Seed Cycling is not as weird as it first seems.
A few months ago I came across a post discussing seed cycling. I am fairly open minded when it comes to natural health and wellness, but honestly my first thoughts on encountering seed cycling were:
“ehhh, this seems too weird and too much.”
“I’m already doing a lot for my health.”
“How much is too much?”
“Seed cycling is too much. Yep, not for me.”
The seed (ha!) had been planted though. I kept being drawn to this idea that I could help support the balance of my hormones through seeds. I could be more intentional and utilize seeds to their full potential, instead of just throwing random seeds into my meals.
So what is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is basically eating certain seeds at certain stages of the menstrual cycle to help naturally balance hormones. Proponents of seed cycling say it may help to balance hormones, lessen PMS and trigger the release of a period for those with amenorrhea. Others have found it to help improve hormonal acne, abnormal bleeding, irregular periods, infertility, fatigue, sleep issues and other issues related to hormonal imbalance.
I have grown increasingly interested in ways I can support my body as I am someone that has always had irregular periods. I have also noticed I am easily thrown of balance physically during times of stress. Earlier this year, some major life stresses were beginning to take a toll on my body – depression, fatigue, weight loss, panic attacks, periods that were more irregular than normal, major mood swings, the list goes on. My body was running on adrenaline 24/7.
It took me while to actually pay attention and realize that while a lot of circumstances were out of my control, I needed to take control of what I could to support my well-being. Supporting my hormonal balance was an area I felt I had never paid attention to so it began to be an area I became more mindful of. I began drinking a herbal tea specifically for women’s health and hormones. I also began taking supplements like evening primrose oil and then I came across seed cycling.
Here’s how it works:
FIRST DAY OF PERIOD – OVULATION (often cited as days 1-13):
EAT 1 TBSP EACH OF FLAX AND PUMPKIN SEEDS
Flax seeds + Pumpkin seeds – contain omega 3’s and may help to boost estrogen in the body, which is dominant and necessary in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is responsible for maturing the uterine lining and also the egg before ovulation.
OVULATION – DAY BEFORE PERIOD STARTS (often cited as days 14-28):
EAT 1 TBSP EACH OF SUNFLOWER AND SESAME SEEDS
Sunflower seeds + sesame seeds – may help to boost progesterone in the body, which is dominant and necessary in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. It is produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation and works to balance the effects of estrogen and help mature and maintain the uterine lining if there is a pregnancy.
The Science
The seeds used in seed cycling are rich in phytoestrogens, which are plant-based versions of estrogen. Research has shown that a diet rich in foods containing phytoestrogens can help prevent hormone related cancers, osteoporosis and heart disease. There have also been studies showing the benefits of flaxseeds, especially for menstruating women and they are establishing their importance as a functional food (a food that may provide physiological benefits and help in preventing/healing disease). Flaxseeds contain lignands, which are a type of phytoestrogen, and have been shown to reduce the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome and reduce breast tenderness during the menstrual cycle.
The imbalance of hormones during each phase of the menstrual cycle is often what causes PMS and other symptoms related to perimenopause and menopause. Having symptoms has become so normal as a woman, that most of us don’t see it as a sign from our bodies that something is out of balance. This is fascinating because it begs the question: if everything is balanced, would and could our periods be pain free and emotionally stable? Interesting idea, huh? Something to think about and something that spurs me on in this experiment of seed cycling.
How it’s worked for me
Seed cycling is definitely a method that can easily be used to gently and naturally encourage your body to balance itself out. I strongly believe in the importance and power of food and the healing or destructive effect it has on the body. Many times the body can balance and heal itself if given the tools it needs. The right nutrients through the right food is the first line of action. Being proactive in adding certain seeds into what I eat is non-invasive, inexpensive and has little to no chance of unpleasant side-effects. The severe menstrual cramps, mood swings and headaches I had been experiencing haven’t been as severe recently. It could be coincidence, or a combination of changes I have made. Either way, I am still giving important nutrients to my body that I wasn’t before.
Please note: I am not a doctor or medical professional. I am just sharing from my personal experience and research. If you are currently on medication for hormone balance or birth control, please don’t quit everything without first speaking to your doctor and doing your own research and thoughtful consideration. Also, seed cycling is not a form of birth control. Just saying – but how nice would that be?!
How I incorporate the seeds
- Smoothies, smoothies, smoothies! The easiest way to incorporate the seeds each day is in a smoothie. I usually make my green smoothie and toss in 1 TBSP each of either flax and pumpkin or sunflower and sesame seeds. I have actually been pleasantly surprised by how the pumpkin seeds add a delicious creaminess and texture!
- Use them as a topping to cereal, oatmeal or toast. If I do this, I tend to grind the flax seed for easier digestion. I buy the whole seeds because they’re cheaper and stay fresh for longer. Then I grind a batch for the week or a few days. Once I grind them, I also keep them in the fridge.
- Seeds could also easily be added to veggie/power bowls and salads.
- Eat the seeds in butter form! If you have a jar of pumpkin seed butter, sunflower seed butter or tahini (paste made from sesame seeds), that works too!
Do you seed cycle? Is this something that interests you? Have you had results from seed cycling? Let me know, I’d love to hear!
