GABA: Your Brain’s Brake Pedal
If your thoughts feel like they’re going 100 miles an hour, or you’re anxious and overstimulated, GABA might be running low. GABA helps calm the nervous system and slow down runaway thinking.
It’s made from glutamate (an amino acid), with the help of vitamin B6. To support GABA, include foods like:
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Spinach
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Sweet potatoes
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Tomatoes
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Mushrooms
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Fermented dairy (yogurt, kefir)
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Fermented foods (kimchi, miso, some teas)
While some fermented foods contain small amounts of GABA itself, research is still evolving on how much our bodies actually absorb.
Brain Fueling Tip: Focus on foods that support the conversion of glutamate to GABA for natural calm and clarity.
Acetylcholine: The Learning & Memory Molecule
Often overlooked, acetylcholine is key for focus, learning, and memory. It’s what helps you stay sharp in a brainstorm or remember the name of someone you just met.
Acetylcholine is made from choline, a nutrient many people don’t get enough of. Top food sources include:
It also relies on healthy fats and B vitamins to function properly, so don’t forget about brain-friendly fats like salmon, avocado, and olive oil.
Brain Fueling Tip: If you’re skipping egg yolks or eating mostly plant-based, be intentional about getting enough choline, an essential nutrient for brain health. If you’re not meeting your needs through food, consider a supplement. Look for products with the VitaCholine® logo which means it has the most bioavailable (best absorbed) form. Nature Made is a solid, accessible option!
The Bottom Line: Food is Brain Fuel
You don’t need to memorize every neurotransmitter or chemical pathway, but knowing your meals directly impact how you think and feel is powerful.
Instead of relying solely on caffeine or willpower, start thinking of food as your creative co-pilot. With the right nutrients, your brain has everything it needs to be motivated, balanced, calm, and focused.
Want more tips on when to eat these brain-boosting foods for maximum impact? That’s coming soon! Follow @domestika and me, @nomadista_nutrition, on instagram to stay tuned for my new course: The Creative’s Brain Fuel: How to Eat for Innovation & Flow!
