So - are we getting it or are we not - nicotine

[kinabaloo]

L-Theanine also good (basically, the calming active in tea; and a MAOI).

Try theanine first. But GABA most likely to curb the cravings.

To see how the two relate to each other and the bigger picture, have a look for example here:

http://www.web-us.com/l-theanine_anxiety_reducer.htm

"Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress, and improves cognition and mood in a synergistic manner with caffeine."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine

Rather like the factor x - nic combo.

[DVap]

Thanks, Kina.

Am I looking for GABA exactly or L-theanine?

Theanine does cross the blood/brain barrier and up-regulates GABA and dopamine. While GABA is an important neurotransmitter, I'm not so sure it can cross the blood/brain barrier from the outside.

kin is probably better versed on this stuff, he Googles enough after all so he might be able to say more on the relative benefit of one versus the other.

[kinabaloo]

Somehow it works !

OTC GABA and the Blood-Brain Barrier

Might be that only what is needed is allowed in (somehow). The barrier might have some 'intelligence' (just because we tend not to think of it like this now doesn't mean it can't work that way). Skin absorbtion of some minerals is controlled in a way like this (as though some kind of intelligent homeostasis is at work); gut too, again in some cases. This probably applies, to the extent it does, if at all, only to those molecules that the body is familiar with.

I'm thinking that if it gets in only in cases of 'leaky barrier', perhaps that leaky barrier is what caused an internal imbalance leading to the need. Pure speculation of course, but interesting.

[olderthandirt]

Somehow it works !

OTC GABA and the Blood-Brain Barrier

OK kin, I read it, laymans terms?

[kristin]

My husband is a big energy drink user. Sobe Vitamin water (blackberry grape) and Gatorade (Tiger Woods) both tout containing L-theanine. I thought maybe a good way to get him started.

I'm a bit confused about the GABA vs. L-theanine because some article refer to L-theanine affecting GABA in the brain?

So, you can get a GABA suppliment or a L-theanine suppliment, then. The GABA is stronger or more concentrated, then? Or is L-theanine a type of GABA? So confused...

Thanks for trying to help, guys. I should get to sleep soon, my brain is fried! LOL

[a2dcovert]

All the ingredients required are in tobacco

We just need to be a little more careful to not throw the baby out with the bath-water.

Sorry if I sound stressed out, but I am. This is getting to be a very exasporating quest. To take any of these products I would have to try and determine how these natural suppliments would interact with the drugs I am currently taking for anxiety and stress plus others. If I decide to self medicate it would take a mountain of research. But, I will keep tuned to your discussions.

Kevin

[kristin]

Theanine does cross the blood/brain barrier and up-regulates GABA and dopamine. While GABA is an important neurotransmitter, I'm not so sure it can cross the blood/brain barrier from the outside.

kin is probably better versed on this stuff, he Googles enough after all so he might be able to say more on the relative benefit of one versus the other.

I think that I read, too, that L-theanine DOES cross the barrier and GABA taken orally may not?

Why do you believe GABA would possibly curb cravings better, Kina?

[kinabaloo]

I think that I read, too, that L-theanine DOES cross the barrier and GABA taken orally may not?

Why do you believe GABA would possibly curb cravings better, Kina?

I'm sleepy too (5:30am here!). It's complicated. My speculation is that GABA may work only for those who need it. Go with the Theanine first; less controversial.

These ideas are for people distressed with smoking withdrawal. An aside to the alkaloids and WTA main theme.

Earlier on TV: if atoms were collapsed so that the electrons were lumped in with the nucleus, matter would shrink in size quite a bit. In fact, a person, say, would become very very small. So very small, that 5 billion people would fit inside a sugar cube.

That's how strange our world is !

All the cat lovers out there, who are wondering why atoms dont collapse (as they should, no), can look up 'Schrödinger' and go from there. And if you work out the remaining inadequacies in our models, do post back

[kristin]

Thanks, Kina. That should get me started. I'm off to sleep now! (And back to lurking unless I can contribute or have questions - move over Twisted, Frankie & Olderthandirt!)

[kinabaloo]

btw, receptors (including smell) rely on quantum tunneling to work.

And photsynthesis also involves quantum physics effects, to be 99% efficient.