By Melissa A. Bartoszewski, DC
(NaturalNews) That one tiny pill that you pop every day may be the reason you feel tired and have no energy. There is a proven connection between taking oral contraceptives and the depletion of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which is responsible for helping the processes of your body to produce energy, along with the rest of the B vitamins. Long-term pyridoxine deficiency can lead to lack of energy, depression, decreased brain function and higher levels of homocysteine. Even though taking birth control pills have a whole host of negative effects on the body, if you are on the pill, supplementation is necessary.
Why you need B6
Your body’s ability to use specific vitamins efficiently is greatly reduced and a direct side effect of taking the birth control pill. Vitamin B6 plays a role in immune function, protein metabolism and in over 100 enzymatic reactions that take place in the body. This vitamin also helps with the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and maintaining homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood and high levels have been associated with heart disease.
Dietary sources of B6 aren’t enough, if on the pill
The B vitamins are water soluble, which means they are not stored in the body and must be ingested through foods or supplementation. Food sources of B vitamins include: bananas, prunes, tomatoes, avocado, garbanzo beans, cruciferous vegetables, walnuts, hazelnuts, and the skin of potatoes. Most people have enough B6 from dietary sources, but women on birth control are fighting an uphill battle if they aren’t also supplementing.
Read the rest of the article here: Natural News
