What is Seed Cycling
Seed cycling involves consuming specific seeds during the two main phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to support a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. This gentle and natural practice can help reduce PMS symptoms, boost fertility, stimulate menstruation if it’s absent (amenorrhea), and alleviate other symptoms resulting from hormonal imbalances. Seed cycling can be utilized at any stage of a woman’s life, including post-menopause. It is particularly beneficial when discontinuing hormonal birth control or dealing with post-birth control syndrome symptoms such as acne, irregular or missing periods, and PMS.
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
To better grasp seed cycling, it’s essential to understand the two main phases of your menstrual cycle. The first phase, the follicular phase, begins on the first day of your menstrual bleed and continues until ovulation, typically lasting around 14 days. The second phase, the luteal phase, starts at ovulation and lasts until your next menstrual bleed, also usually around 14 days, though it can vary.
When hormone levels are balanced, estrogen rises during the first half of the cycle. In the second half, progesterone levels increase while estrogen levels gradually decline. An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can lead to PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps, acne, short luteal phases, an ovulation, irregular cycles, and amenorrhea.
How to Start Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance
Identify the Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle
Follicular Phase: Start on the first day of your period and continue until ovulation (about 14 days).
Luteal Phase: Begin at ovulation and continue until the start of your next period (about 14 days).
Select the Right Seeds for Each Phase
Follicular Phase (Day 1 to Ovulation)
Eat 1 tablespoon each of ground flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds daily. These seeds help boost estrogen levels.
Luteal Phase (Ovulation to Start of Next Period)
Eat 1 tablespoon each of ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds daily. These seeds support progesterone production.
Incorporate Seeds into Your Diet
Add the seeds to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, or any other meal to ensure you consume them consistently.
Monitor Your Cycle
Keep track of your menstrual cycle to know when to switch from one set of seeds to the other.
Consistency is Key
Follow the seed cycling routine consistently for several months to observe noticeable improvements in hormone balance.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
If you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before starting seed cycling.
Moon Phases Seed Cycling Guidelines
Days 1-14 (New Moon to Full Moon)
Eat pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds.
Days 15-28 (Full Moon to New Moon)
Eat sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
It may seem unconventional, but the moon’s influence is powerful. It controls ocean tides, affects our center of gravity, and can impact menstrual cycles. Interestingly, both the moon’s cycle and the average menstrual cycle span 28 days, which is more than a coincidence. Many women’s cycles, when balanced, naturally align with the moon phases.
Nutrient Benefits of seeds
Although the evidence supporting the specific claims of seed cycling is limited, incorporating flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds into your diet is beneficial for overall health.
All four seeds are rich in fiber, manganese, magnesium, copper, thiamine, vitamin E, and healthy fats. These nutrients are essential for good health, including reproductive health.
Fiber: Supports digestive health.
Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, Thiamine, Vitamin E: Contribute to various bodily functions and overall wellness.
Healthy Fats: Essential for brain function and hormone production.
Health Improvements
Heart Disease Risk Factors: Consumption of flax, sesame, and sunflower seeds has been linked to improvements in high cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Breast Cancer Protection: Flax, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds may help protect against breast cancer.
Blood Sugar Control: Flax seeds are associated with better blood sugar management.
Prostate and Urinary Disorders: Pumpkin seed oil may aid in these conditions.
Reduced Inflammation: Sesame seeds may reduce inflammation and improve athletic recovery and performance.
What are seed cycling benefits
Regulates Menstrual Cycle: Balances estrogen and progesterone levels, improving irregular periods.
Follicular Phase: Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds for estrogen balance.
Luteal Phase: Sunflower seeds and sesame seeds for progesterone support.
PCOS Management: Reduces ovarian cysts, improves hormonal balance.
Zinc in pumpkin and sesame seeds lowers androgens, supports thyroid function.
Omega-3 in flax and sunflower seeds lowers insulin resistance.
Enhances Fertility: Supports balanced hormones, regular cycles, and improved ovulation.
Vitamin E in sunflower seeds enhances egg and sperm quality.
Antioxidants reduce inflammation, potentially aiding implantation.