What is "Seed Cycling" for Hormone Balance (And Should You Try It ) ?

What is seed cycling?

Seed cycling typically involves eating pumpkin and flax seeds during the first, follicular phase (Days 1-14) of your cycle, when your period starts. You consume a combo of sunflower and sesame seeds and during the second, luteal phase (Days 14-28), or after ovulation.


What does seed cycling do? 

When your hormone are balanced, in the first phase of your cycle oestrogen  levels should be rising. In your second phase of. your cycle progesterone levels rise (while estrogen levels slowly decline). An imbalance between these hormone levels can contribute to symptoms of hormone imbalance such as painful or irregular periods, PMS, PCOS, fibroids, acne and the menopaus

In theory, by eating specific compounds found in flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds at specific times during the menstrual cycle we can support the body's production of oestrogen and progesterone

That’s because seeds contain a type of fibre called lignans. Eating the lignans found in flax and pumpkin seeds, during the first phases of your cycle, it is thought to boost oestrogen production. Eating sunflower and sesame seeds in the second phase is thought to boost progesterone as your body metabolises another lignin-related compound called enterodiol.

What are the Pro's and Con's of Seed Cycling?

Pros 

• keeps you focused on incorporating seeds into your diet 
• Rotating seeds is good because it maintains balance between phytochemcals found in each type of seed 
• Rotating seeds also reduces likelihood of developing intolerance or sensitivity👍
• Seeds are nutrient dense powerhouses of good nutrition 
• Seeds contain minerals that boost immunity, balance blood pressure and support health regeneration of tissue
• They re packed with super beneficial unsaturated fays and phytonutrients linked to lowering the development of chronic diseases 
• Super source of fibre for healthy digestion 

Cons of seed cycling 

• Don’t over think it!
• A bit too fussy and maybe counter productive for women moving away from disordered eating.
• Your body is way to smart to need you to eat a particular seed on a particular day : it will store the different types of essential compounds and utilise them as needed

How can You Simplify Seed Cycling

The easiest way to incorporate seeds  into your diet is with breakfast - add to smoothies, oatmeal or nourish bowl.  Monday to Friday rotate 1-2 tablespoon of one type of seed including flaxseed, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower and chia seed. Other creative ways include pesto with pumpkin and flax seeds and/or seed butters.
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​Should You try Seed Cycling?

Honestly the short answer is no, it is way to fussy. Should you eat seeds on a daily basis - yes, yes and yes. So if cycling them helps you to maintain the habit then do it. Otherwise I recommend committing to one smoothie per day as a mid morning snack or breakfast to get them incorporated. If your mornings are more rushed make the smoothie, smoothie bowl or warm wholegrain cereal  night before. By doing this for breakfast consistently you will find it more likely to stick as a habit