Page 62 - Spring2008

All Thumbs Book Reviews

we didn’t see any effects on fertility at moderate but interesting conscious choice, until I found
levels of caffeine intake, which is the equivalent them listed in one of the charts without any men-
of three to four cups of coffee a day.” The inter- tion of their damaging effect. Peas, you see, are

ested reader will indeed find a number of sources not quite the libido-lifting edibles you want to
documenting the adverse effects of caffeine, mix into your husband’s dinner salad, at least not
including higher miscarriage rates (Bolumar et if you’re trying to have a baby. They are one of
al.,1997, 145(4):324-34), increased blood pres- the few vegetables known to have contraceptive
sure, excessive urinary excretion of magnesium, properties (Cent African Journal of Medicine
potassium and calcium (essential nutrients for 1993; 39(3):52-6).
maintaining a healthy pregnancy), to name a few. By no means am I implying that scientifi c
And if none of these findings were convincing, research is to be dismissed. But in case you’re

when attempting to create a most welcoming tempted to wait for the next study (Dr. Cha-
environment for new life, wouldn’t it make more varro has assured us that “Plans are underway
sense to abstain from ingesting a substance that to conduct a. . . study to test the diet in a more
In the last leads to physical dependency serious enough to scientifi cally rigorous manner. . . ”) to determine
14 years of result in withdrawal symptoms? your dinner menu, here is something I learned
In the last 14 years of counseling women observing hundreds of people who conceived
counseling with ovulatory issues, I have found that eight out robust babies, often in direct contradiction of
women with of 10 women have digestive difficulties. I wonder current food science dogma. When it comes to

ovulatory about the effect of a four-cheese soufflé, a few something as dynamic as a human organism, as
issues, I have cups of coffee, a glass of wine, fruit desserts, and complex as food, and as miraculous as creating
nuts and berries for an evening snack—to name life, nothing can equal the value of doing your
found that but a few dietary suggestions in the back of the own thinking and the solid science of direct
eight out of book—on an already compromised digestive observation.
10 women system. Reviewed by Julia Indichova, who is the author of Inconceiv-
Oh, yes, many readers might miss the irony

have digestive of the lovely image of two peas in a pod on the able (Doubleday 2001), and The Fertile Female (Adell Press,
2007). Her webzine www.fertileheart.com is focused on health-
difficulties. jacket of the book. At first I thought it was an odd enhancing approaches to fertility, pregnancy and adoption.

TWO NEW COOKBOOKS

LIVING, LOVING AND COOKING WITH MY DAUGHTER by Priscilla Smith: For those who are gluten intolerant but want to
cook the WAPF way, this book will provide you with many wonderful ideas—including gluten-free birthday cake. Priscilla
developed the recipes for her gluten-intolerant daughter and found that the whole family benefitted by going gluten-free.
It also contains great ideas for smoothies, snacks, pizza, casseroles and other foods children love. And the photos of food
and family are wonderful. Order from Priscilla at (410) 280-0423, priscilla.smith@gmail.com or visit http://nourishingy-
ouandyourchildren.blogspot.com/.

WHOLESOME HOME COOKING: PREPARING NUTRIENT-DENSE FOODS by Katie Stoltzfus: By contrast, this book is heavy
on the wheat products, which fortunately are mostly soaked or fermented. This collection of Pennsylvania Dutch recipes
includes some new ideas for lacto-fermented vegetables, casseroles and soups. There are several recipes for scrapple and
in the back you will find a nice list of herb blends and recipes for household items such as toothpaste and baby wipes. To
order, send $16 plus $5 for shipping to Katie L. Stoltzfus, 426 Stormstown Road, Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania 17505.

62 Wise Traditions SPRING 2008