How to balance your hormones through SEED CYCLING?

Written By Candace Slaughter

Seed cycling have been used by many Naturopathic Physicians to support women in balancing they hormones by supplying them with nutrients they need at specific phases of their menstrual cycle.

How does Seed Cycling work?

This old practice of eating specificities seeds to support key hormones in each phase.

Seed cycling, estrogen boost, progesterone boost, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, fertility help, balancing hormones, irregular cycles, regulating your menstrual cycle, PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts

  • Follicular Phase – Ovulation (Days 1-14): eat 1-2 tablespoons each of raw, fresh ground flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds

At this time in your cycle, estrogen rises and spikes to trigger ovulation and testosterone rises to increase mood (baby-making desires).

Flaxseed helps eliminate excess estrogen and support optimal estrogen levels.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants and zinc which supports healthy testosterones levels. It is also a source tryptophan, used by the body to create serotonin and melatonin. This is awesome for mood, memory and sleep.

  • Ovulation-Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): eat 1-2 tablespoons each of raw, fresh ground sunflower and sesame seeds

Sunflower seeds contain iron, which supports estrogen detoxification and magnesium which support prostaglandin levels and may even reduce period cramps. Yup! You read that right! But there is more…a source of calcium which studies show can reduce mood related issues.

Sesame seeds can help lower inflammation and protect heart health.

Seed Cycling can help:

  • balancing hormone levels

  • regulating your cycle and stimulating menstruation

  • PCOS, endometriosis or ovarian cysts

  • increase fertility

It is important to note that this is not a universal fix, as many women have various cycle lengths and some adjustments may need to be made. Also, if you are on birth control, now may not be the best time to seed cycle because birth control gives you want is considered a “fake” bleed and this is to help your natural cycle.

How to eat your seeds?

  • add to any batter (i.e pancakes, waffles)

  • smoothies and smoothie bowls

  • sprinkle on salads

  • sprinkle on yogurt or oats

Some say seed cycling is a new trend because there are not a lot of studies around seed cycling and the connection to the menstrual cycle, however seeds are jam packed with so many nutrients, so what exactly do we have to loose.

Candace Slaughter
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