You may have heard the term “Seed cycling” being talked about largely on social media lately as a way to balance female hormones, but did you know it has actually been around for hundreds of years?!
Seed cycling is the ancient practice of eating specific seeds at specific phases of the menstrual cycle to help women balance their hormones. This has been especially big in women dealing with PMS, infertility, PCOS, endometriosis and menopause.
So what does it do?
Well, in a typical menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise during the first half of the cycle before ovulation (this is the menstrual and follicular phases) and during the second half of the cycle, progesterone levels rise (this is the ovulatory and luteal phases). The idea of seed cycling is to support this process by eating seeds that promote what our body does naturally. The seeds used for this also contain key nutrients such as magnesium, tryptophan and zinc which are essential for hormone balance.
How do I do it?
During the follicular phase (this includes the menstrual phase and takes place on days 1-13) you consume 1-2 tbsp. each of ground flax seeds and raw pumpkin seeds per day. These seeds contain lignans and zinc which help to naturally support estrogen production as well as helps to clear excess estrogen (estrogen dominance).
During the luteal phase (this includes the ovulatory phase and takes place on days 14-28) progesterone takes over. During the luteal phase, you would consume 1-2 tbsp. each of raw sunflower seeds and sesame seeds per day. These seeds are rich in zinc and vitamin E which help support the production of progesterone. Continue eating these until the day before your period should come. Then switch back to flax and pumpkin seeds once you start your period again.
Keep in mind, everyone's cycle isn't exactly 28 days so your phases may be slightly shorter or longer and that’s completely normal!
What can Seed Cycling help with?
PMS
Menopause & Perimenopause symptoms
Improve sex hormones in women post menopause
PCOS
Endometriosis
Fertility
Acne
Coming off of birth control
Anxiety
Please keep in mind that if you are experiencing severe acne, PMS, endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, etc. that seed cycling is not an ultimate solution for these problems. Simply adding these seeds does not erase existing problems, it is simply a tool to support natural hormone occurrence.
When we are dealing with hormone imbalances, taking care to consume a nutrient-dense diet that focuses on hormone health is the best way to support your body naturally. Seed cycling is a fabulous tool to give your body the additional nutrient boost it needs to really support your hormone health. These seeds are also high in antioxidants, contain anti-inflammatory properties, are rich in fibre and beneficial for your gut microbiome.
Remember, a well balanced, whole foods, nutrient dense diet is the foundation to great health.
I hope you enjoyed learning about Seed Cycling!
Xo, Renée