Prebiotics Influence Gut Bacteria That Raise Brain GABA Levels

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