INOSITOL – Prevents Hair Loss Inositol is highly soluble in water and is destroyed by alcohol, coffee, food processing and sulphur drugs. Of the ingested inositol over 99% is absorbed by the body, but slowly. It is converted to glucose in the kidneys. What is inositol?
Inositol can be described as a molecule that occurs naturally in the human body. It is also found in many different types of food, but is not regarded as a vitamin, since the human body, produces it on its own. Instead Inositol is usually referred to, as part of the B complex vitamin that is required by the human body, for the proper formation of cell membranes.
This substance can easily be found in food items like beans, nuts, oranges, cantaloupe, wheat and wheat bran. There have not been many reported instances of people suffering from a deficiency of inositol; however, people who are diabetic usually have increased excretion of this substance and therefore, they may benefit from supplements like inositol powder or capsules. There are several dietary supplements that contain inositol. Moreover, small amounts of inositol are present in most multivitamin supplements. For maximum benefits, most people take a combination of choline and inositol. Choline is a substance that is found in the tissues of all animals. Both choline and inositol are important for the proper functioning of the brains and for balancing moods.
However, medical health care providers may recommend doses of inositol in case of people suffering from certain medical conditions or disorders. It is not uncommon for people to try inositol for anxiety related problems. One of the most common uses for the inositol supplements includes treating conditions such as:
- Poly Cystic ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- High cholesterol
- Schizophrenia
- Excessive hair loss
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Panic disorders
- Insomnia
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Depression
At times, inositol benefits may also include improving instances of nerve problems caused by diabetes, autism, psoriasis and respiratory disease syndrome in premature infants. People may also be asked to take inositol for lung cancer, or certain other types of cancer.
Functions in the body
Inositol provides nourishment to brain cells and is essential for the transportation of fat in the body. It helps in preventing eczema and helps to lower cholesterol levels. It prevents hair fall and promotes growth of healthy hair. Sources
Beef brain and heart, brewers yeast, cabbage, dried lima beans, grapefruit, liver, peanuts, raisins, unrefined molasses and wheat germ are good sources of Inositol.
(R.D.A. – Men – 1000mg, Women – 1000mg, Children – 500mg) Deficiency Symptoms
Eczema, gastritis, hypertension, fatty infiltration in the liver, hardening of the liver and patchy baldness are caused by the deficiency of inositol. Healing and Therapeutic Properties 1. Baldness – Bald headedness in men is considered to be a partly nutritional deficiency caused by lack of inositol. A new coat of healthy hair grows when inositol is added to their diet again. In a few cases bald-headedness, concentrated inositol has been used with promising results. Healthy hair of natural color starts growing within 2 months.
2. Heart Disease – Like mentioned earlier inositol along with choline has been found valuable in the treatment of heart disease.
3. Premature graying – Inositol is one of the 3 anti-gray-hair “B” group vitamins. The other 2 being pantothenic acid and para-aminobenzoic acid. A liberal intake of inositol along with small quantity of pantothenic acid and paba changes gray hair back to its normal color.
Inositol side effects
There have been many instances in which people have seen relief from certain problems, after taking inositol supplement or even through the increased consumption of foods that are high in this natural molecule. However, there is no scientific evidence that suggests there could be any inositol benefits. Moreover, even though this is a naturally occurring substance, there are a few inositol side effects too, that may be evident, which should be considered carefully. Given below are some of the most common inositol side effects:
- Diarrhea, especially in case high doses of inositol are consumed
- Nausea and dizziness, in case of an overdose
- Problems in the absorption of nutrients like zinc, calcium and iron
- Certain kidney diseases, such as kidney stones
- Excessive gas, which can cause bloating and heaviness
- Deficiency of potassium and magnesium
- Minor ailments like headaches, itchiness, tiredness, skin rash or hives
- Breathing problems, like wheezing
- Swelling in the throat as well as the mouth
Even though, most of the inositol side effects are only seen in case of an overdose, it is best to get a go ahead from a medical health care provider, before consuming even the smallest amount of this substance.
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