Seed Cycling

Seed cycling is the process of consuming a combination of flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds during different times of your menstrual cycle for better hormonal health. It helps with amenorrhea (no period), and relieves symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis, while also improving thyroid function and levels of progesterone in the body.

Benefits:

• Balances hormones
• Decreases the symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis
• Reduces acne
• Lowers the intensity of cramps and breast pain
• Regulates the menstrual cycle
• Helps with missing periods
• Eases menopausal or peri-menopausal symptoms
• Assists in weight issues
• Lessens hormonal facial hair growth

How to use:

For seed cycling, the menstrual cycle is split into 2 phases; the follicular phase (phase 1) and the luteal phase (phase 2). Day 1 of your period is the day when phase 1 begins and it lasts till you begin ovulation, which is typically day 14. Then from day 15, phase 2 begins and lasts till your next period until day 28.  These phases can be adjusted according to the length of your cycle.

During Phase 1: Take one tablespoon each of ground flax and pumpkin seeds everyday.

During Phase 2: Take one tablespoon each of ground sesame and sunflower seeds everyday.

There are many ways you can incorporate these seeds into your diet:

• Add it to your soup or salad
• Blend it into smoothies
• Mix it into oatmeal or overnight oats
• Whisk into pancake or waffle batter
• Sprinkle it over yogurt or a hummus dip