Hormonal imbalance is a common issue affecting many people, often leading to a range of health problems. Fortunately, there’s a natural approach to help restore balance: seed cycling. This method involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle to naturally regulate hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone.
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a practice that involves eating different types of seeds at various phases of the menstrual cycle to support hormonal balance. The cycle is divided into two phases:
Follicular Phase (Day 1-14): During this phase, which starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation, it’s recommended to consume flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. These seeds are rich in lignans and zinc, which can help regulate oestrogen levels.
Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): In this phase, which begins after ovulation and ends when menstruation starts, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are recommended. These are high in selenium and vitamin E, supporting progesterone production.
Nutritional Benefits of Seed Cycling
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) play crucial roles in hormonal regulation:
EPA, found in flaxseeds, can help reduce inflammation and regulate oestrogen levels.
GLA, present in sesame seeds, aids in the production of beneficial prostaglandins, which are necessary for proper hormonal function and balance.
Dietary Fibre: Promoting Healthy Digestion
Did you know, the bowel is supposed to eliminate 2-3 times per day? If you are consuming 3 meal, expect 2-3 bowel movements. If you are not, it may be that the bowel wall doens’t have enough fibre to ‘press’ against.
Seeds are high in dietary fibre, which is essential for gut health and colon motility. A healthy digestive system is crucial for proper hormonal balance, because waste that isn’t evacuated can be recirculated back to the liver. The fibre in seeds helps bulk out the bowel, facilitating better evacuation, taking the strain off the lier, so it can aid in the limination of toxins, particularly excess oestrogen, from the body.
How to Incorporate Seed Cycling into Your Diet
Follicular Phase: Day 1 to Day 14, or until ovulation. If you are not menstruating, choose Days 1-14 of the calendar month.
1 tablespoon each freshly ground raw flax seeds and pumpkin seeds daily.
Luteal Phase: From Day 15 (about) to 28, or until menses. If you are not menstruating, choose Days 15-30 of the calendar month.
1 tablespoon each freshly ground raw sunflower and sesame seeds daily.
Grind the Seeds: Freshly grinding the seeds helps in the absorption of nutrients.
Daily Intake: Consume 1-2 tablespoons of the appropriate seeds each day.
Add to Meals: Mix the ground seeds into yoghurt, smoothies, salads, or soups.
Conclusion
Seed cycling offers a natural, nutritional approach to restoring hormonal balance. By including specific seeds in your diet, you can help regulate oestrogen and progesterone levels, improve gut health, and promote overall well-being. It can be even more effective to combine this with our PMTonic or our Women’s Hormone Balance Combination
