Have you heard of seed cycling before?
I don’t know about you, but no one ever explained to me how our cycle actually works from a hormonal perspective until I studied it.
It’s quite a synchronized yo-yo – and I’m sure many of us at one point or another have felt the ups and downs of hormone imbalance.
From sore breasts to painful, irregular or heavy periods and mood swings – these are just some of the hormonal symptoms we may experience.
But even if these are common, don’t mistake that for being “normal”.
There’s nothing normal about not being able to hug your husband because your boobs are too sore or being keeled over from cramps!
So it’s food therapy to the rescue for me! Seed cycling helps to gently shift hormones back into balance by supporting the key hormones in each phase of the menstrual cycle.
🌟On Days 1 to 14 (the follicular phase), the freshly ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds help support estrogen. I also take good quality fish oil. Day 1 starts on the first day of our flow.
🌟On Days 15 to 28 (the luteal phase), the freshly ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds help boost progesterone and I switch to evening primrose oil. If you’re tracking your cycle, start after ovulation.
The seeds can be mixed into smoothies, sprinkled onto salads or eat them the way I do. Straight up with a bit of water to create an “oatmeal-like” consistency and topped with pomegranate seeds to hide the strong seed flavor.
I know seed cycling is not “evidence based”, but seeds are a source of healthy fats and anecdotally works for many, so if you can tolerate them, then why not?
Do you seed cycle? Let me know below in the comments.
Until then, B healthy!
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