EPI. I have recently been diagnosed and have a fairly complex history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (my thyroid enlarged so much it had to be removed) Insomnia of 10 years+ duration-I was in an abusive relationship and anxiety was a constant during those years. I got out and my anxiety became much less -or expressed itself in other ways- in that I have had constant diarrhoea and I have ended up with these malabsorption issues being diagnosed. I have no recollection of any chronic pancreatitis symptoms but my doc says I must have had it in the past. I was in intense pain with Norovirus a couple of years before my thyroid issues surfaced. I also have the MTHFR A1298A variant. I’d really be interested if you have any thoughts on this as surely I can’t be the only one of your readers to get gut sick and heart and soul sick in this way! I feel that my history of trauma has played a huge part in all of these health issues…
If this is outside of your focus I shall totally understand…
Liz
Liz
We cover much of this in the Anxiety Summit 5: Gut Brain Axis so I encourage you to listen to these interviews at a minimum:
– “Food Sensitivities & Anxiety” – Rodger Murphree, DC, CNS (all enzymes including pancreatic)
– “Why Bile is the Key to Anxiety & Hormone Havoc” – Ann Louise Gittleman (bile and thyroid – some snippets here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/why-bile-is-the-key-to-anxiety-hormone-havoc-with-ann-louise-gittleman-on-the-anxiety-summit-5-gut-brain-axis/)
– “Parasites, Anxiety and TUDCA for Liver drainage” – Jay Davidson, DC, PScD (parasites can trigger thyroid issues and cause diarrhea)
– “MTHFR, B12 Genes and Anxiety” – Carolyn Ledowsky, ND
– “GI MAP Stool Test for Anxiety/Fibromyalgia” – David Brady, ND, DC, CCN, DACBN (Dr Brady talks about trauma in this one)
– “GABA & Tryptophan: The Gut-Anxiety Connections” – Trudy Scott, CN (to help you get some relief from the anxiety quickly)
Working with a good functional medicine practitioner will enable you to unwind and address all the root causes
Links to snippets of all interviews will eventually be added to https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-season-5-articles/ so come back to this
Why are there artificial sweeteners in GABA CALM? I would like to try it but I’m allergic to sweeteners.
Florian
There are no artificial sweeteners in GABA Calm – they are sugar alcohols (which some folks have a challenging time with)
Dear Trudy
I have recently watched your interview in the human longevity project where you explain about the mental conditions connected to GABA and Tryptophan.
My reason for attention to these issues is, that I for more than a decade has (pro bono) assisted persons who has chosen a gastric bypass as a way out of obesity.
I guess that You and I can agree, that the hole idea of performing this kind of surgery is absolutely insane but unfortunately several of my friends has had the surgery done, and they are all now suffering from numerous health obstacles connected to the GBY.
As I see it, the most severe damages are the ones relating to neurological health: Depression for one but also short-term memory loss, anxiety, cramps, loss of night vision, numbness, epilepsy like strokes, not feeling “connected”, loss of oral capabilities, feeling absent among many others.
While I recon deficiencies due the lack of ability to absorb nutrients from fatty foods (Vitamin A, D, E oan K) to be the most troublesome, so far, my assistance has mostly been in the ways of guiding towards a better understanding of the need for a diet, suitable for their damaged gastro-intestinal tract.
Unfortunately: Though I do observe a lot of symptoms indicating vitamin B deficiencies, I haven´t fully gotten to a qualified understandings of GBY patients mental and neurological issues. Usually blood tests only prove vitamin B12 deficiencies, and for most this particular vitamin is given intravenously on a regular basis.
Without scientific proof, I suspect that GBY-patients might face irregular supply of vitamin B and that this could cause neurological issues, but this is my own thesis. Your mentioning of the Tryptophan / B6 connection left me sleepless ( 🙂 ), and now I wonder, if I could I possibly ask You to elaborate on your experiences with GBY-patients?
Mogens
Glad you enjoyed my interview on the Human Longevity project!
Thanks for the work you do in this area. You are correct there is much evidence about the nutritional deficiencies that are caused especially B12. Here is one study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3741944/ “following gastric bypass surgery, many patients develop chronic anemia, most commonly due to iron deficiency. Deficiencies of vitamins B1, B12, folate, A, K, D, and E and copper have also been reported after surgery. Copper deficiency can cause hematological abnormalities with or without neurological complications. Despite oral supplementation and normal serum concentrations of iron, copper, folate, and vitamin B12, some patients present with persistent anemia after surgery.”
There is also the mood aspect and neurotransmitter imbalances that likely drive the overeating/binge eating leading to obesity and the need for surgery. This study doesn’t recognize this fact but reports anxiety/depression/binge eating before and after bariatric surgery https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6050001/. This paper does make the low serotonin connection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3562999/ “Food intake and body weight are regulated by a complex system of neural and hormonal signals, of which the anorexigenic neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is central.”
For everyone I work with regardless of the diagnosis, if they have anxiety/depression/cravings (or binge eating) we assess for low levels of GABA and tryptophan and do trials of the amino acids
Hope you’ll join us on the summit to learn more about the amino acids and the gut-brain connections. We don’t cover obesity and bariatric surgery in this summit but the gut-brain connections are there: “Emerging evidence suggests the human gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem residing in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), may influence weight-gain through several inter-dependent pathways including energy harvesting, short-chain fatty-acids (SCFA) signalling, behaviour modifications, controlling satiety and modulating inflammatory responses within the host” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6052131/
This was one of the best organized summits I have attended with a wealth of information on the much needed subject of anxiety
My question is for a friend whose 15 yr old has DM1 with increasing levels of social anxiety and was put on Effexor. Would he be a good candidate for 120 Mg of source natural GABA while taking the Effexor, and for that matter Are there any contraindications to taking GABA and tryptophan?
