In a world where maintaining good health has become so important, exploring various natural ingredients for their potential health benefits has become a top priority. Among all these ingredients the one which has been gaining immense popularity is Inositol. Although it is not as popular as other vitamins and minerals, its numerous health benefits make it a very powerful ingredient. In this blog, we will dive into the world of inositol to explore its health benefits.
What is Inositol?
Inositol is a natural organic compound, found in various foods and also produced by the human body. It is also known as Vitamin B8, but it is not actually a vitamin. It is a type of sugar that influences the body’s insulin response and hormonal levels. Some other functions of inositol are cell signaling, cell membrane formation, and other cellular functions. It is found naturally in various food items and it is also sold as a supplement. Inositol can be found in 9 forms among which Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are the most common supplements.
What does inositol do to your body?
Inositol plays a crucial role in various body functions. Some of them are listed below:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Cognitive function enhancement
- Hormone regulation
- Mental health support
- PCOS management
- Cell signaling
- Formation of cell membranes
- Aiding the communication between cells
How long does it take for inositol to work for PCOS?
Inositol has demonstrated significant benefits for the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome. It helps to regulate the insulin and hormonal levels in females. It also maintains ovarian function. Inositol particularly Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol supplements can improve fertility outcomes, reduce testosterone levels and maintain menstrual regularity in women with PCOS.
The times it takes for inositol to work may vary individually. Some women might notice changes within few weeks while some can take months. So it is important to remember that there is no quick fix solution for PCOS. It may require consistent and prolonged use of inositol to finally notice some improvement in the symptoms.
What does inositol do to hormones?
Inositol plays a role in hormonal regulation and can affect the levels of several hormones in the body. It mainly affects insulin, sex hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation.
- Insulin- inositol is known to increase insulin sensitivity of cells. Cells respond better to insulin leading to enhanced glucose metabolism and blood sugar regulation. By maintaining blood sugar levels, inositol proves to be very effective for treating conditions like PCOS and type 2 diabetes.
- Sex hormones – Inositol affects the sex hormones levels in women with pcod. It helps regulate the balance of hormones like estrogen, androgens and progesterone.
- Dopamine: Inositol also regulates dopamine levels which is a most important neurotransmitters responsible for motivation and mood regulation.
Who should not take inositol?
While inositol is mostly considered a safe ingredient, in certain cases some people may need to avoid or limit the intake of inositol. Some cases where individuals should consult the doctor first before taking inositol are mentioned below:
- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- Allergic reactions
- Bipolar disorders
- Medication and medical conditions
- Children
One must remember that individual response and tolerance can vary. So a person must consult with the doctor first before incorporating any inositol supplement in daily routine. Especially in certain special cases mentioned above doctor will consider your medical history to determine potential risks and benefits.
Can inositol affect periods?
Yes inositol can affect menstrual cycle and periods especially in women suffering from PCOD. In PCOD, menstrual cycles are irregular and it is a very common condition in women. Inositol supplements with Myo-inositol are known to have a positive effect on menstrual cycles of women. Various research studies have shown that inositol can lead to improved and regular menstrual cycles. It helps to restore hormonal levels, enhance follicle development, and increase the release of mature eggs during ovulation.
One must remember that the effect of inositol on menstrual cycle may vary individually. It also depends on the dosage and frequency of inositol. So it may take time to see significant improvements in the menstrual cycle of women.
What causes inositol deficiency?
Inositol deficiency is rare as the body can produce it on its own and it can be also obtained from food sources. However, certain factors can collectively contribute to deficiency of inositol in the body. Some potential causes of inositol deficiency in the body are listed below:
- Inadequate dietary intake
- Increase catabolism or excretion
- Decreased biosynthesis
- Impaired absorption
- Metabolic imbalances
- Medications or treatments
- Genetic disorders
It is important to note that inositol deficiency is not very common, and ensuring adequate nutritious diet is sufficient to meet body’s needs. If you have concerns about your inositol levels you must consult with your doctor for the same.
Does inositol make you gain weight?
No inositol does not increase weight. On the contrary, there is evidence that inositol helps you to lose weight. There are no of studies on inositol and its role in weight management particularly in women with PCOD or metabolic syndrome. If you make some lifestyle changes along with inositol supplements it can cause you to experience weight loss. It helps regulate insulin levels in the body and potentially reduce the risk of weight gain. Insulin is responsible for glucose metabolism and there are studies that show inositol can reduce BMI. Especially myo-inositol can help with weight loss in several ways. In case you are planning to go for inositol supplement like inositol gummies for weight loss, you should first consult with a healthcare professional.
Does inositol increase fertility?
Inositol particularly myo inositol has shown many promising fertility outcomes. Women suffering from pcod often have complaint of difficulty with ovulation and conception. Sometimes the condition can worsen and turn into infertility. Inositol may contribute to ovulation regulation, insulin sensitivity, improve egg quality, and hormonal balance and boost the fertility of any women who is trying to conceive. It is important to remember that inositol effects on fertility may vary from person to person. Inositol is mostly recommended for women with PCOD, due to the hormonal regulation benefit. It also prevents diabetes during pregnancy.
If you are looking for inositol supplements to incorporate into your daily routine, look no further. Vitagoli inositol gummies by Arechar Nutra comes with a potential blend of essential nutrients like inositol, grape seed extract, sea buckthorn, biotin etc. Inositol gummies should be incorporated into your daily routine for maintaining overall health and well-being.
FAQS
Q. What are the different forms of inositol?
There are mainly 9 forms of inositol. The most common and well known inositol among the 9 of them are Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol. These forms claims to be beneficial in managing PCOD.
Q. How should I take inositol supplements?
The recommended dose can vary depending on the condition which is being treated. It is important to follow the instructions given by the doctor for personalised recommendations.
Q. Are there any side effects of Inositol supplements?
In general, inositol is considered safe. But some individuals may face certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, bloating diarrhea, especially if you are starting with higher dose. These side effects are usually temporary and may subside with continuous side effects.
Q. Can I take inositol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, it is recommended to first consult with a physician. So he can determine potential risk and benefits before taking any inositol supplements.
Q. How long does it take to see results with inositol supplements?
The timeframe for experiencing results with inositol may vary from person to person. Some individuals may notice results within a week while for others it may take few months. Consistency and adherence to the supplements is most important.