Seed Cycling and its Benefits for Women

Introduction 

Seed cycling is one of the most popular and well-liked wellness routines, which helps regulate hormones. Hormone dysregulation is becoming a growing problem for women.

Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress level and exposure to chemicals from the environment have a significant impact on these hormones. All these elements can potentially affect the balance of the hormones in the body. 

A slight hormonal imbalance can cause several health issues, such as irregular periods, acne, PCOS, thyroid disorders and chronic fatigue.

One of the easiest yet most efficient ways to support the hormones is through seed cycling.

What is seed cycling? 

Seed cycling is the process of eating specific seeds in two phases of the menstrual cycle. Seed cycling involves consuming pumpkin, flax, sesame and sunflower seeds in rotation at different phases.

In a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone levels rise in the second half of the cycle (the luteal phase), whereas oestrogen levels rise in the early half of the cycle (the follicular phase). 

Menstrual irregularities, including breast soreness, painful periods, acne and PCOS symptoms, might result from an imbalance in these important hormones. 

The holistic approach, seed cycling, is used to help balance female hormones like progesterone and oestrogen during a menstrual cycle. 

How does it work? 

Phase 1 

In a regular seed cycling routine, eating two tablespoons of ground seeds daily is recommended. The seeds included are as follows,

• Flax seeds
• Pumpkin seeds

The plan recommends eating one tablespoon of flax and one tablespoon of pumpkin seeds each day while in phase one, which covers the follicular phase and lasts for the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle.

Phase 2 

Seeds consumed in  phase 2 of seed cycling.

• Sesame seeds
• Sunflower seeds

The plan involves consuming one tablespoon of sunflower and sesame seeds each during phase two, which is the luteal phase and is the final two weeks of the menstrual cycle that starts just after phase one.

Seed cycling supporters assert that it cures symptoms of hormones such as Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods and hot flashes. 

Also, some individuals think that seed cycling can aid in conception and control other hormonal side effects, like acne. Some claim that a few continuous months of cycling is sufficient time to start reaping the advantages, although the time it takes to follow the seed-cycling cycle may vary.

The idea of seed cycling 

Female hormone levels fluctuate in different ways during each phase of the menstrual cycle. Negative symptoms and undesirable side effects may result if they are out of balance.

Trying to regulate the hormones with nutrition is known as seed cycling. It is thought that eating pumpkin and flax seeds during the first part of the menstrual cycle can assist in avoiding the buildup of excess oestrogen and promote normal levels.

Lignans, a class of phytoestrogens, are found in flax seeds. These are plant substances that resemble the structure of oestrogen. Lignans may help balance the effects of oestrogen on the body and reduce menopause symptoms. Compared to other lignan-containing foods, flaxseeds have around 100 times more lignans than other foods.

Sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also thought to assist a healthy period. Since these foods are rich sources of important minerals like magnesium and zinc, they may aid in maintaining a balance between the hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Yet, there isn’t much scientific proof to support this.

Benefits of seed cycling 

Seed cycling is a mild, completely natural method to help relieve PMS symptoms, increase fertility and can help promote menstruation in case of the absence of periods (amenorrhoea) and other problems caused by hormone imbalances.

A little hormonal imbalance can cause other health issues, including periods, acne, PCOS, thyroid problems and chronic fatigue.

Some of the benefits of seed cycling include,

• Reducing acne
• Managing endometriosis, PCOS and infertility
• Improves cellulite, water retention, weight loss, thyroid hormone levels, and hair health
• Reducing hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, fatigue and mood changes associated with menopause

How to get started with seed cycling? 

Seed cycling is an easy method. During the follicular phase of the cycle, one should include 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin and flax seeds each day. After ovulation, add sunflower and sesame seeds to the diet once a day during the luteal phase.

DAYS 1 through 14 OF THE CYCLE (MENSTRUATION TO OVULATION)

• Consume 1-2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds
• Take 1-2 tablespoons of ground pumpkin seeds.

DAYS 15 through 28 OF THE CYCLE (OVULATION TO MENSTRUATION)

• 1-2 tablespoons ground sesame seeds
• 1-2 tablespoons ground sunflower seeds

Don’t worry if the menstrual cycle isn’t 28 days long. Many females don’t. For each phase of seeds, it is best to adhere to the 14-day cycle. The technique will adapt the body into an ideal menstrual cycle rhythm and help a person get back on track on sticking to the 2-week rotation.

How to incorporate seed cycling into your everyday routine? 

• Use the seed mixture for seed cycling in the following ways.
• Sprinkle on toast, salads, soups or bowls to add flavour.
• Blend the seed mixture into yoghurt, muesli, smoothies or chia seed pudding.
• Make homemade granola with sunflower and sesame seeds or pumpkin and flax seeds.

Conclusion 

Seed cycling involves including four different seeds in the diet—pumpkin, flax, sesame and sunflower seeds. Every day, consume raw and ground seeds. 

Grinding the seeds allows the body to absorb more nutrients because whole seeds won’t entirely digest in the gut. They can be consumed on their own or combined with other foods, such as smoothies and salads.