Natural Ways to Increase Inositol in Body

Inositol is a member of the B vitamin family and is sometimes called vitamin B8 even though it is not essential and therefore not really a true vitamin. It is thought to function as a mild antidepressant and may be able to help with such psychological issues as anxiety and panic disorders.  

• Consume the right fruits and vegetables. One of the most natural ways to increase inositol in the body is by increasing the intake of those fruits and vegetables that are rich in it. It occurs in the cell walls of many plants but is present in greater quantities some more than others. The fruits and vegetables that will have to be increased in the diet include legumes, bananas, cantaloupe and citrus.


• Eat the right meats. Fruits and vegetables are not the only source of inositol, it also occurs in animal proteins; organ meats are also particularly rich in inositol. Increasing levels of inositol means increasing the amount of liver, heart and other types of offal in the diet.


• Eat more of the right grains. Certain grains are particularly good sources of it. The grains that are good sources of inositol include wheat and oats, so wheat germ and products containing oats should be added to the diet.


• Increase intake of lecithin. It is a fatty substance found in both animal and plant tissues and is often extracted from soybeans. It can be used as a food lubricant and is often an ingredient in such items as cooking spray. It is added to a large number processed foods. Inositol is a component of lecithin.


• Add foods like soybean to the diet. Soybean is rich in an amino acid called methionone that enables the liver to produce its own lecithin.