Are you on the pill? You might not be getting enough of certain nutrients. Holistic health care practitioners recognize that certain medications, like the birth control pill, may increase your need for specific nutrients.
The birth control pill interferes with digestion so that even if you have a perfect diet your body will have trouble absorbing the nutrients. The pill increases your need for B-vitamins in the body, especially the vitamins B-6 (pyridoxine) and folic acid. The B-vitamins are important for producing energy in the body, and some (especially B-12) are associated with mental health as well. Taking the pill also decreases levels of zinc and vitamin C.
These nutrient imbalances are not easily addressed by a multi-vitamin and can lead to skin problems, weight gain, migraine headaches, nausea, lowered immune function, symptoms of carpal tunnel and depression.
Dr. Marina Rose, DC has helped people on the pill explore holistic health care options to achieve optimal wellness in and around the city of Palo Alto, CA. She also has worked with people with other challenging and chronic health conditions.
Holistic health care looks at the whole picture. Choosing whole foods that are nutrient rich will help ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need. Dr. Christiane Northrup agrees that foods with high levels of micronutrients keep you healthy. Foods that are high in B-vitamins include:
- Nutritional yeast or brewer’s yeast
- Whole grains
- Seeds
- Liver
To increase your vitamin C try some of these foods that have high levels:
- Citrus fruits
- Strawberries
- Fresh greens
Foods with high zinc levels include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chickpeas
- Garlic
Since taking the pill can interfere with digestion you made need to supplement with a specific digestive enzyme as well. When you need natural solutions with holistic health care, click here to find out how Functional Nutrition can help you.
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