Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that makes you feel calm and relaxed. It is present in plants, animals and even microorganisms. The human body synthesizes it while some foods provide compound that trigger its production. However, as nutrition deficiency takes a toll on the human population, supplements claiming to boost this hormone are flooding pharmacy counters. But are the much-touted GABA supplements the next big mental health trend or just a hype?

For that, we need to understand the functions of GABA

GABA is basically a naturally occurring amino acid derived from glucose metabolism, a critical energy source for the brain. As a neurotransmitter, GABA plays a key role in regulating communication between neurons. It acts as an inhibitory signal, slowing down neural activity and promoting a calming effect. Additionally, GABA functions as a postbiotic, forming as a byproduct of gut bacteria breaking down food.

Natural GABA vs. Supplements

GABA is classified as a nonessential amino acid, meaning the body produces it without requiring dietary intake. While optimal GABA activity is associated with potential protective effects against conditions like type 1 diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, immunological disorders, and asthma, research on the bioavailability of GABA supplements remains limited. Current evidence suggests that dietary sources of GABA, such as fermented foods (kimchi, kefir), dairy products, teas, and beans, may be more readily absorbed by the body compared to supplements.

Potential Benefits of GABA Supplements

While GABA supplementation is still being explored, there are small-scale studies that suggest that these supplements areas such as cognitive performance, physical recovery, anxiety reduction, and blood pressure regulation. However, a systematic review of studies on GABA's effectiveness for stress and sleep management found limited supporting evidence.

Here, it must be noted that GABA's effectiveness depends on serotonin, another key neurotransmitter that modulates its impact on neural pathways. If serotonin levels are low, GABA cannot fully perform its role, potentially contributing to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Side Effects and Risks

Generally considered safe when used as directed, GABA supplements may still pose mild risks, including:

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Throat irritation
• Shortness of breath
• Common supplement-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue.

Since GABA influences neural balance, supplementing without medical guidance could disrupt the body's natural equilibrium. People with low blood pressure, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those on specific medications should avoid GABA supplements.

Are GABA Supplements Really Worth The hype?

As a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA plays a crucial role in brain function and mental health. An imbalance in GABA levels has been linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). On the other hand, excessive GABA activity due to genetic disorders can lead to intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. So, if you are feeling a bit anxious, fatigued or fighting sleeplessness, GABA supplements are what you should turn to. However, a word of caution, they aren't a permanent solution, and should not be used to treat serious mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and loneliness.

The US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, has been very vocal about his stance on vaccines, causing a stir among citizens who stands unsure of how this will affect the healthcare system. While he has time and again appealed to people with various health claim, including seeking refuge to faith and prayers for drug addiction, recently he said, “I don’t want to seem like I am being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.”

During a House committee hearing, RFK Jr. sidestepped direct answers regarding his personal views on childhood vaccinations, despite his history of controversial statements on the topic. Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) pressed Kennedy on whether he would vaccinate a child against measles.

Initially, Kennedy responded, "Probably for measles," but quickly retreated, stating, "What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant." He further emphasized, "I don’t want to seem like I am being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me," a sentiment he repeated when Pocan continued to press for clarity.

Kennedy's long-standing skepticism towards vaccines, including promoting debunked claims linking them to autism, has drawn significant criticism. His recent assertion that measles vaccines are "leaky" due to waning effectiveness was also disputed by medical experts.

How Have Statements Influenced People?

Though his statement clearly echoes the feelings that what he says regarding health should not be considered seriously, or as a medical advice, it is undeniable that his statements have in fact, influenced many people, making health choices.

As per a new survey by KKF, a nonprofit health information group, only one-third of Republican-leaning parents were aware of the current measles outbreak. This was in comparison with the two-thirds of aware Democratic parents. The survey also found and 1 in 5 Republicans believes that measles vaccine is more dangerous than the diseases itself, this is double the rate of Democrats.

About 35% of Republicans surveyed believe the discredited theory that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism—a belief held by just 10% of Democrats. While belief in this theory has not increased significantly, public awareness of the claim has grown, reflecting the impact of persistent misinformation.

Adding to the confusion is RFK Jr., who has long been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric. Since taking office, he has supported an investigation into environmental contributors to autism and has floated unproven theories, such as vitamin A being a preventative measure against measles. These statements, while not outright opposing vaccines, muddy public understanding and can discourage immunization.

At a time when clear public health messaging is critical, conflicting remarks from top officials are exacerbating distrust. Advocacy organizations like Immunize.org and The Immunization Partnership warn that such mixed messaging, especially when it originates from high-ranking leaders, undermines public confidence in vaccines.

In southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, anti-vaccine activism has gained traction within state legislatures. Studies show that even lawmakers with medical backgrounds have not always supported public health measures, often influenced by political considerations and public pressure. Testimony from vaccine opponents at legislative hearings further amplifies misinformation, making it more difficult for facts to gain traction.

The Measles Outbreak And Vaccines

Previously also, the Health Secretary’s actions came under scrutiny again due to the measles outbreak. RFK Jr. has openly endorsed a measles-infected Texas physician who saw children. He had also doubled down on his views of natural immunity, explaining how ‘everyone got measles’ and acquired lifelong immunity.

His previous work with anti-vaccine activists who work with his non-profit group Children’s Health Defense. However, in the speeches following his nomination as the health secretary, he claimed he was never ‘anti-vax’ and has never told the public to avoid vaccinations. This goes against many of his previous statements where he criticized vaccines. In a podcast interview he said “There is no vaccine that is safe and effective” as well as told Fox News his persistent belief in the idea that vaccines cause autism. In Another podcast interview he urged people to resist CDC guidelines, which asked parents to vaccinate their children in view of public health.

Bird Flu and Herd Immunity

During the Bird Flu outbreak, RFK Jr’s suggestions caused an uproar, as suggested to allow bird flu to spread naturally through poultry farms, rather than culling infected birds. This suggestion has drawn sharp criticism from scientists, who warn of potential animal cruelty and heightened public health risks.

Kennedy's plan, outlined in a Fox News interview, involves identifying and preserving naturally immune birds after the virus has run its course. "We can identify the birds and preserve the birds that are immune to it," he stated. While Kennedy lacks direct control over agricultural practices, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had expressed interest in piloting the idea, suggesting to CBS, "There are some farmers that are out there that are willing to really try this on a pilot as we build the safe perimeter around them to see if there is a way forward with immunity."

However, veterinary experts strongly oppose the proposal, citing significant risks. Dr. Gail Hansen, former state veterinarian for Kansas, told The New York Times, "that's a really terrible idea for any one of a number of reasons.

A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environment Medicine has found evidence that working excessively long hours could in fact alter the physical structure of the brain. The research was conducted by scientists from Chung-Ang University and Yonsei University in South Korea. The research offers a rare glimpse into how chronic overwork may affect not just one's mental wellbeing, but also alter the brain anatomy,

What Does The Study Say?

In South Korea, the legal maximum weekly working hours is 52. However, overwork there has become a pressing public health issue. The study thus tracked 110 healthcare workers, and divided them into two groups: "overworked" - individuals who worked for 52 hours or more and "non-overworked" - individuals who worked for standard hours.

The study also used a neuroimaging technique and MRI scans, where researchers were able to examine differences in gray matter between the two groups.

"People who worked 52 or more hours a week displayed significant changes in brain regions associated with executive function and emotional regulation, unlike participants who worked standard hours," the researchers said in a press release.

What Are The Changes Noted In Brain?

The analysis also revealed that overworked individuals had notable increases in the volume of them idle frontal gyrus. This part plays a role in attention, memory and cognitive control.

There were also changes observed in the insula, which is responsible for emotional processing, self-awareness and understanding social context.

These changes point a biological basis for the cognitive fog, mood shifts, and emotional fatigue that is commonly reported in people who work for excessively long hours. Coauthor Joon Yul Choi from Yonsei University told CNN that these brain changes "might be at least in part, reversible" if environmental stressors like overwork are reduced—though he cautioned that a full return to baseline brain function could take time.

Why Does It Matter?

This research builds upon previous findings. A 2021 joint study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that long working hours led to over 745,000 deaths annually, making overwork a leading occupational risk factor.

Frank Pega, who led the WHO-ILO study, told CNN that this new research provides “important new evidence” of how long working hours “radically” impact physical health. He stressed that governments, employers, and workers need to act collectively, citing laws and policies that can protect against health risks associated with overwork.

While the study’s small sample size and exclusive focus on Korean healthcare workers limit its generalizability, experts believe it opens the door to deeper exploration. Jonny Gifford, principal research fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies in the UK, told CNN that the findings "confirm some physiological reasons that working long hours affects our wellbeing."

He emphasized that although the study is preliminary, its use of neurological imaging lends "powerful new evidence linking overwork with structural changes in parts of the brain involved in executive function and emotional regulation."

In the words of the study’s authors, “The results underscore the importance of addressing overwork as an occupational health concern.”

