The Pill - Vitamin & Mineral Imbalances

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One of the most widespread deficiencies we have is zinc. We know it is essential for many biochemical processes in the body, and is especially important in pregnancy. Unfortunately, the pill upsets the balance between copper and zinc levels, raising copper and lowering zinc. Often, therefore, when a woman comes off the pill to become pregnant, she will start at conception in a zinc deficient state, which will get worse as time goes on. This can lead to problems during the gestation for mother and fetus, as well as problems for mother and infant after birth. Difficulties may include post-natal depression and lactation problems in the mother, and feeding difficulties, and later learning difficulties and developmental difficulties, especially with regard to sexual development, for the child. Excess copper has been associated with pre-eclampsia and post-partum depression, among other conditions. The pill interferes with other minerals, including especially magnesium, also iron, iodine and, probably, chromium and manganese.

Nor is vitamin metabolism left unscathed. Steroids change protein building and breakdown in the liver and change the levels of protein in the blood that carries the vitamins to the body tissues. The pill can alter the actions of the enzymes which need vitamins to function properly. The pill raises Vitamin A levels, and leads to deficiencies of B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid and C. It may lower B12.

Problems more likely to be encountered after pill use include:

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy, is a serious condition which is often life-threatening for the woman. This has now reached epidemic-like proportions in the USA and is an increasing worry in the UK. Even where the pregnancy can be successfully aborted, the woman will often have severe fallopian tube damage or even lose the tube. Some women may have low magnesium levels which may impede tubal muscular action. Some may have infections. There may also be high copper levels.

Miscarriage

Pill users have a higher risk of miscarriage, unless specific mineral and vitamin levels are restored to normal prior to conception.

Food Allergies

The pill is a major contributory factor to the increase in food allergy. This is not surprising as the pill compromises the immune system leaving it less able to cope with sensitivities. Its effects on liver function mean that enzymes which should help in the detoxification do not work properly, thereby exacerbating the effects of toxins from foods and chemicals to which an individual may be allergic. Nutritional imbalances, especially zinc deficiency, are major factors contributing to allergy.

Genito-Urinary Infections

The pill has led to an increase, not only through greater sexual freedom, but also because of its physical effects on the body. It weakens the immune system so the body is not so resistant to infection. It has led to increases in cancers, especially of the cervix, in younger women. In part, because it was given to many of them when their bodies were still growing, their cervix linings were still immature and susceptible to changes, particularly those leading to cancer.

Congenital Abnormalities

Since Dr Isobel Gal first discovered that hormone pregnancy tests (which are no longer used) were associated with higher incidences of congenital malformations of the baby’s central nervous system, studies have continued into the teratogenic effects of the pill and other hormones.

In the USA, researchers found limb reduction anomalies in one study, with major abnormalities, including congenital heart anomalies and neurological and neural tube disorders in another. These findings were confirmed in a major study in Europe, as well as in a number of small ones. In Australia, researchers concluded that ‘the relative risk for a limb defect… was 23.9.’ However, when the results of this study were subjected to more stringent statistical analysis, the risk was 30.2. Other researchers argue that “Hormonal treatment during pregnancy may be a predisposing factor in congenital heart defects”. Even researchers of studies which fail to find links warn that there is a need for further studies.

Fertility

The pill deliberately interferes with the hormone system to prevent pregnancy. Frequently after a woman has ceased taking it, the body’s systems do not return to normal. Having had the message to switch off making certain hormones for so long, the body takes time to adjust to producing them again. Sadly for some women, the adjustment may take a very long time, or may never happen. Nutritional imbalances, especially zinc deficiency, are also often a factor.

(NB: These deficiencies are corrected on the Foresight programme, and we also suggest reflexology).

Intra-uterine devices – the IUD, or coil

The IUD is a small device, which is inserted into the womb by a doctor. There are many shapes in use, made from toxic materials such as plastic, copper, or plastic-coated copper. Its continual presence in the womb prevents conception, though it is still not clear how. It may prevent the egg from attaching to the lining of the womb by mechanical means, or it may be by some toxic action. Its failure rate is higher than the pill and is also quite harmful.