Inositol and Hashimoto’s is a hot topic worth exploring! Inositol is one of the most overlooked compounds in the human body.

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Inositol and Hashimoto’s is a hot topic worth exploring! Inositol is one of the most overlooked compounds in the human body. More specifically, the relationship between inositol and Hashimoto’s Disease is one to pay special attention to. 

In fact, inositol might just be my star player in the management of Hashimoto’s and other chronic diseases. Here’s what you need to know about the highly underrated nutrient and how I use inositol to support my clients with Hashimoto’s!

WHAT IS HASHIMOTO’S?

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. In other words, immune dysregulation mistakenly causes the body to attack its thyroid in the name of self-protection. As a result of Hashimoto’s, thyroid function can become severely impaired and impact various functions within the body, including metabolism, energy production, and more. 

Common signs of Hashimoto’s include chronic fatigue, constipation, cold sensitivity, puffy face, hair loss, and more. Despite common belief, autoimmune diseases, including Hahsimoto’s, can be healed with the right tools, tests, and approaches. Could inositol be an effective tool in managing Hashimoto’s?

WHAT IS INOSITOL?

Inositol refers to a group of nine compounds in the body that largely influence energy production and cellular development. It is commonly, and confusingly, referred to as “vitamin B8.” However, inositol is a form of sugar, not a vitamin. 

Arguably, the most abundant form of inositol in the body is myo-inositol. Myo-inositol is specifically known for its impressive health benefits, such as improving insulin sensitivity and balancing hormones. Inositol is critical for overall health, especially hormone balance and thyroid function. 

Since inositol is effective at supporting hormone and thyroid function, the relationship between inositol and Hashimoto’s is one to pay close attention to. In fact, inositol may be a key player in managing (or reversing) Hashimoto’s Disease! 

SIGNS OF INOSITOL DEFICIENCY 

Inositol deficiency has been associated with various mental disorders and hormonal imbalances, including depression, anxiety, compulsiveness, PCOS, and Diabetes– to name a few. Furthermore, high blood sugar levels, kidney dysfunction, and a highly processed diet are all contributors to inositol deficiency.

Common symptoms of inositol deficiency include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic disorders
• Fatty liver disease
• Insulin resistance or dysregulated blood sugar
• Hair loss
• Lack of energy
• Eczema
• Infertility
• PCOS

As you can likely see, many common symptoms of inositol deficiency are similar to those of Hashimoto’s Disease. In some cases, this may be coincidental. However, for others, there may be a correlation between inositol deficiency and the presence of autoimmunity. 

It’s important to work with a functional practitioner who can help you identify or confirm inositol deficiency before considering if it is right for you. Unlike other deficiencies, running a routine blood test is often not as simple. Since inositol is produced within the body, there is no “normal range” to test for. In rare cases, checking urine or blood levels is possible, in addition to symptom analysis by a trusted practitioner.

INOSITOL BENEFITS FOR THYROID FUNCTION

The thyroid regulates countless bodily functions, including metabolism, body temperature, digestion, mood, muscle maintenance, and more. When Hashimoto’s is present, the thyroid can fail to regulate these functions properly. As mentioned above, the symptoms of Hashimoto’s can appear from head to toe.

Cue: myo-inositol.

Clinical studies have proven the impressive effects of Myo-inositol on thyroid function and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. One study showed that inositol supplementation significantly reduced thyroid antibodies in those with Hashimoto’s. 

In another study, Myo-inositol supported TSH regulation in those with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Additionally, there is a close connection between dysregulated blood sugar and the presence of Hashimoto’s. 

This study showed high levels of thyroid antibodies were related to high glucose levels. This further supports evidence that inositol can effectively manage Hashimoto’s, as inositol helps regulate blood sugar levels.

As these clinical studies have shown, inositol can successfully support:

• Weight loss 
• Blood sugar balance
• Fertility 
• Metabolic syndrome
• Thyroid function
• PCOS
• Energy levels

Inositol for Weight Loss 

Weight gain or weight loss resistance is a common symptom associated with having Hashimoto’s. A study tested obese women who were diagnosed with PCOS using three modalities: diet, diet with myo-inositol and folic acid, and diet with myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol. Over the course of the six-month study, the following metrics were tracked: menstrual cycle, Ferriman-Gallwey score, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and body composition.

All three modalities proved to significantly impact weight loss. However, the third modality (diet + Myo-inositol + d-chiro-inositol) proved to have the most significant impact on restoring a regular menstrual cycle, a significant component of hormonal balance. 

The study concluded that diet changes, in addition to Myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol supplementation, are an effective way to achieve healthy weight loss and support hormonal conditions like PCOS. 

Inositol for Blood Sugar 

In 2022, a study involving seven randomized controlled trials and 1,321 pregnant women tested the efficacy and safety of myo-inositol supplementation during pregnancy. The study aimed to understand the role of myo-inositol in preventing Gestational Diabetes (GDM). 

The study showed that a daily dosage of 4g of Myo-inositol significantly reduced the occurrence of GDM, preterm delivery, and the need for insulin treatment. As a result, supplementing with 4g of myo-inositol daily while pregnant can help prevent GDM and its side effects. 

While inositol is not a magic pill and should not be treated as such, identifying and addressing possible inositol deficiency is a promising approach to managing thyroid dysfunction and Hashimoto’s disease. 

