{"id":10288,"date":"2023-03-01T02:25:39","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T02:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nara.care\/?p=10288"},"modified":"2023-07-04T19:02:39","modified_gmt":"2023-07-04T19:02:39","slug":"are-you-ready-to-ditch-hormonal-birth-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nara.care\/are-you-ready-to-ditch-hormonal-birth-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Are you ready to ditch hormonal birth control?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
1- why you might ditch HBC, <\/em><\/strong> In theory, birth control is on our side, right? At its conception (ha, get it?), hormonal birth control was a huge deal for women\u2019s independence and our ability to control if and when we wanted to have children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, in recent years, women have started to speak up about the numerous side effects we feel from hormonal birth control, while holistic medical experts have started to shed (ha) light on the importance of regular ovulation for our whole-body health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about birth control and your cycle: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, if you decide not to use hormonal birth control, what do you need to consider? Certainly, you\u2019ll need an alternative method for the prevention of pregnancy. Non-hormonal options include the copper IUD, barrier methods (like good old-fashioned condoms!) or the Fertility Awareness Method, which involves using biomarkers to understand when you are most (and least) likely to get pregnant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, especially if you were using hormonal birth control to manage period symptoms, you\u2019ll need to consider how to support a healthy, symptom-free period. The health of your cycle relates to the health of YOU, so holistic health practices will go a long way in decreasing unwanted period symptoms such as cramps, breast tenderness, or moodiness. Make sure that you are supporting your body with regular exercise, stress management (meditation practices, adaptogens), a nutrient-dense diet, hydration and rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some additional tips to support your cycle health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important that your digestive tract is working effectively so that your hormones can be metabolized appropriately. Be sure to get enough fiber in your diet, and drink plenty of water. Try 2 tablespoons of flaxseed per day with at least 8 oz of liquid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you heard of \u201cEDC\u2019s\u201d or Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals? Often there are chemicals in our cleaning products, beauty products and cookware that act LIKE hormones, but are not hormones, confusing the system. Look for brands and companies that are non-toxic and free from BPA and pesticides. When you eat produce, make sure to wash it thoroughly and, if you can, opt for organic (or, even better, local and <\/em>organic!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maca, chasteberry (vitex agnus-castus) and ginger are all great options to help you manage your period and menstrual symptoms. To learn more, head to the Plant Library in the Nara app or check out (link to article \u201cNutrition and Herbs to Support a Healthy Menstrual Cycle\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get to know each phase of your cycle and what your body is going through. Try tracking your cycle with a beautiful calendar or an app. Have some fun getting familiar with the lunar cycle and see how your body does or doesn\u2019t sync up with particular moon phases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Toy with the idea of looking forward to your period. We\u2019ve been taught that our period is a time of pain and suffering. But does it have <\/em>to be like that? Try to make your period a time where you give yourself extra permission to get cozy with your favorite TV shows, linger in the bath (throw in some lavender and rose petals for bonus relaxation and indulgence), and break out your most comfy sweats. And, who doesn\u2019t want an excuse to eat more chocolate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Takeaways: <\/p>\n\n\n\n References<\/p>\n\n\n\n Briden, Lara. \u201cThe Secret Powers of Ovulation (It’s Not Just to Make a Baby).\u201d Lara Briden – The Period Revolutionary<\/em>, 26 Oct. 2022, https:\/\/www.larabriden.com\/the-secret-powers-of-ovulation\/<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2-What that looks like,<\/em><\/strong>
3-Healthy period basics<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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