This new fourth edition explains cycle irregularities and nutritional values to improved and understand our body balance; invaluable to Natural Family Planning couples.
| ||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
Marilyn Shannon, author of Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition, knew her popular book was due for an update. But even she was surprised by the explosion of research in this area since her last edition in 2001.
"I was amazed when I did the literature search," Shannon says. "I knew there had been an increase in research on nutrition for fertility, but my search results far exceeded my expectations." Shannon began her research by whittling down over 900 journal article citations specifically related to her topics, to 500 abstracts, and then to 300 full articles, many of which are cited in the reference pages of the new book.
The result is a completely revised and expanded 4th edition of Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition: Self-care for improved cycles and fertility...naturally!. Based on her experience both as an instructor of human anatomy and physiology at Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and over 25 years as a Natural Family Planning (NFP) teacher, Shannon is convinced that in most cases, self-care for better fertility is the best place to start.
A mainstay originally for couples practicing NFP, Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition has helped thousands of women over the years to improve their fertility cycles, often either making the practice of NFP easier, relieving cycle irregularities, or helping them to achieve a much-desired pregnancy.
While the new 4th edition does not really conflict with the old, it goes far beyond previous editions.
"There are many new options for basic topics like PMS (premenstrual syndrome), short luteal phase, or heavy bleeding," Shannon explains. "This edition also provides more explanations of the 'why and how' behind various topics, such as why exercise builds bone, how insulin levels relate to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), how light affects the fertility cycle, or how flax oil differs from fish oil."
The new Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition still recommends first improving the diet, with an emphasis on plenty of whole, unrefined foods. Yet it also acknowledges that flexibility is important, as what is best for one person might not be what is best for another. For instance, Shannon recommends both animal and plant protein sources, but is flexible as to how much and what kinds. Her recommendations for fats and oils have strengthened the emphasis on animal fats, and she now recommends fish oil as well as flax oil.
Part II moves into targeted advice for supplements aimed at improving specific cycle irregularities such as PMS, painful or heavy periods, PCOS, infertility, repeated miscarriage, etc. While new research still supports Shannon's longstanding recommendation of the vitamin Optivite PMT for many cycle irregularities, she also now endorses ProCycle PMT and Fertility Blend for overcoming certain problems or trying to achieve pregnancy. The new edition also has expanded information on nutrition during pregnancy, age-related infertility, preventing birth defects, celiac disease, low sexual desire, and male fertility-- including the importance of antioxidants for men -- and much more.
Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition is unique in that it covers the gamut of nutrition to improve the cycle for women who are not seeking pregnancy, for women who are using Natural Family Planning, as well as for women -- and couples -- who are trying to overcome infertility. --The Couple to Couple League
"I was amazed when I did the literature search," Shannon says. "I knew there had been an increase in research on nutrition for fertility, but my search results far exceeded my expectations." Shannon began her research by whittling down over 900 journal article citations specifically related to her topics, to 500 abstracts, and then to 300 full articles, many of which are cited in the reference pages of the new book.
The result is a completely revised and expanded 4th edition of Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition: Self-care for improved cycles and fertility...naturally!. Based on her experience both as an instructor of human anatomy and physiology at Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and over 25 years as a Natural Family Planning (NFP) teacher, Shannon is convinced that in most cases, self-care for better fertility is the best place to start.
A mainstay originally for couples practicing NFP, Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition has helped thousands of women over the years to improve their fertility cycles, often either making the practice of NFP easier, relieving cycle irregularities, or helping them to achieve a much-desired pregnancy.
While the new 4th edition does not really conflict with the old, it goes far beyond previous editions.
"There are many new options for basic topics like PMS (premenstrual syndrome), short luteal phase, or heavy bleeding," Shannon explains. "This edition also provides more explanations of the 'why and how' behind various topics, such as why exercise builds bone, how insulin levels relate to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), how light affects the fertility cycle, or how flax oil differs from fish oil."
The new Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition still recommends first improving the diet, with an emphasis on plenty of whole, unrefined foods. Yet it also acknowledges that flexibility is important, as what is best for one person might not be what is best for another. For instance, Shannon recommends both animal and plant protein sources, but is flexible as to how much and what kinds. Her recommendations for fats and oils have strengthened the emphasis on animal fats, and she now recommends fish oil as well as flax oil.
