Seed Cycling
Have you ever heard of seed cycling? Completely baffled by the concept? You aren’t alone…
We know that so many things can influence our hormones, sleep, the environment, stress and food. Seed cycling is one of the easiest ways to support our hormones - you just have to know what it is…
Seed cycling can support PMS symptoms, boost fertility, and stimulate menstruation if it’s missing (whether you have HA or are waiting for your cycle to return after coming off birth control).
So, what is it?
It sounds complicated but it’s literally as simple as incorporating different seeds into different parts of your cycle.
Days 1-14 (or until ovulation):
1-2 tablespoons of ground flax
1-2 tablespoons of ground pumpkin seeds
Days 15-28 (post ovulation - your bleed begins):
1-2 tablespoons of ground sunflower seeds
1-2 tablespoons of ground sesame seeds
Pumpkin seeds and flax seeds are used in the follicular phase because they help to stimulate oestrogen production whilst preventing excess oestrogen. Flax seeds contain lignans which bind to the excess oestrogen and help your body to excrete it. Whilst pumpkin seeds are higher in zinc which prepares your body for the rise in progesterone as you enter the luteal phase.
Sesame and sunflower seeds support progesterone production. Sesame seeds are a rich source of zinc and contain lignans that block excess oestrogen. Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, the vitamin E can boost progesterone while the selenium helps the liver to detox excess oestrogen from the body.
Grind your own seeds in a coffee grinder or high power food processor, you can then store these in the freezer to keep the nutrients locked in! Opt for raw seeds which are unsalted and I roasted, this helps to ensure that your seeds have the most nutrients in them as possible.
There are so many ways you can include them into your day:
On top of your porridge?
In some Greek yoghurt with some berries and honey?
In your favourite smoothie?
Make your own seed butter and have it on toast?
Get creative.
