Seed cycling for happy hormones

Have you tried seed cycling?

The idea is that consuming certain seeds during each phase of your cycle can help promote healthy hormone balance.

While there isn’t much research supporting seed cycling specifically, there is plenty of evidence supporting the health benefits of each of these seeds.

I’ve also seen (and experienced) a lot of anecdotal evidence that suggests seed cycling works for many women in reducing period and menopause related symptoms.

Here’s the breakdown of how to seed cycle:
Follicular Phase (days 1-14): eat 1-2T organic ground flax seeds & pumpkin seeds daily
Luteal Phase (days 15-28): eat 1-2T organic ground sunflower and sesame seeds daily

*If you don’t ovulate on day 14 or have a longer or shorter cycle, adjust your seed cycle days accordingly.
**If you’re not currently or no longer menstruating, follow the moon cycle (so consider day 1 of your cycle to be the new moon).

So what are the benefits of seed cycling?

Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc which is known to support testosterone and progesterone levels as well as thyroid function. Tryptophan, which is a precursor to melatonin, is found in pumpkin seeds - think better sleep! And pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants which are necessary for ovarian function and egg quality.

Flax seeds contain lignans which are known for supporting estrogen detoxification by binding to excess estrogen so it can be eliminated. They’re also a great source of omega 3s (so are pumpkin seeds).

Similar to pumpkin and flax seeds, sesame seeds contain both zinc and lignans, helping to support your progesterone levels while keeping estrogen in check during your luteal phase. Sesame seeds are also considered to be incredibly anti-inflammatory.

Sunflower seeds contain vitamin E and magnesium which are known to help alleviate period pain associated with an overproduction of prostaglandins, as well as selenium which is essential for both thyroid function and liver health.

These unique seed benefits have the potential to offer you relief from painful periods, heavy periods, breast tenderness, PMS, and even menopause-related symptoms.

Now that you know the benefits to these seeds, how do you incorporate them on a daily basis?

First things first, you do not have to be rigid in your seed cycling routine. If you miss a day here and there, not a big deal. Also, you can start at any point in your cycle; it doesn’t have to be on day 1.

The easiest ways to get 1-2 tablespoons of each seed in per day is to add them to smoothies, soups, oatmeal, chia pudding, salads, avocado toast - anything easy to mix them into or sprinkle them on. You can also get creative and make your own seed crackers or energy balls.

Here’s a follicular phase smoothie that I love:
1-2 cups unsweetened nondairy milk of your choice (amount depends on how thick you like your smoothies)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 frozen banana or 1/2 cup frozen cauli rice
1T ground flax
1T pumpkin seeds (either pre-ground or not depending on the strength of your blender)
1T almond butter (or nut butter of your choice)
1 serving vanilla protein powder (I love collagen)
Pumpkin pie spice to your taste

Blend it up and enjoy!

Not sure where to buy organic seeds? If you have one, try your local Trader Joe’s for affordable organic seeds, OR make it super simple and grab ready-to-eat seed cycling blends from Funk It Wellness (use code TWS15 for 15% off!).