If you have an irregular cycle, this is where seed cycling can be particularly helpful. Seed cycling is a method to create hormonal balance for a woman. It works using the nutrients found in seeds – boosting estrogen in the first phase and then boosting progesterone in the second phase.
How To Do Seed Cycling
- The Follicular Phase – Days 1 to 14 (day 1 is the first day of your period) – Consume the following:
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon ground pumpkin seeds
- fish oil (optional, but recommended – Vegans can use an algae omega 3 oil as a replacement)
- The Luteal Phase – Days 15 to 28, (day 15 is the day after ovulation) – Consume the following:
- 1 tablespoon ground sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground sunflower seeds
- evening primrose oil (optional, but recommended)
The seeds in the follicular stage support estrogen production and the seeds in the luteal supports progesterone production.
Ideally, it is best to ground the seeds daily, this optimises freshness. Seeds can go rancid easily. The seeds should be kept in the fridge or if you want to ground a larger amount, freeze the grounded seeds and take out daily.
You can consume the seeds how you like, for some suggestions – add them to your breakfast oats, yogurt or smoothies. Do not heat them up, although you can sprinkle them on hot foods.
Note – sometimes women worry about phytoestrogens found in seeds, fearing it will make estrogen dominance worse. It is important to remember not all estrogen is equal. Estradiol is the type that tends to be higher in an ‘estrogen dominant’ person. Seed rotation helps suppress estradiol production, and it also helps the metabolism of estradiol in the right direction, generating a higher ratio of the healthier metabolite 2-hydroxy-estrone versus the more harmful 16-hydroxy-estrone. The more harmful 16-hydroxy-estrone is linked to cancers such as breast cancer (1). Also, being estrogen dominant is about having too much estrogen in comparison to progesterone. The seed cycling will promote better progesterone levels (For testing on the types of estrogen – See DUTCH).
The Moon and Your Cycle
Our bodies have a natural rhythm. We have a 24-hour circadian rhythm and we have a monthly one. Before artificial light, our bodies very much were in tune with the moon. One lunar cycle is about 28 days which is close to the length of a menstrual cycle. We are supposed to be most fertile during the full moon and the least fertile during the new moon. Seed cycling embodies this natural rhythm. Therefore the follicular phase should begin on a new moon and the luteal phase begins on the full moon. It is okay if you are not in sync. But it is useful to know if you are trying to get your cycle back. If you don’t know where you are in your cycle, start this on the new moon.
How You Can Benefit From Seed Cycling
Seed cycling can help relieve PMS, improve libido, thyroid issues, increase fertility, acne, ease pain from conditions like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and PCOS, and regulate irregular cycles.
- High estrogen can be the cause of mood swings, heavy periods, hair loss, weight gain, fibroids, breast tenderness, endometriosis, breast and ovarian cysts, and even breast and ovarian cancer.
- Low progesterone levels can be associated with infertility, miscarriages, anxiety, not being able to fall or stay asleep and mid-cycle spotting.
Remember it isn’t a quick fix, it can take 3 to 4 months before your cycle becomes regular. However, you may notice the benefits quicker.
If you would like more information on how to balance hormones you can book online for a consultation or contact Elizabeth directly.
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