What Are the Health Benefits of Inositol?

We all have that one friend who never wants to try new things. New restaurant? Nah, the food’s fine at the usual spot. Try a different dating app? Why bother, all the guys are taken in this town anyway. Maybe you mention taking a leap into a new career path… only for your BFF to shut you down.

That stubborn friend is resistant to change – which kinda brings you down. She prevents you from growing, evolving, and being the best version of yourself. 

Resistance in your body can prevent you from being your healthiest self, too. If you have PCOS, you may have been told you have insulin resistance. 

Insulin resistance is a condition where your body wants to listen to hormones… but there’s resistance blocking the process. How do you overcome this block? You can correct insulin resistance with natural supplements like inositol.

In this blog, we cover inositol benefits. Continue reading to learn how they can help you overcome the battle going on in your body. 

Inositol Health Benefits

Inositol is a naturally occurring sugar. It’s a pseudo-vitamin, meaning it has health benefits but it isn’t an essential nutrient. Most people get plenty of inositol from food – it’s prevalent in things you’re likely already eating.

Food sources of inositol include: [1]

• Beans
• Grains
• Nuts
• Fresh fruit
• Juice
• Milk 
• Yogurt
• Cereals
• Bread

There isn’t a dietary requirement for inositol, but it’s possible to have depleted levels. It’s stored in different body parts, and low concentrations can indicate underlying health problems. Inositol supplements are commonly used to treat PCOS and mood disorders. 

Fun fact: drinking coffee can deplete inositol stores. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, you may benefit from inositol supplementation.  [2]

What Are the Different Types?

Inositol works as a mediator for processes in the body. This allows signals to move across pathways so processes function normally. [2]

There are nine types of inositol, but two are the most common:

• Myo-inositol (myo-ins) is the most abundant form in the body. It’s found in most major body parts like fat, blood, ovaries, kidneys, and the brain.
• D-chiro-inositol is the second-most common form. It works together with myo-ins in tissues that use high amounts of energy.

Taking myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol supplements can improve your health. Discover the many inositol benefits below.

Improves Insulin Sensitivity 

Inositol is categorized as an insulin-sensitizing agent.[2] This means it makes your body more sensitive to insulin. 

When your blood sugar increases, the pancreas releases insulin. The hormone keeps your blood sugar stable and prevents it from spiking. 

Insulin resistance prevents the body from responding to the hormone. Instead, it continues making insulin until there’s a buildup in the bloodstream. Hyperinsulinemia, or too much insulin in the blood, can be harmful. 

It can lead to inflammation and other metabolic concerns. Insulin resistance can cause these problems in PCOS:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility 
• Ovarian cysts
• Hyperandrogenism
• Weight gain
• Heart disease
• Diabetes

You know that friend who hates change? The key is making her more sensitive to change… and less resistant. Inositol is the friend you want to keep around. It tells your body to chill out and be more receptive to circulating insulin. Goodbye insulin resistance, hello insulin sensitivity. 

Inositol allows insulin to get into the cells and do its job. It stops hyperinsulinemia from mounting and causing inflammation in the body. Less inflammation means your ovaries, hormones, and heart and vascular systems can do their jobs.  

Helps Control Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors 

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Having three or more of these conditions can lead to metabolic syndrome: [3]

• Abdominal obesity
• High blood pressure 
• High blood sugar or prediabetes
• High cholesterol or blood fat levels

Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can prevent and reverse metabolic syndrome. If you’re at risk, consider making dietary changes to prevent more health problems. In addition to a healthy diet, taking a myo-inositol supplement may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. [5]

Prevents Gestational Diabetes 

People with insulin resistance are at risk for gestational diabetes (GDM). This is when a woman develops diabetes during pregnancy. If you have insulin resistance or prediabetes, talk to your doctor if you’re planning to start a family. You may need to be monitored for gestational diabetes.

GDM happens when the body’s ability to make insulin is disrupted. It increases the risk of preterm birth and problems after birth. Babies born to diabetic moms can have breathing problems or low blood sugar after birth. [4]

Inositol is proven to prevent GDM in women with diabetes risk factors. It improves fasting insulin and blood sugar levels in pregnant women. Inositol plays a role in regulating blood sugar, which is necessary to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Taking inositol during pregnancy improves outcomes for babies born to diabetic moms. It also helps build healthy cells during fetal development.  [5]

Research shows taking inositol is safe during pregnancy. [6] Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements during pregnancy. 

Improves Fertility in Women With PCOS

Insulin resistance is often to blame for fertility challenges with PCOS. It causes problems in the ovaries, interrupting their ability to regulate hormones. When hormone imbalances are out of control, you can have a hard time getting pregnant. 

During the menstrual cycle, hormones work together to release an egg during ovulation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) tells the ovaries to produce eggs. Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of the egg at ovulation. [7] Inositol mediates the signaling pathway for the release of FSH and LH. 

A study found that taking myo-inositol improves fertility in women with PCOS. It works by correcting insulin resistance and improving ovarian function. This helps women get a regular monthly period – and get pregnant. [8]

Reduces Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

Inositol is commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It plays a role in the process of making serotonin, often referred to as “the happiness hormone.” Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression. Some clinicians recommend taking inositol to manage depression and anxiety.

A double-blind study compared inositol to a prescription antidepressant. Inositol was as effective as fluvoxamine in treating:

If you have mental health challenges, remember you don’t have to navigate them alone. Talk to a therapist or your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

Has Little to No Side Effects

Doctors often prescribe metformin to treat insulin resistance in people with PCOS. Although it’s safe and effective, metformin has several side effects with long-term use. Inositol is proven to treat insulin resistance and has few known side effects.  [9] 

This is also appealing if you’re considering taking a supplement to treat anxiety or OCD. In the antidepressant study, inositol was as effective as fluvoxamine – but without the side effects. 

Ditch Insulin Resistance With Inositol 

Are you ready to reverse PCOS symptoms and do the things you’ve always wanted to do? Whether it’s getting pregnant, overcoming anxiety, or having the confidence to sign up for that new dating app – it’s time to make a change. 

Ditch your stubborn frenemy insulin resistance, and start your path to self-growth today. It begins by adding myo-inositol supplements into your diet. Goodbye resistance, hello sensitivity! 

Try S’moo’s all-natural hormone balance supplements. Ovary Good has 2000mg of Myo-Inositol and ensures the essential inositol levels so you can begin treating insulin resistance naturally. 

You’ll love feeling free from insulin resistance and all the problems that come with it. As for that “one friend…” well, it may be time for a new bestie who’s ready to support your growth!

Medical Disclaimer:

*The content in this article is provided for informational purposes only. This is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any health conditions. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or consultation. Talk to your doctor before making changes to your healthcare regimen. 

Sources

1. What foods are high in inositol?
2. Myo-inositol for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetes 
3. What is metabolic syndrome?
4. Gestational diabetes
5. Myo-inositol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A novel method for ovulation induction
6. Inositol and antioxidant supplementation: Safety and efficacy in pregnancy
7. Myo-Inositol as a Key Supporter of Fertility and Physiological Gestation
8. Myo-inositol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a novel method for ovulation induction
9. Double-blind, controlled, crossover trial of inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder