There’s a lot of buzz around seed cycling, and we’re here to clear the air.
Seed cycling refers to consuming certain seeds at certain parts of your cycle. In order to do this, you have to first understand how a woman’s cycle fluctuates between the follicular phase and luteal phase. Every woman has a different cycle length, and the follicular phase starts on day 1 of your actual period. Once ovulation occurs, you enter into the luteal phase.
During the follicular phase, or the first part of your cycle, your estrogen starts to rise and an egg begins to mature for ovulation. This particular event occurs on different days for different people- anywhere from day 14 to day 19. Once ovulation occurs, you then enter into the luteal phase where the empty follicle (since the egg was released) turns into a corpus luteum. At this point, progesterone is being produced to thicken the uterine lining for pregnancy or to shed (start your period).
To begin seed cycling, you want to eat 1 tbsp of flax seeds and 1 tbsp of pumpkin seeds each day of your follicular phase (first half of your cycle). These seeds can help naturally increase your estrogen while also providing fiber to support healthy estrogen metabolism. They also contain zinc and selenium which lead to happy hormones!
Once you ovulate, or on day 15-19 of your cycle, eat 1 to 2 tbsp of fresh ground sunflower and sesame seeds. This part of your cycle, the luteal phase, is when your progesterone levels rise and peak. Progesterone is the hormone that is responsible for easing unwanted PMS symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and insomnia.
Seed cycling has helped women with PCOS, irregular periods, and painful PMS symptoms. I’ve personally seen drastic improvements since I began seed cycling and have now seen the same outcomes with my clients, with the most significant changes in PMS symptoms such as skin, bloating, and headaches.
Have you tried it? Let us know below.
About the author:
Evie Takacs, MS, holds a masters degree in Community Health Education and has become a wellness advocate in her own life due to living with an autoimmune disease. She believes wellness comes in many shapes, sizes, and practices. She strives to help people discover their own highest capabilities within their lives by developing strong nutritional and mindful routines. Evie acts as a support to guide you in developing a lifelong wellness approach that will allow you to live a balanced and fulfilling life. Evie has extensive training through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition with a comprehensive background in nutrition and coaching.
As the Founder of Holistically Restored, Evie aims to empower her clients to push the boundaries and find hope again.