SEED CYCLING
Do you have issues with your menstrual cycle? Cramps, Back aches, PMS, Low energy, Irregular cycles, Low mood, Skin breakouts, Digestive Issues?
Hormonal imbalances can play a very big role in these symptoms; in particular an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone.
The Gut Microbiome plays an instrumental role in your hormones, so FEEDING it is just one of the ways that you can balance your hormones.
Now THIS is NOT a quick fix, but it is a way to add something simple to your diet that nourishes your GUT and your hormones…
SEED CYCLING
The good news is that hormonal imbalances may be helped with seed cycling. Seed cycling works to help with the regularity and health of the entire cycle by supporting hormone production, binding and metabolism.
Different seeds contain different types and amounts of lignans and essential fatty acids. When lignans are consumed, your beneficial gut bacteria convert them to compounds that have hormonal balancing activity.
But first a little education…
MENSTRUAL CYCLE HORMONE BALANCE
The female reproductive cycle involves an interplay of hormones that normally results in cyclical changes in the ovaries and uterus. Each cycle takes anywhere from 20 – 35 days, with the average being 28 days, to complete and involves the development and release of an egg from the ovaries and the preparation of the uterus to receive a fertilized egg.
If fertilization doesn’t occur, the endometrial (uterine) lining is lost through menstruation (day 1). Estrogen and progesterone are two of the key hormones that regulate this cycle. Estrogen levels increase during the first part of the cycle; whereas, progesterone levels increase while estrogen levels slowly decrease during the last part of the cycle. It is the imbalance of estrogen and progesterone throughout the cycle that contributes to the symptoms of PMS, menstrual cramps and irregular cycles.
THERE ARE TWO MAIN PHASES OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
From the time menstruation starts until ovulation is Phase 1. The production of estrogen is essential during this phase. Phase 1 begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until you ovulate, which is around 14 days.
From ovulation until menstruating is Phase 2. Progesterone is being made and utilized during this 2nd phase. Phase 2 is from when you ovulate, day 14 until the say your menstruation starts.
HOW TO SEED CYCLE
You’ll need
1 cup organic Flaxseeds (brown or gold)
1 cup organic Pumpkin seeds
1 cup organic Sunflower seeds
1 cup organic (white) Sesame seeds
Method
In a blender or coffee mill grind the organic Flaxseeds and Pumpkin seeds. Combine, put in a jar and keep in fridge.
In a blender or coffee mill grind the organic Sunflower and Sesame seeds. Combine, put in a jar and keep in fridge.
HOW TO TAKE AND SERVE
Day 1 to 14: Take 1 tablespoon daily of your ground organic flax and pumpkin seed mix.
Day 15 to menses: Take 1 tablespoon of your ground organic sunflower and sesame seed mix.
The easiest way to have your ground seeds is to add to salads, with your coconut yoghurt, granola or in a smoothie. Understanding that the raw aspect is so important and taking them daily equally as important.
It usually takes about 3 months before you will start noticing the improvement in your menstrual related symptoms. So no instant miracle
SO WHY ARE THESE SEEDS SO GOOD??
Flax and sesame seeds are full of lignans, which block excess estrogens.
Sunflower seeds are high in selenium, a trace mineral essential for liver detoxification.
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which supports progesterone release.
Try it out, it’s real food, real safe and you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain
It’s a good idea to keep a diary so you can track your cycle and see if there is a difference.
And… if you want to know more about how your INNER GARDEN can flourish then check out my GUT REBALANCING PROTOCOL or my SOON TO BE RELEASED… Gut Health Recipe Compendium …where you can eat your way back to health — one meal at a time!! Nat xx