When used well seed cycling may be a great way to help support a healthy hormone balance naturally through diet while also providing essential nutrients.
Seed cycling basically means rotating flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds in your diet at different times of the month to help to balance of your hormones naturally thereby helping to regulate your menstrual cycle. It can help women at any age stage of their life & cycle.
How does seed cycling work?
Periods have two cycle phases that support ovulation and prepare the body for conception over the 28 days (variation of up to 4-5 days depending on the individual) and you use seeds as a way to optimise these phases.
Using different seeds at specific times throughout your cycle provides nutrients such as phytoestrogens, ligans, zinc and vitamin E, that can help naturally balance hormones and promote a healthy cycle. Seed cycling typically involves eating flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds in the 1st part (the follicular phase) of your cycle, and sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds in the 2nd part (the luteal phase) of your cycle. For women postpartum, postmenopausal or not getting a period at all (amenorrhoea), then seed cycling is best timed with the moon cycle. Ie; start phase one of your seed cycling protocol on the first day of the new moon (eating flax seeds and pumpkin seeds), and begin your second phase of the protocol approximately 14 days following this when the full moon arrives (eating sunflower and sesame seeds).
What happens when there is a hormonal imbalance?
High oestrogen may cause; breasts tenderness, mood swings, hair loss, weight gain, fibroids, endometriosis, and cysts (breast and ovarian). Symptoms of low progesterone are similar to those of high estrogen but can cause; anxiety, sleep issues & menstrual headaches. It is commonly a cause of infertility and miscarriages.
Various things can effect hormonal balance including;
Stress, Environmental toxins, Poor diet, Food sensitivities, Gut issues, High coffee or alcohol consumption
What to do
In the follicular phase (Day 1-14) add into your diet daily:
1 tbsp of freshly ground flaxseed &
1 tbsp of pumpkin seed
In the luteal Phase (15-next menstrual period) add into your diet daily:
1 tbsp of sesame seeds &
1 tbsp of sunflower seeds
The best way to eat your seeds
Seeds can be added to smoothies, with yoghurt & fruit, in morning porridge or cereal, or sprinkled over salads or made into bliss balls, homemade muesli bars or muffins. Try to purchase fresh, whole seeds & grind them yourself. It’s advised not to use pre-ground seeds as they are susceptible to oxidation, can go rancid and therefore may not have the same therapeutic benefits. Prepare a 2-3 day batch in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
