Does anything help repair GABA receptors?
Today’s blog is about HDAC Inhibitors and benzo withdrawal. Scientists have been investigating methods to mitigate the harm caused by alcohol and benzodiazepines on GABA receptors. It has been observed that an HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitor can potentially protect and even help upregulate damaged GABA receptors, at least in mice. One specific drug, an antibiotic/antifungal medication with HDAC inhibiting properties, appeared to demonstrate the highest efficacy. Additionally, a study on mice involving benzodiazepines concluded that “…furthermore, understanding the role of HDAC inhibitors in benzodiazepines tolerance and the downregulation of GABAA subunit expression may uncover new therapeutic targets to prevent tolerance, dependence and/or withdrawal syndrome.” However, before becoming overly optimistic about a cure for benzo withdrawal, it is important to consider the challenges and explore more feasible alternatives.
The primary obstacles include: 1) the experiments have been conducted on mice, and it remains uncertain whether humans would respond similarly to the drug; 2) potential side effects or long-term damage associated with the drug are unknown (we all know what that is like!), and 3) the drug has not yet been widely used on humans, although some trials are underway. These challenges may seem insurmountable, and the prospect of repairing damaged GABA receptors could appear distant. However, there is reason for optimism.
The power of plants.
Published reports have identified HDAC inhibitors in common plant-based foods. Consuming a whole-food plant-based diet can offer exceptional health benefits, such as reduced inflammation and avoidance of the sympathetic nervous system’s fight or flight response, which can be triggered by animal products. A whole-food, plant-based diet has been proven to reverse various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, and even early-stage Alzheimer’s. The exciting new research suggests that this diet may also help upregulate GABA receptors.
Foods that help HDAC inhibition:
- Garlic: Contains organosulfur compounds, which have been shown to exhibit HDAC inhibitory properties.
- Turmeric: Contains the active compound curcumin, which has been reported to have HDAC inhibitory activity.
- Onions: Rich in flavonoids like quercetin, which can act as HDAC inhibitors.
- Broccoli: Contains sulforaphane, a compound known for its HDAC inhibitory effects.
- Cabbage: Another cruciferous vegetable with sulforaphane, which can help inhibit HDAC activity.
- Brussels sprouts: Also a source of sulforaphane, providing HDAC inhibitory benefits.
- Kale: This leafy green vegetable is yet another source of sulforaphane.
- Various fruits: Some fruits, such as berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries), grapes, and apples, contain compounds like resveratrol and other polyphenols that can act as HDAC inhibitors.
By consuming a whole-food, plant-based diet, we provide our bodies with the necessary nutrients to heal and potentially enhance our chances of repairing damaged GABA receptors more quickly. I have experienced personal benefits from adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet, such as improved digestion, increased energy and mental clarity, and an overall sense of well-being. My clients who go plant-based report improvements as well. Here is a link to a 30-day transition to a whole-food, plant-based diet for people in benzo withdrawal/BIND.
Research links:
- The Role of Dietary Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) Inhibitors in Health and Disease
- Histone Deacetylases Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
- Histone Deacetylases Mediate GABA A Receptors Expression, Physiology, and Behavioral Maladaptations in Rat Models
- Dietary histone deacetylase inhibitors
That’s wonderful news! I had no idea any research was being done in the way of benzo help.
The research seemed to be aimed mostly at ethanol, but at least one experiment was done for diazepam.
dear dr jenn,
but in the vitamins and herbs section you say that garlic and turmeric are gabaerge.
Is that not correct?
Eating a plant based diet has really helped me physically, and emotionally. I feel a hundred times better now that I adopted a plant based diet. I highly recommend it! Sharon Tennessee
They are fine for us to eat. They are super healthy!
Thank you for sharing. I went plant-based four years ago and it made all the difference in the world. A WFPB diet is the only diet that can reverse so many diseases. I’m glad it is helping you!
Isn’t Garlic considered GABAgeric? Mixed info online about it being a potent inhibitor…
Garlic is so incredibly good for us, I’d not avoid it during benzo withdrawal. I’ve not seen any evidence of it being harmful. As always, test and learn to see how you respond to it. It helps the brain to be resilient to the stress and inflammation associated with neurological diseases and aging.
Fascinating information. Unfortunately most of these foods flare me up. I recently lost the ability to eat some foods and spices because they rev up my symptoms. They never used to so I don’t know what’s going on after 2 1/2 years of being off Xanax. I also read online that that turmeric flared up symptoms terribly for some people so that makes this information a bit confusing.
Everyone has to find out what works for them. Turmeric doesn’t rev up everyone. It is so healthy for us that if one can eat with without any problems, that would be best. To avoid a food because someone has said it revved them up isn’t a good idea as it may not rev up others. As with most things in benzo withdrawal, “Your mileage may vary.” It is good to try to eat as many of the HDAC inhibitors as we can. They are good healers. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I’ve been told to eat lots of protein during withdrawal. I also eat lots of fruit and vegetables but I seem to feel immediate relief when I consume animal protein, particularly high fat fish like salmon. So now I very confused.
All animal protein causes inflammation in the body. A whole-food, plant-based diet has been proven to the healthiest for all stages of life, from infancy to the golden years. We only need 10% of our daily caloric intake to be protein, and we can get plenty of that from plants. Some good resources are: The Game Changers movie, Nutritionfacts.org, forksoverknives.com, and so many other researchers and medical doctors. You can eat what you choose, but in the long run, it is the plant eaters who are the healthiest and live the longest, studies have shown. I went plant-based over four years ago and I wish I had eaten that way all of my life. It has made such a difference. The ONLY diet proven to reverse heart disease is a plant-based diet. That says a lot, right there. Another good resource is the book. Fiber Fueled, by Dr. Will B. He is a gastroenterologist and a leading researcher in the gut microbiome. He is a whole-food, plant-based advocate.