Part II moves into targeted advice for supplements aimed at improving specific cycle irregularities such as PMS, painful or heavy periods, PCOS, infertility, repeated miscarriage, etc. While new research still supports Shannon's longstanding recommendation of the vitamin Optivite PMT for many cycle irregularities, she also now endorses ProCycle PMT and Fertility Blend for overcoming certain problems or trying to achieve pregnancy. The new edition also has expanded information on nutrition during pregnancy, age-related infertility, preventing birth defects, celiac disease, low sexual desire, and male fertility-- including the importance of antioxidants for men -- and much more.
Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition is unique in that it covers the gamut of nutrition to improve the cycle for women who are not seeking pregnancy, for women who are using Natural Family Planning, as well as for women -- and couples -- who are trying to overcome infertility. --The Couple to Couple League
About the Author
Marilyn McCusker Shannon holds a master s degree in human physiology with a minor in biochemistry from Indiana University s Medical Sciences Program. She is a tenured, part time instructor of biology at Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she has taught human anatomy and physiology for the last 25 years.
Marilyn and her husband Ron have been a Teaching Couple for the Couple to Couple League for Natural Family Planning (NFP) since 1982. Her interest in the impact of nutrition on reproductive health is an outgrowth of her educational background and her experience as an NFP instructor. She has written many articles on nutrition and fertility for the Couple to Couple League's magazine, Family Foundations, and has spoken widely on this topic. She was awarded the Couple to Couple League's Edward M. Keefe, M.D. Award for the Scientific Advancement of Natural Family Planning following the first edition of Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition.
Marilyn and her husband Ron have been a Teaching Couple for the Couple to Couple League for Natural Family Planning (NFP) since 1982. Her interest in the impact of nutrition on reproductive health is an outgrowth of her educational background and her experience as an NFP instructor. She has written many articles on nutrition and fertility for the Couple to Couple League's magazine, Family Foundations, and has spoken widely on this topic. She was awarded the Couple to Couple League's Edward M. Keefe, M.D. Award for the Scientific Advancement of Natural Family Planning following the first edition of Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By mamamia
Format:Perfect Paperback
I think this is one of the best books on women's health and fertility-related issues out there. Every midwife should read this. But why only four stars? The author promotes the consumption of canola oil, which is not a "healthy" oil. Also the recommended level for vitamin D (400-1000 IU)fall way below what it should be for most people. I was also a bit leery about the author's recommendations for flax seed oil. Although this oil undoubtedly has many benefits, there are also many downfalls as well. For instance, those following a WAP diet may be interested to know that flax seed contains a large amount of phytic acid, which inhibits the absorption of minerals. Although written from a more vitamin and basic nutrition standpoint, I hope any future additions would contain more research on how herbs can help many women's problems (for instance, many issues can be helped simply by working on liver health with herbs such as stinging nettle) and also more research on/references to the soaking of whole grains to reduce phytic acid.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Perfect Paperback
This book is packed FULL of great nutritional information! AND it is helpful to how women feel and how to make their cycles as best as they can be :) I LOVE it so far (I'm more than half way through) and gifted a copy to both of my sisters-in-law. I have learned so much about a woman's cycle, nutrition, supplements, why my cycle behaves in certain ways, and how I can make those "problems" better. I'm loving it! It is a resource book that I will keep reading over and over to better educate myself. I'm excited to share the info with friends, family and my daughters as they grow up! I don't have any negative comments... I only wish there was a short class I could take or an opportunity to meet with the author to ask questions or get personal advice! She is a wealth of knowledge! This is definitely worth every penny.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Perfect Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I guess I had higher expectations. I was hoping to get a little more guidance on which supplements balance you depending on which end of the spectrum your hormones lay. Instead it tells you how to have a balanced diet and pushing a priopriety blend supplement.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Nate's Wife
Format:Perfect Paperback
I think that this book has pretty much summed up over a years worth of research for me! I wish I had found it sooner! I am thankful to have it now though. I received my copy from the Couple to Couple League's home study course. There is a lot of information out there on the various topics covered in this book, but it is very difficult to put the information together yourself in any practical, useful way. Well, this book does all that and more for you. I can't say enough about it! I didn't even realize that this book was going to be included in our course materials, and count myself blessed that it was! I have a new baby, and not so much free time as I did before her birth to look into each of these important topics individually. I will be sharing this great find with anyone who will listen:)
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By S. Ireland
Format:Perfect Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you are already pretty well informed about good nutrition, this book is not for you. She goes over what to eat and what not to eat, which for me offered nothing more than I already knew. Recommends optivite pmt supplement, which I tried and made me an angry/horrible/moody person. The basic idea is if you eat healthy and follow a strict diet, you will get pregnant, unless you have a medical condition that nutrition cannot cure. A few chapters in the book cover basic information on a range of fertility problems. The books is also endorsed by a catholic families organization, so each chapter starts with a religious inspirational message. The author is not a doctor, but has dedicated her life to helping people achieve pregnancy through nutrition.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By seven girl
Format:Perfect Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I don't have any fertility issues, but we are ready to TTC now and I wanted to make sure my body was in the best health possible before conceiving. VERY helpful information on how to eat right, things to avoid while pregnant and trying to conceive. It was easy to read, no high-tech words that most readers can't understand.
