Is the pill reducing your nutrient stores?
The pill and Nutrients
The pill (OCP- Oral contraceptive pill) is known to result in multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies, therefore, include plenty of these foods in your diet if this is your preferred method of birth control.
B group Vitamins absorption is inhibited by the pill. This blocked Vitamin B’s absorption resulting in reduced serotonin (feel good hormone). These vitamins are also needed for energy production, blood formation, DNA synthesis and nerve endings formation. They assist with regulation of mood, happiness and ability to cope with stress. This is a recipe for disaster in my opinion.
Vitamin B can be found in: whole grains, nuts, red meat, milk, eggs, liver, green vegetables, fish, poultry, dark green leafy vegetables, e.g. asparagus, spinach, Brussels sprouts, beans and peas, bananas, and strawberries.
Vitamin C use is increased, meaning you need to consume more to have a healthy immune response and form collagen that gives you nice clear healthy skin. Vitamin C can be found in: red capsicum, kiwifruit, strawberries, orange, Sweet potato, tomato, silver beet.
Vitamin E needs are also increased, which can be found in olive oil, avocado, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, meat, fish, spinach, and broccoli.
Magnesium needed for muscle contractions, if we have low levels or are deplete our muscles ache, we get spasms, eye twitches and period pain to name a few symptoms. Magnesium can be found in green leafy vegetables, figs, avocado, bananas, nuts, seeds, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, and salmon.
Zinc, Is an antioxidant essential to help with energy production, healthy skin, hormone regulation, immune function, stress response and a healthy thyroid. The OCP reduced absorption. Zinc can be found in oysters, mussels, red meat, chicken, whole grains, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and milk.
Manganese: almonds, pecans, beans, legumes, oatmeal, whole grains, brown rice, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Essential fatty acids: nuts and seeds; chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts, fish; salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, seaweed, and kidney beans.
Selenium absorption is inhibited which is needed for a healthy thyroid. Found in brazil nuts.
Include a handful of nuts and seeds with your meals; eating seafood 2-3 times a week; use as many colours as possible when cooking. As heat depletes both vitamin B and vitamin C content, including raw vegetables, is also recommended
Increase the risk
Can increase the risk for Autoimmune disease and alter gut flora causing symptoms of IBS. Increased risk of feeling depressed, tired, low libido and migraines. The pill can also cause secondary hypertension (high blood pressure) when used long term.
Symptoms of these deficiencies include:
Anemia, infertility, neuropathy (nerve damage), chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, memory loss, hormonal disruption, confusion, dizziness, anxiety, depression and dementia.
What now?
Add the different food listed above to your diet. But also book yourself in for a simple blood test, to assess your nutrient status. Once the results are in, I can review and assess these and provide comprehensive direction for ensuring your nutrient levels become optimal and stay that way! More information on the services I offer here.