HOW DOES INOSITOL WORK TO INCREASE ENERGY?

In those with Hashimoto’s, lack of energy (or chronic fatigue) is a genuine concern and struggle. One of the biggest benefits of inositol is its effects on energy production. Here are the multiple ways inositol can improve energy levels:

• Blood Sugar Regulation: Myo-inositol can improve insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose uptake into cells, helping the body convert glucose into energy. This helps provide the mind and body with continuous energy throughout the day.

• Mitochondrial Function: Myo-inositol supports mitochondrial function and the production of ATP (aka energy on a cellular level). 

• Mental Endurance: Inositol has the ability to influence neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which help relieve mental fatigue and improve mood.

• Fat Metabolism: Inositol aids in the break down of fatty acids, which helps provide more energy for the mind and body. A healthy breakdown of fatty acids also supports a healthy microbiome. 

• Stress Management: Inositol helps regulate additional neurotransmitters, such as GABA, which can lead to an anti-anxiety affect on the mind and body.

As you can now see, Myo-inositol can help support many of the root causes of Hashimoto’s symptoms and is worth considering as part of your health plan. 

HOW TO USE INOSITOL TO FEEL YOUR BEST

The question remains: Can inositol improve your quality of life? 

One thing is clear: the studies don’t lie. In one study, supplementing with inositol significantly reduced obsessive behavior in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). 

A second study showed inositol to be an effective approach to managing PCOS. For those with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism, studies (mentioned above) have proven inositol to be effective in regulating TSH and reducing antithyroid antibodies. 

While inositol is not the end-all-be-all, it may be an effective tool for those struggling with mental disorders, mood disorders, hypothyroidism, autoimmunity, hormonal conditions, and metabolic syndrome. 

Inositol supplementation may serve as a root cause approach to supporting Hashimoto’s root cause imbalances from the inside out. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to improve inositol levels in the body, including:

Eating More Food Sources Of Inositol 

We’ve all heard the saying: food is medicine. And it’s true! 

Consuming plenty of whole, nutrient-dense foods can serve as medicine for the body. In many cases, my first approach to reversing deficiencies is to add more nutrient-rich foods to the diet. 

The following are whole foods, specifically rich in inositol:

• Citrus fruits: oranges, grapefruits, and lemons
• Bananas
• Cabbage
• Melons
• Oats
• Sprouted brown rice
• Buckwheat
• Bran
• Beef liver
• Beans
• Sprouted lentils
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Whole milk
• Fermented foods: kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt

My Hashimoto’s Meal Plan is a great resource for those who want to use food as medicine to reverse deficiencies and heal autoimmunity. Learn more here.

Taking Inositol As A Supplement

Supplementation is another effective and safe way to consume more inositol. While I highly recommend working with your practitioner to determine the best dosage for you, the general Myo-inositol dosage for those with Hashimoto’s ranges from 2 to 4 grams daily, divided into two or three doses.

As with all supplements, opting for a high-quality, third-party-tested product is necessary. Based on my experience and research, the following inositol supplements are trustworthy:

• Vital Nutrients Inositol Powder
  • 1 scoop/serving
  • Contains 3800mg of Myo-Inositol 

• Theralogix Ovasitol
  • 1 scoop/serving 
  • Contains 2000mg of Myo-Inositol and 50mg of D-Chiro-Inositol

As mentioned above, these supplements should be taken two or three times a day, with or without food. The powder can be mixed into hot or cold liquid. You can purchase either of these products online. 

Fullscript is an online dispensary that allows patients to purchase high-quality supplements through their practitioner. I personally use Fullscript for all of my clients’ supplement recommendations.

While supplementing with inositol, monitoring your thyroid function and regularly retesting is vital. Monitoring thyroid levels helps ensure inositol levels are trending in the right direction and that your protocol continues to be effective. 

Ask your functional practitioner about monitoring your thyroid function and autoimmunity through a full thyroid panel. If you aren’t sure what the most critical thyroid labs are, you can download my free lab panel checklist below!  

POTENTIAL RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS 

Fortunately, inositol is generally safe for consumption and supplementation. However, in doses larger than 12g per day, some may experience nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, sleep troubles, or dizziness.  

As with all supplementation, it is important to work with a trusted functional practitioner to determine the safest, most effective protocol for your unique body. 

Here’s how you can get more information about my one-on-one personalized program to help you get Hashimoto’s in remission so you can feel your best.

WRAPPING IT ALL UP

It’s been shown that Myo-inositol can significantly benefit many essential functions in the body—many of which directly impact Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune diseases. 

For example, inositol can positively impact blood sugar regulation, hormonal balance, immune regulation, and more. It can also improve common symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.

If you have Hashimoto’s and have not tried inositol supplementation to support your body, I highly suggest talking with your functional practitioner about the possibility. Supplementing with Myo-inositol may serve as a complementary approach to managing your health plan alongside conventional treatments under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

If you need help personalizing a functional medicine approach to managing your Hashimoto’s, including diet, supplementation, and more, I would love to help! I work one-on-one with clients who are struggling to heal their gut so they can ultimately get autoimmune Hashimoto’s in remission and feel their best. You can learn more about my personalized Microbiome Makeover program here! 

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