Also, even if you are not TTC this has MUCH info on women's cycles if you experiance PMT, PMS, heavy bleeding, no bleeding...just a wealth of heavily researched information on how to correct cycle irregularities and common problems and symptoms that women experiance during their cycle.
There is also a little bit in back for men's health as well.
And a few recommendations on certain multi vitamins too!
Also, even if you are not TTC this has MUCH info on women's cycles if you experiance PMT, PMS, heavy bleeding, no bleeding...just a wealth of heavily researched information on how to correct cycle irregularities and common problems and symptoms that women experiance during their cycle.
There is also a little bit in back for men's health as well.
And a few recommendations on certain multi vitamins too!
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By mrsblondies
Format:Perfect Paperback
One of my favorite parts of this book is the focus on improving your health, which may help improve your cycles or other health issues you're dealing with. It has a great table of suggested daily food goals, supplements that you may want to try (with your doctor's input), and foods to focus on eating. Many suggestions in the general part of the book apply to how the whole family should be eating. The general plan is followed by suggestion for dealing with specific issues. There is also a suggested daily food goals table specificially for pregnant and nursing women, and some ideas for dealing with issues related to pregnancy. This book is great and has completely changed the way I cook and eat.
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A. Yates
Format:Perfect Paperback
I have been looking forward to this addition for quite sometime and was not disappointed!! This book is a must have for women of all ages - from her early fertile years (or infertile if that be the case) through menopause and beyond. It not only covers prevention, but contains solutions for many of the problems that women face and gives practible advice including nutrition and supplements. There is a chapter that encourages better nutrition by providing charts with daily suggested food goals. (for the pregnant woman, also) I found the resource section in the back, that includes organizations and books to further research the topics she covers, very helpful. This would make a great gift.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Makes me think!
So much good information about the foods we choose every day. Haven't finished reading it yet, but I know this book will be a close-at-hand reference for the rest of my life.
Published 2 months ago by Emily Carlson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not sure about the dairy recommendations...
Overall the nutritional advice it provides is good (increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, unprocessed foods, etc.). Read more
Published 2 months ago by Beach buyer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Learn how to care for your body!
I bought this book because my NFP instructor suggested it, and it has completely changed the way my husband and I look at food and dietary supplements. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Rachel Meyer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get pregnant or lessen PMS symptoms for sure
The advice in the book is dead on. This is a great read for anyone struggling with fertility issues and pms. Read more
Published 11 months ago by RHan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Informative
This is a very informative resource. I like that it condenses the information you'd find in a zillion other resources into one easy to reference book. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Diana
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent overall nutrition book - for women and men!
My wife had the author of this book as a professor for biology in college so she was really excited to hear about this book and order it! Read more
Published 21 months ago by JP Mrugs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Happy camper!
I bought this book because of the recommendation by the folks at NFP. Phase 2 of my cycle was abnormally long. Read more
Published 24 months ago by vigree01
4.0 out of 5 stars
What a difference!
I read an earlier edition of this book about 6 years ago. From the time I was a teenager I always had irregular periods. Read more
Published on February 21, 2011 by Lindsay
5.0 out of 5 stars
very informative
Great advice for helping the menstrual cycle through diet, nutrition, and vitamin supplements. I've had good results with fish oil thanks to this book. 5 stars!
Published on February 20, 2011 by JoAnna
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful!
Provides simple, natural ways to deal with many problems women have with their cycles. I used to have HORRIBLE cramps that kept me in bed for days, but using her suggestions, I am... Read more
Published on January 15, 2011 by figgie4ever
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Listmania!
|
|
So You'd Like to...
|
|
