Gastritis

Gastritis refers to a group of conditions that are caused due to the inflammation of the stomach lining. Typical symptoms of gastritis include abdominal bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting. Another symptom of gastritis is burning ache or pain in the upper abdomen. Some cases of gastritis can lead to ulcers. Acute gastritis involves a simple inflammation with superficial ulcers. This is usually tackled with antacids and dietary changes. On the other hand, chronic gastritis may be caused due to autoimmune conditions such as hypothyroidism or anemia. Acute gastritis is characterized by epigastric pain and vomiting. There may be blood in the vomit if there are ulcers. Corrosive gastritis results when a person ingests strong acids or alkalies. When a person suffers from chronic gastritis, there will be belching, abdominal distension and unpleasant taste in the mouth in the mornings.

Possible causes of gastritis:

• Stress
  
• Spicy and greasy food
  
• Prolonged use of drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin
  
• Too much alcohol
  
• Severe infection
  
• Burns
  
• Anemia
  

Blood tests help in determining any possible anemia due to bleeding in the stomach. Stool tests can detect the presence of H. pylori in the digestive tract. Upper GI Endoscopy allows the doctor to examine the stomach lining for inflammation. Making dietary changes like timely and moderate meals can help in treating gastritis. Avoid drugs that cause irritation to your stomach lining. Smoking aggravates gastritis. Limit the use of caffeine and alcohol. Antacids can keep stomach acid in check.

Fecal occult blood test

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) aids in detecting any occult blood in the stool. This test is part of any colorectal cancer screening process. New flushable reagent pads allow you to conduct this test either at home or a laboratory. About 2 -3 stool samples are taken on different days to check for fecal occult blood. While FOBT can detect the presence of blood in the stool, it can't pinpoint the cause. Fecal occult blood can occur due to colon cancer, gastritis, hemorrhoids, fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer or esophagitis. Fecal occult blood test must not be conducted if the person is suffering from colitis, diarrhea, constipation or diverticulitis. Women who are menstruating or persons with active anal bleeding due to fissures or hemorrhoids must not take the FOBT. Avoid eating beets, grapefruit, poultry, red meat cooked rare, turnips or horseradish about 48 hours prior to FOBT. If any blood is detected during fecal occult blood test, further diagnostic tests are conducted to check the causes.

Inositol

Inositol is part of the Vitamin B group. Our body manufactures Inositol from glucose. Next to Niacin, in terms of quantities, human body contains more Inositol, specifically in the spinal cord nerves, the brain and the cerebral spinal fluid. Inositol is a fundamental ingredient of cell membranes. It is necessary for proper functioning of nerves, brain and muscles in the body. Inositol is essential for growth and survival of cells in bone marrow, eye tissues and the intestines. It enables hair growth and helps prevent baldness. Inositol or as some call it as Vitamin B 8, prevents collection of fats in the liver.

Role of Inositol

• Plays a vital role in chemical reactions which are associated with the production of glucose.
  
• Facilitates normal functioning of the body (side effects result when the levels are low).
  
• Aids in efficient processing and conversion of nutrients into energy.
• Nourishes the brain.
  

Functions and Importance
Inositol is a key component in various biological processes:

• Cell Signaling: Inositol acts as a second messenger molecule, helping to transmit signals from hormones and neurotransmitters.
  
• Phospholipid Metabolism: It plays a crucial role in the metabolism of phospholipids, which are essential for cell membrane structure and function.
  
• Insulin Sensitivity: Inositol has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  
• Cardiovascular Health: It helps regulate blood lipid profiles, lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol.
  

Clinical Relevance
Deficiencies in inositol have been linked to various health issues:

• Depression: Low inositol levels have been associated with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
  
• Obesity: Deficiencies in inositol may contribute to obesity, as it helps regulate glucose and lipid metabolism.
  
• Cardiovascular Disease: Insufficient inositol intake has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
  

Inositol supplement

Our body makes enough Inositol to function normally. Deficiency of Inositol in healthy individuals is a rare occurrence. Caffeine (exceeding 2 cups per day) can lower Inositol levels and lead to Inositol deficiency. Inositol deficiency symptoms include eczema, gastritis, hypertension, fatty infiltration in the liver, and hardening of the liver and patchy baldness. In such cases, Inositol supplement is recommended by the healthcare provider. Diabetic people may experience an increased excretion of Inositol and can make up by taking Inositol supplement in the form of powder or capsules.

Effect on Pregnancy : Pregnancy is characterized by a physiologic increase in insulin resistance, which, when associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammations, could induce alterations of glucose metabolism and diabetes. If the situation is not controlled properly these conditions may affect the mother and the fetus.
Inositol (Myo and d-chiro-Inositol [DCI]) and antioxidants such as lipoic acid, Resveratrol and epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG]) have shown anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties in recent studies. Inositol acts as a mediator of the action of insulin, and it is necessary to activate key enzymes in the metabolism of glucose.

Inositol supplementation is often used to:
Support Mental Health: Inositol has been shown to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Regulate Blood Lipids: It can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol.
Improve Insulin Sensitivity: Inositol supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

Doses of Inositol are prescribed by health care providers for people suffering from medical conditions or disorders such as Polycistic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) , high cholesterol, schizophrenia, ADHD, insomnia and depression.
PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal disorder and probably a common cause of infertility. Insulin resistance and the consequent hyperinsulinaemia contribute to hyperandrogenism development which is a marker of PCOS. In such cases, oral administration of Inositol improves insulin sensitivity.

Because of its beneficial effects, Inositol is used in the treatment of bipolar mood disorder, Alzheimer's disease, binge eating disorders and retinopathy of prematurity. Inositol can improve nerve function in diabetics. In some cases, Inositol has helped in reversing the nerve damage. It helps reduce the pain and numbness due to nerve deterioration. Also, Inositol can improve the sensitivity of insulin in the human body, which is highly beneficial to control diabetes. Inositol is given to premature babies with respiratory distress.

Other Inositol benefits

• Aids in the breakdown of fats
  
• Helps in the reduction of bad cholesterol.
  
• Has a calming effect on the central nervous system.
  
• Useful in treating eczema.
  
• Helpful in treating constipation.
  
• Maintains hormone balance by controlling estrogen levels in the body.
  

Side effects of Inositol

Synthetically manufactured Inositol is available in the form of tablets, capsules and powder. There is no RDA for Inositol and some cases have been given doses ranging from 2 gm to 18 gm with no serious side effects.
Pregnant women should take Inositol only under medical supervision as it may result in contractions. Possible side effects include tiredness, dizziness, hives, itching, wheezing, skin rash and swelling of mouth and throat. Deficiency of magnesium and potassium, high blood pressure are other side effects to look out for.

Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals

Screening: Consider screening patients with depression, anxiety, obesity, or cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Supplementation: Recommend inositol supplementation (500-2000 mg/day) to individuals with documented deficiencies or those at high risk of deficiency (e.g., vegetarians, vegans).
Dietary Counseling: Encourage patients to include inositol-rich foods in their diet.

Dietary Sources

Inositol is found in various food sources:
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are rich in inositol.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, and quinoa contain inositol.
Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits, and apples are good sources of inositol.
Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and broccoli also provide inositol.