WHAT IS INOSITOL?
Inositol, also known as myo-inositol, is a pseudovitamin which has similar traits to vitamin B. It can be found in nature, mostly in citrus fruits like oranges and cantaloupe, but also in vegetables and animal-based foods.
If we were to give a basic description, Inositol is a carbohydrate that has a similar chemical structure to glucose, its formula being C6H1206. It has a wide plethora of functions within the human body, the primary function being to stop fats collecting in the body, primarily in the liver. Unless there is a high enough intake, various problems can occur, such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and unhealthy weight gain.
Studies have shown that taking Inositol in a supplementary form can boost well-being and alleviate many of these mental and physical problems. So let’s dive into it, and see what are the main benefits of Inositol and why it’s rated to highly.
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BENEFITS OF INOSITOL
1. ANXIETY RELIEF
The main benefit of Inositol in most people has to do with mental well-being. Anxiety symptoms in general have a lot to do with brain chemistry, and it’s been proven correct that low serotonin levels are correlated to higher states of anxiety.
But that’s not the whole truth. Even if the serotonin levels are at the optimal level, they still require properly functioning GABA receptors in order to process and make use of serotonin. For people with anxiety symptoms, GABA receptors are usually depleted, or functioning at a low level. Inositol has the ability to work as a substitute for depleted GABA receptors and therefore improve the utilization of serotonin. This is why people report improvement of anxiety symptoms when taking Inositol.
A proper dosage of Inositol for anxiety symptoms is 4000 mg daily, split into two 2000 mg doses. The dosage can be increased every week by 1000 mg daily, until 15000-18000 mg is reached. This might seem like a big dose, but it’s actually not harmful, since Inositol is a naturally occuring substance, and doesn’t cause any digestive issues.
2. BETTER SLEEP
Just as low serotonin levels and depleted GABA receptors cause heightened symptoms of anxiety, the same is true when it comes to insomnia. Being unable to sleep is a result of an over-worked brain, or better yet, a constant stream of thoughts which don’t allow for the pre-sleep relaxation to occur.
To get better sleep and cure insomnia, it is advised to take 0,5 to 2 grams of Inositol daily for at least a month. For the best effect is should be taken 2 hours before going to bed.
3. MINIMIZES OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is another psychological issue caused by deficient serotonin levels or the lack of proper utilization of existing serotonin.
There is actually a prescription drug for OCD called Cholin Inositol which is a more potent version made specifically for OCD. However, the issue can be treated effectively with standard Inositol as well without experiencing the side effects of the drug.
4. OTHER BENEFITS
There are numerous other benefits of Inositol, and they all tie into the same problem – low serotonin levels have an enormous negative impact on our physiology.
Other things that supplemetary Inositol can improve are weight loss, blood circulation, hair growth and general well-being and sense of happiness.
CONCLUSION
Inositol is one of the rare supplements that can be taken in extreme doses without experiencing side effects. It’s basically a natural substance that is found in many foods, but due to our modern lifestyle and eating habits, we need to raise its intake to get the proper benefits. It’s definitely a good choice for those dealing with the issues mentioned in the article.
Alex Rogers is a supplement manufacturing expert. He has been formulating, consulting, & manufacturing dietary supplements since 1998. Alex invented protein customization in 1998 & was the first company to allow consumers to create their own protein blends. He helped create the first supplement to contain natural follistatin, invented whey protein with egg lecithin, & recently imported the world’s first 100% hydrolyzed whey.
