Between 2011 and 2013, more than 9 million 15-44 year old women took birth control pills in the US. That's a lot of ladies and a whole lot of pills.

I'm pretty sure most were warned about the risk of blood clots, stomach upset, and breast tenderness. But how many were told the pill could change how their bodies absorb, use, and eliminate some vitamins and minerals? I am willing to bet, vey few.

We all know how important vitamins and minerals are to our health. Each one plays a vital role in our bodies. Having any one in short supply can lead to any number of not so pretty problems. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to bleeding gums, while super low zinc can cause hair loss. Not exactly the picture of health.

These two nutrients, and quite a few more, are depleted by oral contraceptives. It's important that I point out that the pill alone will not cause a deficiency. But if it taking it is coupled with a diet low in certain types of foods, we can really have a problem on our hands.

Chances are at some point you've heard how important folate is if you are planning to get pregnant. That's because when it comes to fertility and a healthy pregnancy, folate is your friend. This goes for women using assisted reproductive technologies, like IVF, and women trying get pregnant without the help of these treatments.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, you definitely want to make sure you're getting enough of it in your diet. Low folate levels can cause hyperhomocysteinemia (fancy for high homocysteine blood levels). High homocysteine is linked to trouble getting and staying pregnant. On the other hand, the right amount of folate reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Fortunately, folate and folic acid are in a lot of different foods.

Determined to try all things Aerial, I took an aerial yoga class with one of my favorite sseals eras and my name twin about a month ago. It was the perfect combo of the calm meditative nature of yoga and the exhilarating fun of aerial silks and hoops. It was awesome. My only complaint is that I waited so long to try it.

About two weeks ago the strangest thing happened. Nearly every patient who came in expected (some demanded) me to create the perfect meal plan, the magic bullet that would finally cause them to shed the pounds they had been trying to lose for years. In a single hour, I would write a miracle plan that would wipe away years of struggle.

I'm sure you can imagine their shock and disappointment when I told them I wouldn't be giving them a strict diet to follow. They were equally shocked (and maybe a little offended) when I asked them, "If I write a meal plan for you today, how will it be different than all the other diets you started and then stopped in the past; what will make you stick to this one if you didn't stick to all the others?" My intention wasn't to be rude but to get them thinking. Blank stares and for a small few, introspection followed.

For the introspective few a light bulb went off. The aha moment! The true spark that ignites lasting change was lit. They realized they didn't need a new diet. A diet would only last a few days, weeks, or months at best. They had done that before and it didn't work. They needed a new way of thinking, relating to food, and living they could stick to for the rest of their lives.

Ah, the prenatal vitamin. It's the vitamin of choice for many women, whether pregnant or not. Some take it in lieu of a multivitamin to fill in any nutrient gaps in their diet. Others take it in hopes of growing long lush hair and resilient nails. Still others take it because they are trying to get pregnant and want to increase their chances of conceiving.

Whatever the reason, pregnant or not, it's important to choose wisely. Here are 3 quick tips to help you when you find yourself roaming the vitamin aisle in search of a prenatal vitamin.

I'm feeling a little brave today, which could be a good thing or a bad thing. We'll see. In honor of World Breastfeeding Week I wanted to discuss something that may turn some folks off: the multipurpose breast!

I can't tell you the number of times I have spoken with a pregnant woman about what she is planning to do after her baby is born, breastmilk or formula, and she sheepishly tells me she wants to give her baby breastmilk but ONLY by bottle. Now, I have no problem with that. To each her own. Do you boo, but the sheepishness always lets me know there is something more there we need to unpack.

No worries, ladies. I'm not going to try to sell you a new "wonder" supplement. Not my shtik. However, I will arm you with the sound nutrition information you can use to change your eating habits and boost your fertility. Totally my shtik.

If you're anything like many of the patients I see most days, you may have this question floating around your brain, "Can't I just take a pill, a multivitamin, to get what I need? Do I really have to eat healthy?"

The answer: No, a vitamin and mineral supplement is not enough. Yes, you need to eat plenty of healthful, minimally processed foods too. Your best bet is to do both; take a multivitamin AND (more importantly) eat a healthy diet. Do it now. Thank me later.

She exuded confidence. Gracefully, she ascended the delicate silk fabric high above the audience. All eyes were on her as she contorted her limbs into jaw dropping and awe inspiring shapes. I was mesmerized and judging by the looks on everyone else's faces, I wasn't alone.

It's no secret, I adore aerial arts. I was first bitten by the bug at a women's conference years ago. Speaker after speaker spoke about our innate value and purpose as women. It was encouraging, stirring, and uplifting. You have probably been in this sort of environment; one where you suddenly believe anything is possible and you have the confidence to conquer anything. During the conference, the most beautiful aerial dancers would perform between speakers. To me, their grace, strength, and beauty embodied everything the speakers were sharing. They were making the seemingly impossible seem easy. They were fearless, flexible, and captivating. I wanted those traits to permeate every area of my life.