Seed Cycling.
Hey there, hormonal hunnies! Are you tired of dealing with those pesky PMS symptoms and irregular cycles? Say hello to your new best friend - seed cycling!
This ancient practice involves munching on specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle to help balance those hormones and support your reproductive health. And the best part? You get to eat yummy, nutrient-rich seeds while you're at it!
How does it work?
This centuries-old practice involves munching on specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle. In the follicular phase (days 1-14), get your flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds ready. Flaxseeds contain estrogenic properties that can help keep your estrogen levels in check, while pumpkin seeds are packed with zinc, which can support progesterone production.
When it's luteal phase time (days 15-28), switch to sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Sesame seeds are loaded with lignans and phytoestrogens that can also help regulate estrogen levels, while sunflower seeds bring the vitamin E goodness to boost progesterone production.
The Benefits of Cycling
But wait, there's more! Seed cycling can also help alleviate PMS symptoms, regulate menstrual cycles, and support fertility. Plus, the seeds themselves are nutrient-rich foods with a whole host of benefits beyond just hormonal health.
Hormonal balance: Seed cycling is believed to help regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, which can help balance hormones and alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
Alleviate PMS symptoms: By promoting hormonal balance, seed cycling may help reduce symptoms of PMS, such as mood swings, bloating, and cramping.
Regular menstrual cycles: Seed cycling may help regulate menstrual cycles, making them more predictable and regular.
Improved fertility: By promoting hormonal balance and regular cycles, seed cycling may also improve fertility and increase the chances of conception.
Nutrient-rich foods: The seeds used in seed cycling are all nutrient-dense foods that provide a range of health benefits beyond just hormonal health. For example, flaxseeds are high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, while pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, zinc, and protein.
How to enjoy your seeds:
While seed cycling is traditionally done by simply munching on the recommended seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle, there are many delicious ways to incorporate these seeds into your diet.
For example, you can sprinkle flaxseeds or sesame seeds on top of your morning oatmeal or yogurt, mix pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds into your favorite trail mix, or use any of these seeds to make homemade energy bars or granola.
You can also experiment with different recipes, such as adding flaxseeds or pumpkin seeds to baked goods like muffins or breads, or using sunflower seeds or sesame seeds as a tasty crust for baked chicken or fish. With so many creative ways to enjoy these nutrient-dense seeds, you're sure to find a few that suit your taste and lifestyle!
While seed cycling is generally safe and beneficial, always check with your doctor before trying anything new. Don't skip the expert advice just because seed cycling sounds like a tasty and fun way to keep your hormones in check!
