Can Side Effects From Birth Control Pills Mess With Your Head?

Birth control pills make like easier for many women. They can reduce or eliminate cramps, improve your complexion, keep your period predictable, and most importantly, prevent you from getting pregnant. Yay for that! Unfortunately, there is also a much darker side to birth control pills. This involves the less desirable effects they have on our bodies. Some of the side effects from birth control can really mess with your head.

Nutrient Depletion From Birth Control Pills

Birth Control Pills Deplete Vitamin B6

B6 is an important nutrient for lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. It also helps make red blood cells and is important for various amino acid reactions. B6 can also be produced from tryptophan in the body. If your body needs to steal tryptophan to synthesize B6, it can lead to a drop in serotonin levels. This is because serotonin is derived from tryptophan. This can lead to depression.

Birth Control Pills Interfere With Folic Acid Absorption

Folic acid is necessary for healthy brain function. A folic acid deficiency, which is very common, can show symptoms of insomnia, irritability, and fatigue.

Birth Control Pills Can Create Deficiencies of Vitamins B12 and B2

A deficiency of either of these vitamins can be associated with neurological disorders. With a B12 deficiency the symptoms are vast, and include things like memory loss, irritability, inability to concentrate, dizziness, and poor coordination.

Birth Control Pills Can Disrupt Healthy Gut Bacteria

The increase of estrogen from birth control pills can lead to estrogen dominance. This means there is an imbalance of estrogen/progesterone that favors estrogen. The ovaries secrete both estrogen and progesterone and the two need to be in balance with each other. The imbalance from estrogen dominance can lead to an overgrowth of candida. This can lead to a ton of awful symptoms like allergies and intolerances. Things can get worse when the toxins produced by candida are carried to the bloodstream and cause symptoms of brain fog, fatigue, and neurological symptoms.

Birth Control Pills Deplete Zinc.

The depletion of zinc increases copper in the body. Too much copper in the body can affect mental stability. This can result in symptoms like hyperactivity, depression, paranoia, emotional problems and central nervous system damage. Even worse, it can lead to schizophrenia.

How To Counter The Side Effects Of Birth Control Pills

Going off birth control pills isn’t the best option for many women. Fortunately, there are other good nutritional ways to help counter the effects. Eat foods high in iron, vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid and supplement with probiotics. Take a high quality multivitamin that contains folic acid, vitamin B2, B6, B12, vitamin C, and iron. A fish oil supplement may also be beneficial.

To Conclude

The evidence seems to suggest that the side effects from birth control pills can really mess with your head. Fortunately, if you eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and minimal toxins, your body will be equipped to properly handle any potential nutrient imbalances.

If you are still worried about the effects of birth control pills there are other options. Although, many of those options can still cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies if they are contributing hormones and other potential toxins to your body. Try to stick to the more natural methods if possible. Track your cycle to find out the times when you’re most and least likely to get pregnant. While natural methods won’t help with cramps or your complexion, eating more natural, whole, organic, plant-based foods will help to lessen the effects of PMS like cramps and hormonal acne.

Sources

Nutritional Symptomatology.
Danielle Perrault. Ontario. CSNN Publishing, 2013. Print.

Nutritional Pathology.
Dr. Brenda Lessard-Rhead. Ontario. CSNN Publishing, 2013. Print.

www.thecandidadiet.com/candida-oral-contraceptives/

Disclaimer

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and should not be considered any type of medical advice. The information provided in this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition or disease, and should not be substituted for professional care. If you suspect or have a medical condition, consult an appropriate health care provider.