When it comes to natural ways of supporting your body, seed cycling has been gaining traction as an effective method to balance hormones using food. By consuming specific seeds at different stages of your menstrual cycle, seed cycling is said to help alleviate symptoms such as PMS, irregular periods, PCOS, and even menopause-related discomfort.
The best part? Seed cycling incorporates hormone balancing foods—key to supporting your body through natural processes.
What Is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a practice of eating certain seeds, such as pumpkin, flax, sunflower, and sesame seeds, at different phases of your menstrual cycle to support hormonal balance. The idea behind it is that these seeds either help increase or inhibit oestrogen and progesterone, depending on what your body needs at each stage of your cycle. As a result, it is thought to reduce hormone-related symptoms like cramps, PMS, and even irregular periods.
Seed cycling is not a magic bullet but works best when combined with other healthy lifestyle changes. Eating hormone balancing foods, practicing stress management, and getting sufficient sleep all contribute to this holistic approach.
How Does It Work?
Seed cycling works by dividing your cycle into two phases: the follicular phase (the first half of your cycle) and the luteal phase (the second half). During each phase, you consume specific seeds known to have hormone-regulating properties.
Follicular Phase (Day 1 to Ovulation): This phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation, usually around day 14. During this time, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds are recommended. These seeds are rich in nutrients like zinc, which is thought to support oestrogen production, and lignans, which may help remove excess oestrogen from the body.
Luteal Phase (Ovulation to Next Period): After ovulation, sunflower and sesame seeds are consumed. Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E and selenium, which help to boost progesterone levels. Sesame seeds contain lignans that help manage oestrogen levels, making them a vital part of the hormone balancing foods lineup.
How to Incorporate Seed Cycling into Your Routine
Starting seed cycling is simple:
For the first half of your cycle (follicular phase), consume 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin and flax seeds each day.
After ovulation (luteal phase), switch to 1-2 tablespoons of sunflower and sesame seeds daily.
If you have irregular periods or are no longer menstruating, you can still practice seed cycling by syncing with the moon phases. Consume pumpkin and flax seeds from the new moon to the full moon, and sunflower and sesame seeds from the full moon to the next new moon.
Benefits of Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance
While scientific studies specifically on seed cycling are still limited, many of the seeds involved are well-researched as hormone balancing foods:
Flax Seeds: These contain lignans, which are phytoestrogens that can bind to oestrogen receptors and help regulate excess oestrogen. This can be especially beneficial during the follicular phase when oestrogen production is higher.
Pumpkin Seeds: High in zinc, these seeds are thought to support progesterone production as you transition toward the luteal phase. Zinc is also an essential mineral for overall reproductive health.
Sunflower Seeds: Packed with vitamin E and selenium, sunflower seeds help detoxify excess oestrogen and support progesterone levels during the luteal phase.
Sesame Seeds: Like flax seeds, sesame seeds also contain lignans, which help manage oestrogen levels in the body. This is especially useful during the second half of your cycle when your body needs to shift toward progesterone production.
These seeds are not only beneficial for hormone regulation but also contribute valuable nutrients like healthy fats, fibre, and protein. Incorporating these hormone balancing foods into your diet can improve overall health, support hormone function, and reduce unwanted symptoms.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Like any natural remedy, seed cycling isn’t a quick fix. It’s recommended to practice seed cycling for at least three months to start seeing noticeable improvements in hormone-related symptoms. Tracking your cycle and symptoms in a journal can help you monitor progress and understand how seed cycling affects your body over time.
Is There Scientific Support for Seed Cycling?
While there’s no specific research confirming the effectiveness of seed cycling, studies do back the benefits of many of the individual seeds as hormone balancing foods. For example, flax seeds have been shown to reduce oestrogen dominance, while pumpkin seeds are known for their zinc content, supporting reproductive health. Similarly, vitamin E in sunflower seeds and lignans in sesame seeds both play a role in regulating hormone production and balance.
That said, seed cycling should be considered part of a broader wellness plan, not a stand-alone solution. Complement it with other hormone balancing foods, regular exercise, and stress-reducing practices to create a comprehensive approach to hormone health.
Creative Ways to Incorporate It Into Your Routine
There are many delicious and easy ways to incorporate seed cycling into your daily routine:
Add the seeds to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Sprinkle them on salads, nourish bowls, or soups.
Make energy bites or granola using your seed blend for each phase of your cycle.
The versatility of these seeds makes it easy to stick to your seed cycling routine while enjoying the benefits of hormone balancing foods.
Seed cycling is a simple, natural way to support hormone balance through food. By eating pumpkin, flax, sunflower, and sesame seeds at specific times in your cycle, you can help regulate oestrogen and progesterone levels, alleviate symptoms like PMS, and promote overall well-being. While the science behind seed cycling is still growing, these seeds are widely regarded as excellent hormone balancing foods, making them a valuable addition to any diet aimed at supporting hormonal health.
As with any lifestyle change, consistency is key, and seed cycling should be practiced alongside other healthy habits for the best results.
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