Women take birth control for many reasons—the most obvious reason being to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to bring on monthly bleeds (these are not true period bleeds, they are pill bleeds), relieve cramps, symptoms of PMS and control menstrual migraine frequency.
The benefits of birth control have been well-studied, but something you may not know is that there is an ugly side to hormonal birth control. Birth control can seriously alter your nutritional needs. The fact of the matter is that you can be doing everything right, exercising and eating only healthy foods, and still be subject to the negative effects of hormonal contraceptives.
What The Research Says
To put it simply, taking birth control causes your body to become depleted of nutrients. Your levels of vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid, along with magnesium, selenium, and zinc, are all going to decrease because of oral birth control. Since the body needs all these nutrients to function, being deficient in any or all of them can really put a negative dent in your overall health.
The main reason why the body lacks the ability to absorb these nutrients is because of the way the hormones affect your liver. When your liver function is compromised, your body will not be able to metabolize anything as it should.
What This Means For You
While I’m not here to tell you that you need to stop taking the pill—because it’s your body and your choice—you do need to be aware of the effects that it can have on your nutrient levels. You can use that newfound knowledge to dive into the symptoms you may be suffering from because of the lack of nutrients.
Are you losing hair? Do your feet burn? Perhaps you hit your knee on your coffee table for the millionth time, and this time around, the bruise won’t go away. All of these minor ailments indicate that your body is screaming out for a dose of essential nutrients. So, what can you do to increase your vitamin and mineral intake while taking birth control?
Check In With a Healthcare Professional
Before you go and throw a bunch of vitamins or supplements into your body, you have to understand with your state of health and what you need to do to improve it. Getting your levels checked will arm you with the data you need to up your nutrients safely and effectively.
Overhaul Your Diet
If you prefer a more food-guided approach to rectifying your nutrient depletion, you can add foods high in the nutrients you need to your diet. Whole foods that are both organic and in-season, if possible, will give you the best bang for your buck when it comes to nutrient density. Knowing where you stand is the best way to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
Consider Supplements
Supplements are a great way to give your body what it lacks nutrient-wise, but no two supplements are alike. You need to know the right brand, the proper dose, and even the best time of day to take them. I recommend working with a licensed professional to determine any underlying deficiencies so that you can supplement accordingly (Remember that professional grade supplements are best!)
If you take birth control and wonder where your nutrient levels stand, thorough bloodwork is helpful! If you are ready to understand your nutrient status and how it effects you, book a free 15-minute introductory call today to find out how you can start. I can guide you towards optimal health without you having to give up your trusty oral contraceptive.
Dr. Karlin, ND