Is the birth control pill messing with your gut health?

Let's chat about birth control pills!

Look, we're not pro nor against birth control pills - You do you!!

But we ARE about making informed decisions surrounding your health, and having the necessary information in order to do that.

So let's get into it! Because this is a conversation that affects millions of women worldwide...What is the impact of birth control pills on our health?!

How birth control impacts gut health:

• Imbalances to the good/bad gut bacteria: Some studies have suggested that hormonal birth control can actually throw off a healthy balance of good and harmful bacteria in the gut. This delicate ecosystem of bacteria and other microbes are the orchestrators of proper digestion, immune function, and overall health. Changes to this complex community of gut bugs can potentially lead to an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, which can have various health fallouts.

• Gut Inflammation: Hormonal birth control can sometimes lead to what we know as "leaky gut.". This condition can allow toxins and undigested food particles to pass through the gut wall and trigger an inflammatory response. Chronic gut inflammation is associated with various health issues, including gut issues.
• Nutrient Absorption: Birth control pills can affect nutrient absorption and lead to deficiencies of key vitamins and minerals, most notably B vitamins and magnesium.
• Impact on Gut-Brain Axis: The gut-brain axis is how our brain communicates with our gut, and vice versa... 24/7! This line of communication impacts our mood and mental health. Any disruptions in the gut caused by hormonal birth control may have effects on mental wellness as well.

How to support your gut health when taking birth control pills:

• Probiotics: Taking a personalized probiotic to support healthy balance in the gut is a MUST! We love The Go-To for those on birth control. But you can take our Gut Health Quiz to find the best probiotic for you to help restore and maintain a healthy gut!

• Fiber-Rich Diet: Consume a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber promotes healthy digestion and provides a source of nourishment for those beneficial gut bugs.
• The Prebiotic: This is a daily supplement to support your gut while taking hormonal birth control. It is going to nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut so they can thrive!
• Limit Processed Foods: Minimize your intake of processed and sugary foods. These can disrupt gut bacteria and promote the growth of harmful microbes.

• Reduce Stress: Chronic stress will negatively impact gut health (remember that gut-brain axis?!). Every day do something you enjoy to bring down stress. Some ideas are getting outside in nature, calling a loved one, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help support your gut.

Need gut health support while taking or coming off of the pill? Book a free strategy call with our lead dietitian to see how you can work together!