Seed Cycling
Seed Cycling involves including specific seeds in your diet during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to help promote the healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels.
Seed cycling is used to support women’s hormones by supplying them with the nutrients they need at specific phases of their cycle. It involves including certain seeds in your diet during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to help regulate hormones. It's based on the idea that certain seeds contain nutrients that can support the production and metabolism of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. By incorporating these seeds into your diet at the right times, you may help your body maintain a balanced hormonal cycle. Considered a food as medicine practice, seed cycling is often recommended by naturopaths, nutritionists and acupuncturists.
Understanding the Hormonal Cycle
Before we get into the details of seed cycling, let's first understand the basics of the menstrual cycle and how hormones play a role.
The Menstrual Cycle in Simple Terms
The menstrual cycle is typically around 28 days long, although it can vary from person to person, or even month to month. It’s divided into two main phases:
Follicular Phase (Day 1-14): This phase starts on the first day of your period and continues until ovulation (approximately day 14 of your cycle). During this time, estrogen levels gradually rise, helping the follicles in your ovaries to mature and release an egg.
Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): This phase starts after ovulation and lasts until the first day of your next period. Progesterone levels increase, preparing the lining of the uterus for a possible pregnancy.
A woman's menstrual cycle is divided into 2 main phases. The estrogen dominant Follicular Phase and the progesterone dominant Luteal Phase
How Seed Cycling Works
Seed cycling involves eating specific seeds during each phase of your menstrual cycle to support the natural rhythm of your hormones.
Follicular Phase (Day 1-14)
Seeds to Eat:
Flaxseeds: Rich in lignans (phytoestrogens), which help balance estrogen levels.
Flaxseeds are packed with lignans, which have phytoestrogen properties. These plant compounds can mimic estrogen in the body, helping to balance estrogen levels during the follicular phase. Flaxseeds are also a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which support overall health.
Benefits:
Balances estrogen levels
Supports digestive health
Promotes heart health
Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral essential for hormone production and which supports progesterone production later in the cycle.. Zinc helps prepare the body for the luteal phase by supporting progesterone production. These seeds are also high in magnesium, which can help reduce PMS symptoms.
Benefits:
Supports progesterone production
Reduces PMS symptoms
Boosts immune system
How to Use Them:
Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to your smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Sprinkle a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds on your salads, soups, or stir-fries.
Luteal Phase (Day 15-28)
Seeds to Eat:
Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds contain lignans and essential fatty acids that help regulate estrogen and progesterone levels. They are also a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
Benefits:
Regulates estrogen and progesterone
Supports bone health
Enhances skin health
Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E and selenium, both of which are important for hormone production and detoxification. These seeds help the liver process and eliminate excess hormones, promoting a balanced hormonal cycle.
Benefits:
Supports hormone production
Aids in detoxification
Promotes healthy skin
How to Use Them:
Mix a tablespoon of sesame seeds into your baked goods or sprinkle them on your dishes.
Enjoy a tablespoon of sunflower seeds as a snack or add them to your meals.
How to Get Started with Seed Cycling
Starting seed cycling is easy and can be started in 3 simple steps:
Track Your Cycle: Know the length of your menstrual cycle and identify the start of your follicular and luteal phases.
Incorporate Seeds Daily: Add the seeds to your meals according to the phase you're in. Use the suggested serving of one tablespoon of each type of seed daily. Or, for convenience, use Hormone Help dietary supplement.
Be Consistent: For best results, stick with seed cycling for at least three months. Consistency is key to seeing improvements in hormonal balance.
Who Can Benefit from Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling can be beneficial for anyone experiencing hormonal imbalance. This includes women with irregular periods, PMS, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), peri/menopause symptoms, or those simply looking to support their hormonal health naturally.
For Perimenopausal and Menopausal women Seed Cycling could serve to limited extent as a type of natural hormone replacement therapy HRT. This is especially the case with phytoestrogen supplements.
Final Thoughts
Seed cycling is a simple, natural way to support hormonal balance by harnessing the power of seeds. By eating specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle, you can help regulate hormones and improve your overall well-being. Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication.
Just like many other Traditional Medicine Practices and Herbal Remedies there is very little scientific research to show just how seed cycling helps support a natural hormonal balance. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, it just means that unfortunately there haven’t been many studies done. There is however evermore research and evidence that our nutrition has an enormous influence on our health.
Give seed cycling a try and see how it works for you. It's a tasty and nutritious way to support your body's natural rhythms and promote hormonal harmony. Happy cycling!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/phytoestrogens#benefits
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320630
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8077314/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550857/
This blog is intended for informational purposes only, it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or advice. If you are concerned that the symptoms you are experiencing are severe please consult your doctor. Common symptoms of peri/menopause and hormone imbalance such as heart palpitations, anxiety, muscular-skeletal pain etc should be taken seriously and medical issues ruled out before looking for natural hormonal balance solutions.
