Seed cycling: balance your hormones through food

Author: Fernanda Berganza

Seed Cycling benefits the regularity and health of your cylce by supporting hormone production, binding, and metabolism. As seeds contain different types and amounts of lignans and essential fatty acids they help our body to bind up excess hormones whereas fatty acids are involved in hormone production. Together they work on balancing hormones.

The recommended seeds vary depending on the phase you are in, whether it is follicular or luteal. In the follicular phase you should consume one tablespoon of freshly ground flaxseed and pumpkin seeds per day. This supports the production of estrogens and their metabolism. Later, in the luteal phase, it is recommended to consume a tablespoon of freshly ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. These help the production of progesterone after ovulation. It is important to highlight that sesame and flax seeds help to block any excess estrogen in the body. Sunflower seeds, being rich in selenium, help the liver in its detoxifying processes. Finally, pumpkin seeds, being high in zinc, promote the production of progesterone.

The best way to consume these seeds is to grind them instantly or a few days before. It is important that you store them in a dry and cool place and in a closed container since their polyunsaturated fatty acids oxidize easily.

Some benefits of applying this method are:

• Reduce acne
• Reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Helps infertility
• Regulates the amount of menstrual bleeding
• Reduces postmenopausal symptoms
• Regulates the menstrual cycle

It should be noted that the benefits of incliding this in your diet are observed after three months. We also recommend following the advice for hormonal balance related to lifestyle previously published on the blog.

References

Integrative. (2018). Seed Cycling. Integrative: Naturophatic Medical Center. [pdf document].https://integrative.ca/uploads/Resources-PDF/18-04-18-Integrative-Handout-Seed-Cycling.pdf 

Roosevelt, M. (2019). Seed Cycling Guide. Healthy Grocery Girl. [pdf document].https://www.healthygrocerygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SEED-CYCLE-_-MOON-CYCLE-CHART.pdf