The Birth Control Pill and Your Digestive Health

Recently some studies have come to my attention that I wanted to share.  These studies have been showing how certain drugs like the commonly taken Birth Control Pill can lead to some very unpleasant side effects on our health.  This is of concern as use of the birth control pill increases and now upwards of 2/3 of reproductive age women are taking this medication.  As most people think only excessive use of antibiotics will damage our gut flora,  this is not the case.

Science shows that when taking the birth control pill it can change the homeostatic condition of the bacterial cultures within the stomach.   This makes us unable to properly digest our foods and decreases the absorption of much needed vitamins, minerals and other essential elements.   As the birth control pill is digested it releases a byproduct within our stomachs which is toxic.  This changes the bacteria balance within the stomach and changes how our bodies digest foods.  Not only this but this toxin is absorbed into the blood stream and passed along to all the organs of the body.

Not only does the birth control pill possibly create a unhealthy digestive tract but it is also more difficult to treat and reverse.
Referring to Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride MD she states that drugs such as the birth control pill create severe gut dysbiosis and drug induced gut imbalance is poorly treated using probiotics and nutritional treatment.

Our digestive health is so important when trying to conceive a healthy child.  We need to absorb all the nutrients necessary to pass along to our developing follicles and the building of a healthy uterine lining.  Once a pregnancy is achieved we still need to make sure our diets contain enough vitamins and minerals to optimize the development of the life within.  If your digestion isn't optimized this can be jeopardized, no matter how many supplements or organic food is being consumed !

It is up to each and everyone of us to try to educate ourselves as best we can on anything that we are consuming.  Even the smallest changes overtime can create a huge benefit or devastative effect on our health.

References:
http://www.ei-resource.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=139...
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2011/02/how-the-pill-can-harm-you...

Ryan Funk
RTCMP
Member of the ABORM