Oral contraceptives, skin patches, and birth control injections and implants change female physiology and may alter the nutritional needs of young patients. As part of preventive healthcare, it is important to know how to improve the diet of the young, still-developing adolescents on birth control. It’s all part of responsible pregnancy prevention for sexually active young people.
Learn how to incorporate contraception into your diet.
The Mechanism of Birth Control
The objective of any birth control method is preventing pregnancy–that is, keeping sperm from fertilizing a woman’s egg. Oral contraceptives, hormonal injections, patches, and implants alter the woman’s monthly cycle. Typically, pharmaceutical methods of birth control suppress ovulation and may thin the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium.
How Contraceptives and Foods Interact with Each Other
Even if a young patient eats a healthy diet and has no adverse lifestyle habits, such as smoking or drug/alcohol usage, she should know that nutritional needs may vary as her menstrual cycles and ovulatory patterns change. So, it’s wise to boost the intake of key vitamins and nutrients through natural food sources.
Sources of Good Nutrition
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the following vitamins and minerals are important dietary components of anyone, including very young women, who use hormonal birth control methods:
- Vitamins B2, 6 and 12
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Iron
The best way to get the proper balance of these minerals and vitamins is through consuming nutrient-dense foods, and interestingly, a heart-healthy diet can supply these essentials in abundance. So, adolescents on hormonal birth control should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy vegetables. Also, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins, such as chicken and fish, are very nutritious, whole grain bread and high-fiber cereals.
What Dietary Items to Avoid
Studies show that regularly consuming some store-bought supplements and vitamins and certain foods may impact the effectiveness of many pharmaceuticals, including oral contraceptives. These supplements, vitamins, and foods can conflict with certain enzymes the body produces to break down the estrogen and progestin in oral contraceptives. As such, birth control can be rendered ineffective, causing unplanned pregnancies and bodily side effects.
Here’s what to remove from the diet of a young woman using oral contraceptives:
- John’s Wort (often used to combat depression)
- Activated charcoal (used to help reverse accidental poisoning)
- Grapefruit
- Soy products
Young patients should talk with their pediatricians about ways to maximize their nutritional intake while they are using contraception of any kind. In fact, healthy dietary habits are important for young people in all stages of life and development. Good nutrition reaps wellness benefits for years to come.
Contraception and Nutritional Coaching for Adolescents in Purchase, NY
At BridgeSpan Medicine, our healthcare team is well aware that the decision to use adolescent contraception is important. Young women must use these medicines safely and responsibly, taking care of their bodies with proper nutrition, which keeps them at the peak of health.
To learn more about birth control methods and the role of diet in contraception, make an appointment with one of our six board-certified pediatricians. We will be happy to discuss responsible sexual behaviors and ways to prevent pregnancy safely.
To request your visit, call us today at (914) 698-5544 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to talking to you soon.
