Do you wake up in the middle of the night in the grips of anxiety…perhaps even verging on a panic attack? Does anxiety play like a constant hum in the background of your life? If so, there are many natural anxiety treatments to explore…inositol being one of them!
How Inositol Helps 
Inositol is a natural compound found in beans, nuts, cantaloupe and wheat, but eating a diet high in these foods typically doesn’t exert any anti-anxiety benefit. You’d be better served supplementing with inositol in pill or powder form.
Inositol plays a role in proper cell formation, nerve transmission, and carrying fats throughout the body. Researchers believe it may help alleviate anxiety because it appears to help regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and anxiety, and boosting levels with inositol may help ease the intensity of anxiety.
A landmark study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology showed that inositol was as effective as the prescription anti-depressant fluvoxamine at lessening anxiety, but without any negative side effects.
Inositol is typically consumed in 500 mg doses, but if you are using it to combat anxiety experts recommend supplementing with 12-18 grams. The American Family Physician warns not to take inositol if you are currently on an SSRI antidepressant for OCD.
Inositol normally doesn’t cause any side effects, but in large doses may cause diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and dizziness until your body gets used to the supplement. Consult your doctor to make sure that inositol is right for you, but hopefully inositol is another 5-minute health tip that can come in handy.
