Seed Cycling

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Seed cycling is a gentle way to balance your hormones throughout your menstrual cycle using the nutrients found in seeds. 

They supply the body with nutrients essential for producing hormones and eliminating them properly. By boosting estrogen in the first phase and progesterone in the second phase, seed cycling can regulate your hormones. It can increase fertility, help relieve PMS, ease painful periods, regulate irregular cycles can help if you suffer from ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or PCOS. 

It can be effective for all women in all ages.

How does seed cycling work?

1. During the follicular phase (day 1 to 14 of your cycle)

This phase your estrogen levels steadily increase to prepare for ovulation. To keep estrogen levels in balance, you consume daily 1-2 tbsp of freshly ground flaxseed and pumpkin seeds. 

Flax seeds contain phytoestrogens that help balance estrogen metabolism. If estrogen levels get too high, the lignans in the flaxseeds can bind to the excess estrogen and eliminate it from your body. It is crucial for women who are estrogen dominant, suffering from PMS, migrants, cysts etc. Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-lipoid acid which lower inflammation and oxidative stress important if you suffer from period pain.

Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc to support progesterone production and essential for a healthy cycle and egg health.

2. During the luteal phase (day 15 to 28)

Progesterone levels begin to steadily rise to build up the uterine lining. Estrogen also increases here to prepare for the menstrual cycle. It is very important to support healthy progesterone levels. Progesterone is the hormone that keeps estrogen in check. If estrogen gets too high PMS symptoms and painful periods can occur.

During this phase, you consume 1-2 tbsp of ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Both these seeds contain elements that help aid in the elimination of excess estrogen. Sesame seeds, are high in zinc and selenium and block excess estrogen, to keep your hormones in balance. Sunflower seeds are rich in selenium which can increase progesterone concentrations. Both seeds are high in vitamin E to support progesterone levels. 

How to add seeds in your diet?

  • Blend into smoothies.

  • Sprinkle on your salads.

  • Make energy balls from them.

Seed cycling is a gentle, natural way to support your hormones. It can take several cycles (3-4 months) to begin feeling the benefit of it.

Seeds used for seed cycling should be organic and raw. Ideally, grind your seeds right before eating them or store ground seeds in the freezer.