If you’re struggling with hormonal imbalances, you’re not alone.
Many people experience symptoms like mood swings, acne, and irregular periods due to imbalances in their hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone.
But did you know that seed cycling could be a natural way to help regulate your hormones and promote balance in your cycle?
Seed cycling is a practice that involves eating specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle to support hormone balance.
During the first half of your cycle, you eat flax and pumpkin seeds to promote estrogen production.
The second half of your cycle, switch to sesame and sunflower seeds to support progesterone production.
This practice is based on the idea that certain nutrients in these seeds can help support hormone production and balance.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of seed cycling on hormone balance, some studies have shown promising results.
Seeds are a great source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and phytoestrogens that can support overall health and wellbeing.
If you’re interested in trying seed cycling, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider first to make sure it’s safe for you and to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you click on them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a natural way to support hormone balance by incorporating specific seeds into your diet during different phases of your menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase.
The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation, while the luteal phase begins after ovulation and ends with the start of your next period.
During the follicular phase, it is recommended to consume a combination of flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Flaxseeds are high in lignans, which can help to balance estrogen levels, while pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, which supports progesterone production.
During the luteal phase, it is recommended to consume a combination of sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
Sesame seeds are high in lignans and also contain vitamin E, which can help to support progesterone levels.
Sunflower seeds are a good source of selenium, which can help to reduce inflammation and support hormonal balance.
Seed cycling is a simple and natural way to support hormone balance, but it is important to note that it is not a substitute for medical treatment.
It is also important to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients and to talk to your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement regimen.
The Science Behind Seed Cycling
If you’re looking for natural ways to balance your hormones, seed cycling is a popular method that many people swear by.
The idea behind seed cycling is that by consuming certain seeds during specific phases of your menstrual cycle, you can help regulate your hormone levels and improve your overall health.
Seed cycling is based on the idea that certain seeds contain nutrients that can help support your body’s natural hormone production.
For example, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are high in phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
On the other hand, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are high in lignans, which can help support progesterone production.
To seed cycle, you consume specific seeds during each phase of your menstrual cycle.
During the follicular phase, you consume 1 tablespoon each of freshly ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds daily.
For the luteal phase, you consume 1 tablespoon each of freshly ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds daily.
While there is limited scientific research on seed cycling specifically, there is evidence to suggest that the nutrients found in these seeds can help support hormone production and balance.
Additionally, many of these seeds are high in vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health and wellbeing.
It’s important to note that seed cycling should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment for hormonal imbalances or other health conditions.
However, if you’re looking for a natural way to support your hormone health, seed cycling may be worth considering.
How to Do Seed Cycling
Seed cycling involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle to help balance hormones naturally.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose your seeds: The seeds used in seed cycling are typically flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds. You can use whole or ground seeds, but freshly ground seeds are best. Make sure to use organic and non-GMO seeds.
- Measure your seeds: You’ll need to consume 1-2 tablespoons of each type of seed per day. Use a tablespoon or kitchen scale to measure out the seeds.
- Store your seeds: Keep your seeds in the refrigerator to prevent them from going rancid. You can store them in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
- Follow the moon cycle: Seed cycling is based on the phases of the moon, so you’ll need to track your menstrual cycle and the moon cycle. During the follicular phase (new moon to full moon), consume 1-2 tablespoons of flax and pumpkin seeds daily. During the luteal phase (full moon to new moon), consume 1-2 tablespoons of sesame and sunflower seeds daily.
- Incorporate seeds into your diet: You can add seeds to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, or eat them as a snack. Be creative and find ways to incorporate seeds into your daily diet.
Seed cycling is a natural and safe way to balance hormones, but it may take a few months to see results.
Be patient and consistent with your seed cycling routine.
Related Articles: Yoga Fertility Poses To Boost Chances Of Conceiving
Best Bee Pollen Supplements For Fertility
Bee Pollen: Risks And Benefits To Fertility
Benefits of Seed Cycling
Seed cycling is a natural and holistic approach to balance hormones and improve women’s health.
By incorporating specific seeds into your diet during different phases of your menstrual cycle, you can support your body’s natural hormone production and reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
Seed cycling has been shown to have several benefits, including:
Balancing estrogen and progesterone levels
The seeds used in seed cycling contain compounds that can help regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting a healthy balance of these hormones in the body.
Reducing PMS symptoms
Seed cycling can help alleviate symptoms of PMS, such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and bloating.
Lowering the risk of cancer
Some seeds used in seed cycling, such as flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds, contain lignans, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Boosting fertility
Seed cycling can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility in women who are trying to conceive.
Supporting postmenopausal women
Seed cycling can help support women during menopause by reducing symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Balancing hormones after discontinuing hormonal birth control
Seed cycling can help restore hormonal balance in women who have recently stopped using hormonal birth control.
Improving heart health
The seeds used in seed cycling, such as chia seeds and flaxseeds, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Reducing inflammation
Some seeds used in seed cycling, such as sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Overall, seed cycling is a simple and natural way to support women’s health and balance hormones.
By incorporating a variety of seeds into your diet, you can improve your menstrual cycles, reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalances, and promote overall health and wellbeing.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Seed Cycling
When it comes to seed cycling, it is generally considered safe and has few side effects.
However, as with any dietary change or supplement, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of.
If you are taking any medication, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting seed cycling.
Some seeds, such as flaxseed, can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Your doctor can help you determine if seed cycling is safe for you based on your individual health needs.
For those with cysts or acne, seed cycling may potentially worsen these conditions.
Some seeds, such as sesame seeds, are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can increase inflammation in the body.
This inflammation can exacerbate cysts and acne.
It is important to monitor your skin while seed cycling and discontinue if you notice any negative changes.
If you have irregular periods or PCOS, seed cycling may be beneficial for regulating your menstrual cycle and hormones.
However, it is important to note that seed cycling may not be a cure-all for these conditions and may not work for everyone.
As always, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for your individual needs.
Seed cycling may also potentially contribute to weight gain if you are consuming too many calories from the seeds.
It is important to monitor your overall calorie intake and adjust accordingly to prevent weight gain.
Finally, if you are experiencing fatigue or hot flashes, seed cycling may potentially exacerbate these symptoms.
Some seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, are high in tryptophan, which can cause drowsiness. Flaxseed can also potentially increase hot flashes in menopausal women.
Overall, seed cycling is considered safe for most people.
It is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects and to talk to your doctor before starting seed cycling, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication.
Related Articles: Boost Your Chances Of Conception With Fertility Smoothies
How To Cleanse The Body Before Pregnancy With A Fertility Detox
Understanding Your Fertility Window To Get Pregnant
Final Thoughts
Incorporating seed cycling into your diet may be a simple and effective way to support hormone balance.
While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits, many people have reported positive results.
By consuming specific seeds during the two different phases of your menstrual cycle, you may be able to support the production and balance of estrogen and progesterone.
This can potentially help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve overall reproductive health.
It’s important to note that seed cycling should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment or advice.
If you have any concerns about your hormonal health, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Incorporating a variety of seeds into your diet can also offer other nutritional benefits, including healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Consider adding seeds such as flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower to your meals and snacks to support your overall health.
Overall, seed cycling is a simple and potentially beneficial practice to support hormone balance.
By incorporating this technique into your diet, you can potentially improve your reproductive health and overall well-being.
Works Cited
Seed Cycling 101: The Ultimate Guide to Balancing Hormones – Dr. Mark Hyman (drhyman.com)
Does Seed Cycling Help Balance Hormones? – Scientific American