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Organic Options
The Pros and Cons of an Organic Pregnancy
By Crystal Patriarche
Mark Stengler warns that pesticides are harmful because they are converted into chemicals called xenoestrogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. "Because of these estrogen-like substances, we are seeing the first menstrual cycle earlier in young girls," he says. "Pesticides are also thought to lower a man's sperm count – something to consider if you are trying to get pregnant."
There are disadvantages to organic food – it's pricier and not as convenient to get as regular food. Up until recently, only natural food stores or particular markets carried organic foods and they were way more expensive.
Angela Stengler says that organic food is becoming more available and less expensive, though. She used to travel to a market that was farther away than the local supermarket, but some supermarkets now carry organic in many parts of the store. "If women have never done an organic diet, it is hard for them to get into the habit of it," she says. "They are usually afraid it is more labor intensive."
The Stengler's children, a 4-year-old boy and an 18-month-old girl, also eat organic. "They eat everything we do," Stengler says. "They talk me into a box of macaroni and cheese at the grocery and sometimes you just tolerate it. As long as it's in moderation, I'm fine with it."
Also, because organic food does not have the preservatives and additives of other foods, it may not keep as long.
The other issue with organic food is whether or not what you are getting is truly organic. Up until recently, it has been up to individual producers to call their food organic. Under current regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has specific standards on what constitutes organic food, and those that are considered true organic will be labeled organically certified.
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