Seed Cycling: Does it work?

Seed Cycling is something that has been around for years.

It is the method of rotating seeds in your diet based on the phase of your cycle that you are in. The compounds in the seeds are meant to boost or hinder certain hormones in your body during particular times of your cycle. Research is still uncertain about whether seed cycling really works or not, however, numerous women (myself included) have vouched for seed cycling and its hormone balancing effects. During your follicular phase the phytoestrogens in flax seeds can help increase or decrease estrogen levels as needed. Phytoestrogens are compounds in plants that can mimic the action of estrogen. Also, the zinc in pumpkin seeds is thought to help encourage progesterone production for your luteal phase. During your luteal phase, the lignans in sesame are supposed to stop estrogen levels from increasing too much so you avoid the pesky PMS that is most likely to pop up during this time . Meanwhile, the vitamin E in sunflower seeds is thought to help boost progesterone levels.

Seeds are best absorbed if they are ground up but you can eat them whole as well. Sprinkle them on salads or put them in your smoothie!

Here's how you seed cycle

During days 1-14 of your cycle have 1-2 tablespoons of flax and pumpkin seeds. 

During days 15-28 of your cycle (or until you get your period) have 1-2 tablespoons of sesame and sunflower seeds.