Counteracting The Negative Side Effects of the Copper IUD

We can always do better – in our careers, our relationships, our friendships and our health. Improving my health and taking it to the next level has always been a gradual journey for me, making subtle changes bit by bit that eventually evolved into a regular part of my lifestyle. I started by cleaning up my diet, then working on reducing my toxic load by switching to natural skin, hair and make-up products, when I was eventually faced with my next challenge which would be finding a holistic alternative for birth control.Like many of you, I was part of the flock that got thrown onto birth control at the meek age of 18, unaware of the consequences that might follow. Birth control is prescribed like candy these days for a variety of reasons beyond it's initial purpose of being a contraceptive, such as reducing acne, heavy periods and severe menstrual cramps. Though it might be effective for it's designated purpose (to prevent the possibility of pregnancy), the health risks that are posed as a result of being on the pill are simply not worth it. Not to mention, it's far more effective to get to the root of what's causing your acne, heavy periods and severe menstrual cramps rather than popping a pill to pretend it doesn't exist.To be terribly honest, it took me a good year between the time I was made aware of the consequences of the pill and ultimately switching to a more natural alternative, the Copper IUD. It's not that I didn't want to make the switch, but it's "selling features" weren't the hottest; I mean, super heavy periods, extensive menstrual cycle and severe menstrual cramps? Every woman's dream! ... Or not so much. But the priority for me is always health and I didn't want to suffer the consequences of the pill any longer, or let it deplete all of the nutrients I was feeding my body – yup, that happens too! As much as I love scooping up tips and fun facts from the wise, I'm an avid fan of testing the waters myself. One experience is one experience and it can't always translate over to the masses.So I took the plunge.I got the IUD inserted (which wasn't a painful experience for me at all) and had more of a lazy evening, as cramping did ensue afterwards, but just for the night. My first period was longer than usual (6 days), but not any heavier than I'm used to (mine were already quite heavy). Cramping would occur here and there, but nothing debilitating as I had anticipated. And though I had done my research, talked to the trusty Red Tent Sisters (Kim, of The Red Tent Sisters, also has a Copper IUD which you can read about here) about whether the Copper IUD posed health risks of copper toxicity (FYI – it doesn't), I wanted to play it safe and protect myself in anyway possible.If you, too, have the Copper IUD or are considering it, here are some things you can do to help counteract the "negative effects" of it:

Countering the "Negative Effects" of the Copper IUD

1. Chlorella – Mm, mm! Nothing like fresh-water algae, right? I'm going to be honest with you ('cause I'm all about real talk around here), this stuff tastes like ka-ka. But, it is an incredibly powerful heavy metal detoxifying agent, which we're exposed to on a daily basis (outside of having a Copper IUD) through our drinking water, amalgams (if you have them) and even some fish. I find it easiest to put 1-2 tsp of this in water and chug it back in the morning. It's not the worst, but you may not like sipping on it.2. Zinc – I love Zinc for a variety of reasons (including the fact that it's a key player in 100 different enzymes and involved in more bodily functions than any other mineral), but in this case, I love it the most for aiding in the detoxification of environmental toxins and heavy metals. For maintenance, take between 30-50mg/day of a quality Zinc supplement.3. Herbal Tincture/Tea – Herbs are a beautiful thing, and yet, we underestimate the power of them and their ability to alleviate a whole array of health issues. While taking an herbal medicine course, I studied up on some of the best herbs to support women's sexual health as well as some herbs to help reduce pain and the severity of periods. I then had a chat with a good pal, Lindsey Kemp of Soothsayer Apothecary who formulated a healing and supportive tincture for me including Chase Tree Berry (good uterine tonic for coming off the pill), White Willow (pain killer), Dong Quai (estrogen balance, helps with cramps and PMS symptoms, as well as blood flow & detoxification to prevent skin break outs) and Maca Root (hormone balancer). Working with an herbalist to formulate a tea or tincture that will help to support any issues you're experiencing as a result of your Copper IUD or any other health issue you're enduring.