To understand how seed cycling helps in balancing hormones, we must know what seed cycling means. Seed cycling is considered a natural remedy to balance hormones in women. The process starts with consuming fresh seeds on a regular diet.
Several sources have distinct nutrient compositions and promote healthy hormone levels at the correct period of the cycle.
It is an old practice, but it has started getting trendy in the past years as people regain their interest in a healthy lifestyle.
How Does Seed Cycling act in Hormone Balancing?
Seed cycling boosts hormones like estrogen and progesterone in women. As the menstruation cycle starts to end, hormones in women’s bodies begin to reduce or increase.
Sudden fluctuation in hormone levels affects health in many aspects. They begin to experience menstruation cramps, mood swings, disruption in sleep cycles, and many more problems.
There are two phases of menstruation cycles: the follicular phase (time of ovulation), and the other is referred to as the luteal phase (until your period starts). During seed cycling, women have to consume natural seeds depending upon the stage they are in.
In phase one, the follicular phase, as directed by specialists, one should eat a tablespoon of flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. It can be consumed by putting the roots in a smoothie, shake, or water.
Your body produces estrogen during this phase, and to balance, the sudden increase, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds rich in progesterone are consumed.
In phase two, the luteal phase, the progesterone level starts to increase. It is advised to intake sunflower and sesame seeds during the stage to maintain hormone levels.
Also Read: Depression and Periods – Are They Interrelated? – Tips To Follow
Why is seed cycling crucial?
Seed cycling has become an essential requirement in today’s life as the lifestyle of the present generation is not as healthy as that was of the past age.
These days, women go through work-stress, constipation, food allergies, alcohol & smoking addictions, etc. This results in fluctuation in hormonal levels in the body, and as a result, we have to consult a gynaecologist regularly or do seed cycling.
What types of seeds are best for seed cycling?
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants abound in seeds and nuts. They’reThey’re also high in protein, magnesium, fibre, and healthy fats. But not all kinds of sources are suitable for your body.
Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, Chia seeds, and sunflower seeds are considered the best options for seed cycling. Nuts like almonds and cashews can also be taken as a substitute sometimes.
Ways To Consume Seeds Regularly
- Put the roots into yoghurts, smoothies, juices, or oatmeal in the breakfast.
- Try to make homemade butter from the sources. You can get various recipes on online platforms.
- Make some toasts and salads sprinkle the seeds on them.
- Make sauces from pumpkin and flaxseeds and eat them with your daily meals.
When will the results start to show?
When you change and add new things to your diet, it takes time for the body to get used to it. Seed cycling is a slow and steady process but has good results.
It might take up to two or three months of regular usage before you see any effects. Keeping a diary to record your symptoms over a month might help identify the changes that occur over time.
You might start to see reductions in period cramps, mood swings, stress, anxiety, etc. It may seem not very safe to consider doing this for the rest of your life, but it may become part of the routine if you make it a habit.
It is recommended to do it one month at a time. Making the seed cycle a monthly objective makes it feel much more achievable.
Things to keep in mind before starting
- Please keep track of your cycle: Maintain a record of your process by writing it in a diary, or you can also use some apps developed to track the cycle. It may help you not forget your bike and will help you eat the appropriate amount of seeds every day.
- Take a healthy diet: When you are doing seed cycling, you must avoid alcohol, junk food, and smoking.
- If you keep a nutritious diet, you’ll experience the results sooner, or else it would be a waste to do seed cycling as you’ll not be able to balance your hormones if you don’t avoid an unhealthy diet.
- Eat the seeds after grinding: Eating raw seeds is not a problem, but it may take a lot of time to digest raw seeds.
- Rubbing them before eating bits helps in quick digestion. Make sure to strictly grind flaxseeds and sesame as they can’t be consumed without chewing.
- Use fresh seeds: Raw seeds that are not roasted are preferable since they retain all of their properties, and nothing is wasted during the roasting process.
- When possible, use natural sources to avoid exposure to pesticides, disturbing hormones, and making the cycling process waste.
- Seeds must be stored in a freezer or refrigerator: Seeds ‘Seeds’ fatty acids oxidize and turn them rotten rapidly, particularly in direct sunshine and at higher temperatures.
- To maintain the seeds, store them in a cold, dark location such as the refrigerator or freezer. Or else they’ll get rotted, and you’ll not be able to achieve your regular target.
Conclusion
The seed cycle, in theory, either increases or decreases the production of estrogen and progesterone in the body, ultimately balancing and optimizing your hormones and alleviating symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance.
Cycling for a few months is thought to be sufficient to notice results.
Hormone stability is difficult to achieve as there are so many unknown variables. Working with a specialist to evaluate your hormone levels and accurately identify your issue is essential.
A nutritionist can guide you to make food and lifestyle adjustments to help you regulate and maintain healthy hormone levels once you know.