Rosh Hashanah 5769/2008 - Jewish Infertility

for Fertility (Three Rivers Press, 2008), Dr. Greene notes that about90 percent of out total intake of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides,preservatives, additives, and antibiotics comes from the foods weeat. Most of these chemicals, he adds, are hormone disrupters,which interfere with the body’s hormone balance and can reducefertility or lead to miscarriage.While organic foods are becoming more widely available, theystill tend to be more expensive. If cost is an issue, Dr. Greenerecommends focusing organic purchases on animal products(meat and dairy), which he says are likely to contain the highestlevels of hormone disrupter chemicals. Dr. Greene also writes,“The most harmful BioMutagens are contained in the fat of meatand fish, so always buy lean and low-fat products.” Another goodstrategy is to take a good look at your daily diet, and then buyorganic versions of the foods you eat most frequently.Among fruits and vegetables, levels of pesticide residues canvary significantly, according to the Institute for Agriculture andTrade Policy (IATP). Opt to go green at least with the fruits andvegetables that are most likely to be contaminated (see chartbelow).The IATP also advises that consumers buy produce from small,local farmers whenever possible. Not only is this produce generallyfresher and more flavorful, but it also tends to harbor fewerchemicals than foods grown on large industrial farms. Whatevertheir source, fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washedin cold water before being eaten. Washing can remove at leasthalf of pesticide residues, as well as pathogens such as E.coli andsalmonella, which can cause illness.Through the foods you choose, as in all things, the goal is tomaintain optimum health when you’re trying to conceive.“Anything you can do to improve overall health is likely tomaximize your fertility and ensure a healthy pregnancy and ahealthy baby,” says Lous DePaolo, M.D., chief of the ReproductiveSciences Branch at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Instituteof Child Health and Human Development. STChoose the Right FoodsHIGHEST PESTICIDE RESIDUESFRUITSVEGETABLESApplesBell peppersGrapes(imported) CarrotsNectarinesCeleryPeachesGreen beansPearsHot peppersRed raspberries PotatoesStrawberries SpinachMODERATE PESTICIDERESIDUESFRUITSVEGETABLESApricotsCollard greensBlueberries CucumbersCantaloupe KaleGrapefruit LettuceGrapes(domestic) MushroomsHoneydew Sweet potatoesOrangesTomatoesTurnip greensWinter squashLOWEST PESTICIDE RESIDUESFRUITSVEGETABLESApple juice AsparagusBananaAvacodoKiwifruitBroccoliMangoesCabbageOrange Juice CauliflowerPapayaOnionPeaches(canned) Sweet CornPineapplesSweet peasPlumsTangerinesWatermelonShaarei Tikvah Issue 57/ Rosh Hashana 200869rosh hashana_magazine2.indd 6921/09/2008 7:08:54 PM