Contraceptives and Cottage Cheese

Did your doctor tell you that oral contraceptives can increase your hunger (so you eat more and gain weight !) and also that they can deplete your body of certain essential nutrients? As though refined foods and sugary treats weren't enough! Have you been taking an oral contraceptive for more than 7 years? If so, it is likely that you are deficient in some nutrients and should be taking a supplement. Research has shown that the B group of vitamins are the most commonly depleted nutrients when taking oral contraceptives. Vitamin B is critical to keeping your nerves healthy (hence they are often sold as executive 'stress' vitamins)

A high-potency, B-complex vitamin (with at least 50 -100mg of B6, 1,000 meg of B12, and 800 meg of folate) should be taken alongside contraceptive pills. An increased need for vitamins C (1-3g, yes, not mg), E,(400-600 IU's) and K may also result from the use of birth control pills- Vit C especially can help to reduce the chance of vaginal infections. Cells that are replaced frequently, like those in the mouth and gut can become ulcerated if folate is depleted. Folic acid is a relative of Vit B and is important for brain health as well as cell repair and development.

You may never have heard of Tyrosine but you've probably heard of amino acids. Tyrosine is an amino acid which has many 'jobs' in your body but one is to keep your thyroid healthy. Low tyrosine can also contribute to depression. Depletion of tyrosine is one of the reasons 'the pill' is often associated with weight gain and moodiness. AH ! is that a penny dropping? OK , next time you pop out to collect your prescription for Alesse, grab a tub of cottage cheese from the supermarket as this is the highest food source of tyrosine: 1 cup provides 1.5 g. Or you can take a supplement (1.5 g daily), particularly during the second half of your menstrual cycle.

It is likely that we are all slightly short of magnesium anyway so women who take oral contraceptives can become even more depleted. deficiency often shows itself as muscle cramps, weakness, insomnia, kidney stones, bone loss, depression, nervousness, anxiety and high blood pressure. Take 500 mg at bedtime in a liquid or powdered form for easy absorption. Copper levels in the blood may be increased by the use of oral contraceptives which can lead to depression and emotional problems. Limit supplement to 1mg. Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables will ensure that copper requirements are met.

If you normally take an iron supplement you may not need it if you take oral contraceptives. Iron levels may increase when you are on the pill as there is often less blood loss. Iron needs are probably reduced from the usual 18 mg. to around 12-15 mg per day. However, if your periods are heavy or you have anemia then you may need a different dose of iron. Check with your doctor first. Zinc is another essential mineral depleted by oral contraceptives and is important for wound healing and combatting depression; supplement with 20 to 50 mg daily, which will also help to reduce copper levels.

"As if I don't have enough side effects to worry about!"- well, at least a quick blood test will show you exactly where you stand with your body's nutrients and you never know- that tub of cottage cheese may be just the thing to banish those monthly moods!

Source: Nutrition and Vitamin Therapy, Michael Lesser, M.D

Elson M. Haas M.D. Staying Healthy with Nutrition Better Nutrition

Carole Pemberton brings you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives including including Alesseto empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your birth control. For a free e-book, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit:http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com