By: Dr. Eeks
A Supplement for Bulimia and OCD: Let’s talk about Myo-Inositol
Rates of Bulimia, OCD and panic attacks are increasing around the globe, as is the search for alternative treatment approaches. Can Myo-Inositol be used safely as a supplement for Bulimia and OCD? What about panic attacks? Let’s take a look at what Myo-Inositol is and the evidence.
Myo-Inositol is an isomer of glucose, or basic sugar, and naturally consumed in an average human’s diet. It is used in the phosphatidyinositol cycle, a metabolic process that helps mediate hormones, and it is also part of a second messenger system at the cellular level, including messenger systems that lead to the production of serotonin and noradrenalin. Myo-Inositol’s exact mechanism of action is beyond the scope of this blog, so just remember that it helps serotonin and noradrenalin function more effectively, and remember that low or altered production of serotonin is implicated in many anxiety and depressive disorders. Let’s take a look at randomized controlled trials (the gold standard of evidence) that support the use of Myo-Inositol for Bulimia and OCD.
First let me say that bulimia is a very difficult illness to treat. I know, because I suffered from it for years, and I hid it very well…from family, coaches, teachers, significant others, doctors and therapists. It almost took my life in more ways than one, and I was constantly on the look out for ANYTHING that would reliably help me overcome bulimic cravings. The cravings are a nightmare, but once you get them under control, recovery IS possible. To be completely honest, I had to treat myself like a drug addict to overcome bulimic cravings. I strongly feel that there is a massive addictive component to bulimia, and when you stop binging and purging and letting your body experience the highs that come with that, you experience a form of withdrawal. I could go on about that…but I want to focus on Myo-Inositol.
What’s the evidence for using Myo-inositol as a supplement for bulimia?
Okay…there is some. But it isn’t the best quality evidence. Keep that in mind. Also, this isn’t medical or health advice of any kind. Keep that in mind.
A double-blind trial compared Myo-Inositol to placebo in patients with either bulimia or binge eating disorder. For six weeks, bulimic patients were given either 18g/day of Myo-Inositol or placebo. The Myo-Inositol group showed a significant reduction in bulimic symptoms compared to the placebo group. (When I was really struggling with the binge/purge cycle, I supplemented with Myo-Inositol to help get me through.) Since we’re focusing on Myo-Inositol as a supplement for Bulimia and OCD, I want the world to know that I view Bulimia as an obsessive/compulsive behavior, in the sense that you are plagued with intrusive thoughts about binging on certain foods, especially when under stress, and then compelled to act on those thoughts: shopping for food, binging, and finally purging. Health professionals will disagree with me, so I want to make it clear that bulimia as a form of “OCD” is just my opinion. I wanted to point that out, however, because next I’ll mention a study in which Myo-Inositol was effective for OCD.
In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, patients with OCD were given either 18 g/day of Myo-Inositol or a placebo. At the end of 6 weeks, the group taking Myo-Inositol significantly improved more than the placebo group. Another study showed no significant improvement when Myo-Inositol was tested as an add-on treatment for individuals with OCD who were already taking an antidepressant(SSRI).
I’ll quickly mention a study that tested Myo-Inositol for panic attacks. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial compared 18g/day of Myo-Inositol with Fluvoxamine ( an antidepressant) in patients with panic disorder. Fluvoxamine is often prescribed for panic disorder. At the end of one month, Myo-Inositol reduced the number of panic attacks by 4 compared to 2 for Fluvoxamine. This is encouraging, because Myo-Inositol isn’t known to have any significant side effects, and comparing it to an actual medication (active comparator) is a much stronger study than comparing it to a placebo. Also, the group who took Fluvoxamine complained significantly more of nausea and tiredness, common side effects of antidepressants.
We covered evidence for using Myo-Inositol as a supplement for Bulima and OCD, but where can you get it?
You can buy supplements in capsule or powder form. I prefer it in powder form. I don’t use it regularly or daily, but sometimes when I’m feeling anxious or obsessive, I use the powder to make a smoothie. I mix it with yogurt, ice cubes, strawberries, banana and spinach, but obviously you can blend whatever you want together. The powder is white and has a sweetish taste. Interesting random fact: Folks used to smuggle cocaine by putting it in Myo-Inositol containers. But don’t worry. Go through a reputable company and you’ll be fine.
If you decide to try Myo-Inositol as a supplement for bulimia or OCD, how much should you take?
One Tsp equals 3 grams. The randomized controlled trials mentioned above used 18/g day, so that’s 6 Tsps/ day. I usually put something close to that in my smoothies. Of course you can try smaller doses, especially if you are testing for any intolerances. Myo-Inositol has a very safe side-effect profile, but some people have complained of nausea, diarrhea or an upset stomach. I had zero side effects. Please note that it’s not recommended with pregnancy, as it has been linked to uterine contractions.
If you are working with a doctor or therapist to overcome your bulimia and you are considering Myo-Inositol for Bulimia or OCD, please let them know. See what he/she says about it.
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Carolyn
I completely agree on Bulimia being addictive. The withdrawal can be a compulsive nightmare. I going to try inositol for treatment of bulimia, depression, anxiety and panic attacks. The limited literature suggests that really high dose would be more effective ie 18gsms