As temperatures around the world rise because of climate change, the human body is increasingly confronting a little-understood and increasing hazard: excessive heat. From enduring heatwaves to sweltering heat waves with high humidity, what used to be a seasonal annoyance is now a worldwide health risk. But how hot is too hot for the human body? At what point does heat become deadly—and why?

In 2020, an article published in Science Advances identified a precise threshold by which the human body cannot survive: 95°F (35°C) wet-bulb temperature. Unlike regular temperature readings, wet-bulb temperature takes into consideration both heat and humidity. It is measured with a thermometer covered in a cloth soaked in water, replicating the way the human body dissipates heat—by evaporating sweat.

If the air surrounding the body is too moist, sweat does not evaporate. When this system breaks down, so does the body's control over internal temperature. The result? A speedy and potentially dangerous increase in core temperature.

In perspective, 115°F (46.1°C) air temperature with 30% humidity yields a wet-bulb temperature of approximately 87°F (30.5°C)—still survivable. However, a seemingly "cooler" 102°F (38.9°C) day with 77% humidity brings the wet-bulb temperature to the lethal 95°F (35°C) mark.

Once wet-bulb temperatures reach this tipping point, sweat can no longer evaporate fast enough to cool the body. Even if the skin is wet, the internal temperature continues to climb. At this stage, hyperthermia sets in—defined by a body temperature above 104°F (40°C)—leading to symptoms like confusion, rapid heart rate, organ failure, and even death.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Although no human can live above a wet-bulb temperature of 95°F, not all people are equally at risk in lower heat exposures.

• Older people, because of impaired thermoregulation.
• Obese or chronically ill people, such as those with cardiovascular disease.
• Those on certain medications, e.g., antipsychotics or beta-blockers.
• Workers outdoors and athletes, whose exertion increases body heat.

Even healthy individuals can succumb to lower wet-bulb temperatures if they are exerting themselves in direct sun or in poorly ventilated environments.

What Happens Inside the Body During Heat Exposure?

The human body contains approximately 60% water, and fluid balance is inextricably linked with temperature regulation. In hot temperatures, the body loses water quickly through sweat and respiration. If it is not replaced, dehydration occurs, causing blood volume to decrease. This affects anything from organ function to delivery of oxygen at the cellular level.

Meanwhile, the thermoregulatory system, which depends on blood flow to shuttle heat from internal organs out to the skin, starts to fail. If this cooling circuit fails, internal organs become overheated, cells start dying, and a chain of failure results in heat stroke or cardiovascular collapse.

How Hot Is Too Hot, Really?

Whereas wet-bulb temperature gives us one measurement, research indicates the ambient air temperature limit of human survival is probably between 104°F and 122°F (40°C–50°C). 122°F is at the limits of what the body can withstand while keeping its core temperature stable, says a 2021 Physiology Report.

A different approach to research implies that the temperature at which the body begins to sweat is 89.6°F (32°C)—the beginning of heat strain. Thus, danger doesn't begin at extreme temperatures only; it accumulates with time, particularly due to long exposure and high humidity.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has documented that heat directly caused 11,000 fatalities in the United States between 1979 and 2018, although the actual number is probably much greater because underreporting is likely to have occurred. While hurricanes or flooding may be dramatic, they kill openly, but heat waves are deadly killers that silently take victims in poor communities, older people, and those not having air conditioning.

Moreover, heat exacerbates existing conditions, increasing the possibility of strokes, heart attacks, and breathing difficulties during heat waves.

How to Survive Extreme Heat?

We may not be able to manipulate the weather, but we can manage our environment and lifestyle. Experts advise:

• Rehydrate with electrolytes, not plain water. Sweating excessively loses salt and minerals necessary for cellular processes.
• Lower internal body temperature by bathing or showering with cool water.
• Avoid sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Dress in light, loose clothing and have lighter, more frequent meals.

Use extra caution with electric fans during high heat; they can accelerate evaporation and boost dehydration.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends visiting during heatwaves susceptible populations—i.e., people who are frail or have disability and ensuring air conditioning, shades, or available cooling resources like fans or air conditioning are at their disposal.

The highest temperature that a human can tolerate is not one number—it's a function of heat, humidity, and time. Wet-bulb temperatures over 95°F are universally lethal within a few hours, but even lower temperatures can be severely dangerous under the right conditions. As climate change accelerates, our knowledge of and readiness for extreme heat must keep pace. This isn't merely a meteorological issue—it's a public health emergency in the making.