How the OCP changes your nutritional status

1 in 4 women in Australia aged 18 to 49 use the oral contraceptive pill at one point in their reproductive lives. Yet how many of you know that the OCP can actually change your nutritional needs?! 

It turns out, the pill, can deplete women of some key nutrients! Let’s take a look at 4 of the nutrients that can become depleted with OCP use here! 

ZINC

~ essential for immune function, skin/wound healing, gut health and for healthy hormone production.

~ zinc is crucial in the healthy production of progesterone (one of the most common hormonal imbalances is progesterone deficiency)

Where to find in food?

~ eggs, oysters, seeds, red meat, legumes, nuts.

B VITAMINS

~ essential for energy production, mood, for pregnancy, rapid growth stages and DNA synthesis

~ Vitamin B6 deficiency is linked with symptoms of PMS

Where to find in food?

~ meats, wholegrains, avocado, broccoli, leafy greens, liver.

MAGNESIUM

~ essential for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body!

~ important for energy production, mood + cardiovascular health.

~ magnesium relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus providing relief from period cramps

Where to find in food?

~ leafy greens, nuts, legumes, raw cacao

SELENIUM

~ needed for reproductive health, healthy thyroid function and for nervous system support

Where to find in food?

~ Brazil nuts, eggs, oily fish

These are just 4 common deficiencies linked with oral contraceptive use, there are actually a few more. For those of you considering stopping hormonal contraception, for those of you who have just stopped cold turkey and for those of you who wish to remain on the pill ~ it’s important you are conscious of these effects and how they can impact your health.

For more information check out my eGuide ~ Pill Break-up Blueprint