September 13, 2025

Prebiotics Influence Gut Bacteria That Raise Brain GABA Levels

7 minutes

Low GABA levels are linked to anxiety, poor sleep, memory issues, and neurological conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer's, but boosting GABA through your gut microbiome offers a natural solution
A study in NPJ Science of Food found that prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Aspergillus-derived enzymes significantly increased brain GABA and homocarnosine, a compound that protects and stabilizes brain function
Specific gut bacteria such as Akkermansia and Parabacteroides were directly linked to higher GABA production, while strains like Blautia and Roseburia were associated with lower levels and gut imbalance
If your gut is inflamed, even healthy fibers worsen symptoms — so it's essential to start with low-fermentation carbs and reintroduce prebiotics slowly once digestion improves
Strategies like fermented foods, GABA supplements, and natural progesterone further enhance GABA activity and support calm, clear, and stable brain function

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14871,487 ratings

September 13, 2025

7 minutes

Low GABA levels are linked to anxiety, poor sleep, memory issues, and neurological conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer's, but boosting GABA through your gut microbiome offers a natural solution
A study in NPJ Science of Food found that prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Aspergillus-derived enzymes significantly increased brain GABA and homocarnosine, a compound that protects and stabilizes brain function
Specific gut bacteria such as Akkermansia and Parabacteroides were directly linked to higher GABA production, while strains like Blautia and Roseburia were associated with lower levels and gut imbalance
If your gut is inflamed, even healthy fibers worsen symptoms — so it's essential to start with low-fermentation carbs and reintroduce prebiotics slowly once digestion improves
Strategies like fermented foods, GABA supplements, and natural progesterone further enhance GABA activity and support calm, clear, and stable brain function

...more