Stress is a part of the human experience, and at one point or another, everyone will be affected by a period of high stress and an inability to feel a sense of calm or relaxation. Because of this, GABA and L-Theanine supplements have captured our attention due to their benefits. These benefits include improving one’s ability to feel calm and relaxed by way of promoting brain functionality.*  

While that all sounds amazing, before you decide to dive into taking either supplement, it is important to consider how the benefits of GABA and L-Theanine would fit into your lifestyle. 

What Is GABA?  

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, commonly known as GABA, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain. GABA slows down the brain by inhibiting specific signals in the central nervous system that help to prevent overfiring of neurons which are associated with feelings of stress, occasional anxiety, and overwhelm.  

The great news is that GABA occurs naturally in the brain and research even shows that certain foods can help support its production. While you can increase your GABA intake through GABA rich foods such as fermented foods, shiitake mushrooms, etc, taking GABA supplements can also be a great way to promote your brain functionality.  

GABA Benefits  

GABA is thought to play a crucial role in reducing nerve cell hyperactivity and overfiring associated with stress, anxiety, fear, and trauma. The most attractive benefits of GABA are: 

• Feelings of emotional and mental calm*
• More restful sleep*
• Promotion of focus and concentration*  
• Healthy stress response*  

What Is L-Theanine?  

L-theanine is a water-soluble amino acid that occurs naturally, mostly in green and black tea leaves. It is responsible for tea's herbaceous taste that many of us love. It also occurs in some mushroom types like Bay Boletes. Because of it’s positive effects on the human psyche, L-Theanine has also been converted to supplement form over the years.  

L-theanine, an amino acid, works similarly to GABA by promoting several helpful changes to brain functions.* One of the main functions of L-theanine is stimulating the production of healthy GABA levels within the brain, helping with the process of mitigating overfiring.*  

Further benefits include:  

• Enhances relaxation without drowsiness*  
  
• Promotes production of serotonin and dopamine*  
  
• Supports mental clarity*  
  
• Promotes restful sleep*  

Can You Take GABA and L-Theanine Supplements Together? 

As the benefits of L-Theanine are complimentary or similar to that of GABA, many experts believe these supplements are best taken in conjunction. Both GABA and L-Theanine can be found in naturally occurring foods or in supplement form, and together, they may help induce more restful sleep, mental clarity, and feelings of calmness while maintaining focus and attention.* As with any supplement, make sure to check with your medical professional to make sure that this blend would be safe for you.  

At Fx, our clinical experts and professional chocolatiers have worked together to develop a blend with a GABA and L-Theanine, created to help you shift into a calmer state of mind while maintaining mental clarity when you need it.* We know life’s stressors can get overwhelming, so our goal is to help you healthily, and naturally manage that stress. Check out our Exhale chocolate supplement for yourself!  

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.