Navigating & Supporting Your Body Post-Birth Control
Introduction - My Journey into Health and Wellness
Many people ask me how I ended up in health and wellness, and the answer is that caring for my body and understanding health has always been crucial to me. From a young age, I remember working out with my dad, going on runs, learning about nutrition, and being captivated by how the body functions. However, I was always intimidated by the idea of becoming a traditional doctor and didn't realize there were other ways to connect my career with my passion. That changed in 2018 when I decided to stop taking birth control.
In 2018, I felt a strong nudge from the universe that it was time to get off birth control, and I listened wholeheartedly. However, that seemingly minor decision led to a series of health issues, including chronic digestive problems, acne, fatigue, and anxiety. I started seeing a naturopath and delved deeper into this field. Four years later, I discovered that there are professionals who specialize in coaching women through their health journeys, helping them navigate from point A to point B and providing ongoing support. This realization inspired me and energized me; I wanted to offer that same support to other women especially those transitioning off of birth control.
That's essentially how LIVE BIG came to be. It was the combination of nurturing an existing passion and the catalyst of getting off birth control that ignited my drive and led me to create my practice.
Practical Tips for Transitioning Off Birth Control
No two journeys are the same, and my experience with getting off birth control may differ from yours. Different forms of birth control—whether it's an implant, non-hormonal option, pill, shot, or ring—affect the body in various ways. Consequently, the support needed when transitioning off birth control will vary from woman to woman. However, here are some practical tips to help you safely navigate this transition:
Keep a Journal: Documenting your daily experiences can be incredibly insightful. Track what you eat, how you feel, your skin condition, energy levels, mood, and menstrual cycle details (such as regularity, duration, flow, and any associated symptoms). These records will help you understand the changes you’re experiencing and provide valuable information to share with your health coach, doctor, or functional practitioner if you seek additional support.
Diet: Aim to reduce or eliminate highly processed foods, packaged goods, and high-sugar items. Instead, focus on a whole foods diet rich in protein, natural fats, unrefined oils, organic fruits and vegetables, and limited grains. This approach will help ensure you’re getting adequate nutrients.
Vitamins & Minerals: Birth control, in nearly all forms, can deplete many essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D and magnesium. These nutrients are used up quickly and are often found to be low in women transitioning off birth control, so replenishing them is crucial either through supplementation or diet.
Support Inflammation: Birth control can sometimes mask underlying issues like inflammation. To support your body, consider incorporating anti-inflammatory substances such as turmeric and fatty fish like salmon. Supplements with curcumin and omega-3s can also be beneficial.
Gut Support: Birth control can impact gut health, potentially leading to issues like leaky gut or dysbiosis. Enhance gut health by including bone broth, fermented foods, dark leafy greens, marshmallow root tea, slippery elm tea, ginger tea, and real aloe vera juice in your daily routine.
Liver Support: Support your liver with practices like using castor oil packs and consuming cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, bok choy, and arugula). Teas such as dandelion root and nettle leaf can also be helpful.
Blood Sugar Management: To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, eat vegetables and protein before consuming starchy carbs (like rice, potatoes, or desserts), engage in strength training, and manage any controllable stressors. Stress can negatively impact hormone balance, so addressing it is essential.
When considering discontinuing birth control, it's crucial to focus on several key areas. I recommend incorporating at least one practice from each category listed above for 30 days before stopping birth control. These areas need support and can be affected both by birth control and its discontinuation. If you have already discontinued birth control and are experiencing negative symptoms, I highly encourage you to incorporate more than one support per category. However, when it comes to supplementation with vitamins and minerals, talk to your doctor or functional practitioner.
Seeking Personalized Guidance
While I love helping women transition off birth control, I always recommend preparing your body for a comfortable transition rather than abruptly stopping. Although the latter may seem quicker and more convenient, investing some time and effort beforehand will yield significant benefits.
For more personalized guidance, consider working with a functional coach or practitioner who can address your unique health needs. Running tests such as a Micronutrient Panel or Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) can provide specific insights into where your body may need extra support.
Conclusion
Transitioning off birth control is a significant decision that requires thoughtful preparation and support. By implementing the recommended practices such as maintaining a detailed journal, focusing on a nutrient-rich diet, and supporting gut and liver health, you can ensure a smoother and healthier transition. Additionally, seeking personalized guidance from a functional coach or practitioner can provide tailored insights and support for your unique needs. Investing time and effort in these preparatory steps will pay off, helping your body adapt comfortably and maintain overall well-being during this transition.
With support,
Isabella