Sandy
Thanks for your kind words!
I would have them look into pyroluria for social anxiety https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/ and have them look into nutritional socultions (diet and supplements) so they can have him taper off the Effexor (with the doctor’s approval). Tell them about the summit!
Thank you so much for all of the information you provide! My daughter has suffered from extreme anxiety since age 10, she is now 18. She can’t live a normal life. She can’t hold a job or go to college. She gets very angry at times and can be violent once in that rage. She can’t sleep. She has been on pharmaceutical drugs and nothing has helped. We are now seeing a functional doctor and I ran across your blog. Should she try Tryptophan or another amino acid? She is very weary on trying anything new unless a doctor tells her to take it in fear that she would be allergic. I am trying everything to help her but I’ve exhausted everything. She is currently gluten free. Her tests show low cortisol, high testosterone, her red blood count was high, she’s ANA positive. She’s currently on liquid B vitamins, magnesium, Acetyl L carnitine, Probiotic pill, aloe, and a green tea pill to lower her testosterone. I’ll take any advice you can give me. Thank you so much!
Christine
When I hear anxiety, anger, violence, rage, sleep issues I think low serotonin and would consider a trial of tryptophan (best would be to share my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” with him/her). Some of this could however also be due to high testosterone and the reason for this needs to be figured out + further autoimmune testing and an autoimmune paleo diet (I’m sure the functional medicine doctor is working on this aspect).
Thank you so very much for your research and articles regarding the use of amino acids for anxiety and insomnia. As this has been a life long issue with me, this is making a huge difference. I, with celiacs, am finding a huge benefit to taking amino acids. I was already taking 5HTP and L-Glutamine but have added the GABA and Tryptophan for sleeping. Do you have any recommendations with dosing throughout the day?
I remember reading that GABA should not be taken 6 hours close to certain medications. Was it SSRI’s or benzodiazepines? If you could clarify, that would be helpful.
You have been most helpful, thank you!
JL
Dosing is based on doing a trial to find the ideal amount for each individual. GABA can be taken during the day and at night, and tryptophan mid-afternoon and evening.
It is tryptophan/5-HTP that is best doses 6 hours from an SSRI. I also have my clients discuss with the prescribing doctor.
I recommend my blog readers become well-informed about the amino acids and all precautions before using them. My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” has an entire chapter on the topic and they are mentioned throughout the book.
You talk a lot about using GABA to stop ruminating thoughts and worry that one cannot seem to shake off. Recently, I have had problems with waking up early in the morning with a song stuck in my head and the lyrics keep repeating in my head, preventing me from going back to sleep. Is this also related to low GABA levels?
Michael
We would look at low GABA, low serotonin and possibly high cortisol too
I have restless leg syndrome which was tamed with the use of magnesium, until trying collagen peptides again to improve skin appearance. No matter which brand I use, the same things happen. Severe rls with accompanying anxiety and sleeplessness.
Garden of Life company had no other rls complaints so I started researching on my own. That is when I found your article in the topic. Wow.
Being in late 60’s, I really would like to continue colleges but not at the expense of my sleep and mood.
Can you recommend what you take in conjunction with collagen peptides? I read that you recommend tryptophan. How much should I take and might there be a good collagen out there that includes the tryptophan? And gaba, I see you discuss that.
I am purchasing your book but would like to buy whatever is necessary in the meantime.
Lastly, do you know what could be exacerbating the rls? Is it slack if seratonin?
Thank you so much.
You’re a blessing.
Jeannie
Jeannie
I write more about the serotonin connection here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/collagen-gelatin-lower-serotonin-increase-anxiety-depression/
If collagen is lowering serotonin levels I find using a standalone tryptophan product is best so dosing can be tailored to each person’s unique needs. I explain the trial and dosing in my book.
You can find the Lidtke tryptophan 500mg here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
And yes low serotonin can be a factor with RLS. Exploring oxalates may be needed.
Trudy,
May I safely start Gaba while weening off Effexer?
Thank you for an amazing summit with so much good information and giving hope to those of us still struggling.
Bethea
Bethea
Effexor is a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and there are no known issues with using the amino acid GABA at the same time or when tapering however it’s best to always discuss with the prescribing doctor. I can share that many of my clients who are tapering find GABA to be very helpful for easing physical tension, anxious thoughts and helping with sleep issues.
Thanks for your kind words about the summit and my work – and yes there is always hope! I hope you get a ton more from all the other interviews.
(I’d love to share this as feedback with your first name “Thank you for an amazing summit with so much good information and giving hope to those of us still struggling” if that’s ok)
Yes, you may use my name and share feedback!
Thanks again,
Bethea
Thanks Bethea – I hope you’re enjoying the summit!
Is there a withdrawal effect when discontinuing GABA like there is with benzodiazepines?
Diana
There is no withdrawal when discontinuing GABA because it’s addressing low levels of GABA and is an amino acid. That said it’s not to be used unless GABA levels are low
I use the amino acid questionnaire to help clients decide https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/ and we start with a low dose initial trial and monitor symptoms
I hope you enjoyed this interview. Be sure to listen to my other amino acid interviews too and search this blog for other articles on GABA (there are many!)
My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is also a great resource on amino acids – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ (and all the dietary factors that are important here)