Page 41 - summer2016

Such early effects as thrombosis and embolism insulin-resistance and oxidative stress, increas- The three
sent the developers back to the labs in hopes of ing systemic inflammation. The pill’s negative
a safer formula for what they seem to consider a effect on the microbiome is part of the reason most
chronic condition: fertility. And as time moved mood swings and anxiety disorders are com- troubling
along, many doctors began using the pill for mon among users. Our gut flora are intimately physical
acne and dysmenorrhea as well. Sadly, the con- involved in the production of neurotransmitters
sequences of exposure to synthetic hormones that influence mood and outlook. Research has side effects
continues to be a problem with the pill and other shown that hormonal contraceptives have been of using the
hormonal contraceptives. linked to the development of inflammatory pill and other
The three most troubling physical side bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s and colitis. 3
effects of using the pill and other hormonal As Hippocrates once said, “All disease begins hormonal
contraceptives are hormonal imbalances, nutri- in the gut.” Addressing the potential damage by contraceptives
tional deficiencies and the likelihood of multiple the pill on the gut is imperative to supporting are hormonal
abortions while on the pill. The birth control pill one’s health and the health of those to come.
is known to deplete the body of vital nutrients, imbalances,
and yet very few physicians alert their patients RECOVERY DIET nutritional
to this when prescribing it. The nutrients that Ideally a young woman hoping to have a deficiencies
the pill depletes are the very ones that are so baby should wait at least two years after discon-
critical to the development of a healthy nervous tinuing the pill before attempting to conceive. and the
system in future developing babies. Vitamins Also important is avoidance of antibiotics for likelihood of
B , B and folate, all depleted by the pill, are at least two years prior to conception. This will multiple
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crucial to the brain and nervous system of all allow the woman's body to build up the vital vi-
humans— adults, children and growing babies tamins, minerals, hormones and intestinal flora abortions
in utero. necessary for a vibrant pregnancy and healthy while on
Other nutrient deficiencies associated with baby. Low levels of beneficial bacteria in the the pill.
the pill include low vitamins B and B , biotin, gut, as well as the overgrowth of candida and
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vitamin C and critical minerals such as cop- other pathogenic yeasts and bacteria, are com-
per and zinc. These deficiencies can result in monly found in the mothers of autistic children.
fatigue, low libido, skin eruptions, insomnia, I highly recommend the implementation of the
paranoia, weight gain, bloating, depression, Gut and Psychology Diet (GAPS) after stopping
anxiety, dizziness, dandruff, hair loss, itchiness the pill. This gut-nourishing and healing diet
and hormonal imbalances. developed by Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD,
Further aggravating hormonal imbalances will support the re-establishment of beneficial
resulting from nutrient deficiencies, synthetic gut flora and greatly improve one’s ability to as-
estrogen and progesterone add insult to injury. similate and synthesize key nutrients, especially
The results include weight gain, fibrocystic B and B .
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breast disease, bone loss and infertility. The The weekly inclusion of liver is the most
contribution of synthetic hormones to the forma- significant way to address vitamins B and B
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tion of cancer growth in the breasts and uterus depletion. Four to six ounces of chicken liver
is well documented or three to four ounces of beef liver should be
A more recently understood problem associ- consumed on a weekly basis. This can be spread
ated with the use of the pill involved a signifi- out over the course of a week. Liver pâté or my
cant disruption of gut flora. David Perlmutter, raw milk and cream shake (see sidebar, page 43)
MD, explains that while almost all medications are both simple, delicious and satisfying ways
adversely affect the microbiome, the long term to include liver in the diet.
daily usage of this synthetic hormone-altering Folate is best repleted through the gener-
medication is especially damaging to the intes- ous use of cooked dark leafy green vegetables
tinal terrain. It can decrease thyroid hormone daily along with the liver. By including real
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production as well as available testosterone. food sources of vital nutrients (especially B
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Additionally, its long-term use can contribute to and folate), one need not worry about genetic
Wise Traditions SUMMER 2016 Wise Traditions 41