Seed Cycling & How it May Fix Your Hormonal Imbalances
It seems like these days, more women than not, suffer or have suffered with some sort of hormonal imbalance and often times, they go undiagnosed.
Some symptoms of imbalances can include:
Fatigue & Muscle weakness
Dry Skin & hair & loss of hair
Depression
Increased hunger & Weight gain
Infertility
Weight loss
Anxiety
Loss of period (or amenorrhea)
And there are many different factors that can play into hormonal imbalances such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, eating disorders, medications, stress, adrenal fatigue, cancer treatments, injuries, PCOS, menopause, pregnancy, and premature menopause. It seems as though all the “answers” to hormone imbalances are actually just cover-ups. They simply mask the symptoms of the imbalance but do not actually fix it. Thankfully, there are natural and holistic routes one can take in balancing their hormones. Particularly, as of late, there’s a new trendy technique in the holistic wellness community that has been providing lots of success. ENTER - Seed Cycling. You might be like, “Whaaaaat.. what in the world is that?”
Seed cycling is a technique that many women with hormonal conditions have seen success with. When I first started researching it, I thought it was way too easy and good to be true. However, I’ve had trusted friends use it and love it and at this point, I have nothing to loose. I plan on completing a cycle of it and documenting any successes I find! So let’s get into it:
What can seed cycling help with?
Acne
Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue
Depression
PMS symptoms
Low libido
Infertility
Painful periods
PCOS
Insomnia & other sleep-related conditions
Post & Pre menopausal symptoms
Weight gain/Loss due to hormones
What is it:
So the seed cycling technique is simple. You will cycle through certain seeds, consuming them on specified days during the month, in order to balance estrogen and progesterone in the body. They can essentially help your body find hormonal rhythm, meaning increasing/decreasing certain sufficiencies/deficiencies in order to balance irregularities.
How does it work?
To start, seed cycling works in a 28 day format. The first day, will start on the first day of your period.
Days 1 (When your period starts)-14: Consume pumpkin & flaxseeds.
Everyday you will want to coms,e 1-2 Tbsp of each seed. Freshly ground is the best, however, I believe as long as you get them in your diet, you will be still recipe the benefits!
Days 15-28: Consume sesame & sunflower seeds.
Each day you will consume 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground sesame or sunflower seeds.
This will complete the cycle. You will continue again on the start of your next period.
It is important to note that you are not to consume sesame or pumpkin seeds on the first 14 days and you are not to consume,e pumpkin & flaxseeds on the last of the days.
When do I start if I have irregular periods or lack there of a period?
This may seem woo-woo to some, but ancient history suggests the female menstrual cycle was to be in-tune and synched up with the moon. This is why our bodies would stay balanced for the 28 day cycle, the same amount of time it takes for the moon to complete one lunar cycle. The new moon changes, but it is simple to find out when, just google it! Start on the day the new moon begins as day 1 and begin the 28 day cycle. You’ll do this each month in hopes to reach regularity!
Ways to easily include these seeds in your diet:
Freshly ground into seed butters (dip veggies & apples in)
Grind into fresh sauces (I have an awesome sun butter sauce in my recipes!)
Grind & use as salad toppers, on top of stir-fries, & sautes.
Grind & use as breading/coating on tofu, tempeh, seafood, or other proteins.
Add to smoothies & soups.
Let me know if you are going to try out seed cycling and be sure to definitely let me know after awhile of trying the protocol! I’d love to hear feedback on if you find any success, whatever your symptoms may be! XOXO