Seed cycling/seed rotation diet is a growing diet trend known to stimulate hormonal balance, and fertility and reduce the symptoms associated with menstrual health, especially in women above 30 and also those reaching menopause. It mainly involves consuming different types of seeds such as flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower at different times of the month to regulate hormones. Also Read: Hormone Balancing Foods: Choose The Right Ones
What Is Seed Cycling?
Seed rotation is a naturopathic remedy that balances hormones by regulating the hormones estrogen in the first half of the menstrual cycle and progesterone in the second half. Some of the purported wellness incentives include regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing acne, treating polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS, endometriosis, infertility and alleviating hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and mood swings linked with menopause. Furthermore, it is also beneficial in improving thyroid hormone levels, and hair growth and lessens water retention and cellulite. Also Read: Know Your Hormone Balancing Foods
How Does It Work?
Seed rotation/cycling diet comprises eating 1 tablespoon of freshly ground flax and pumpkin seeds per day for the first 14 days of the menstrual cycle, during the follicular phase where more estrogen is required to strengthen the endometrium. In the second half of the cycle 15-30 days, i.e. during the -luteal phase it is recommended to eat 1 tablespoon each of the ground sunflower and sesame seeds per day until the first day of the next period cycle. This hormone works well to thicken the uterus lining and prepare for implantation. Different types of seeds can promote or hinder the hormones estrogen and progesterone levels.
Ladies, Maintain Good Health And Boost Fertility, By Choosing From Our Wide Range Of Hormone Balancing Supplements!
Causes Of Hormonal Imbalance In Women:
In most women, hormones are produced at adequate levels that support a healthy menstrual cycle. But certain health disorders like PCOS, hypothyroidism, over-exercising or malnourishment can result in hormonal imbalance. Furthermore, during menopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease remarkably elevating the risk of osteoporosis, and heart disease and can lead to hot flashes and weight gain.
Besides these, stress, environmental toxins, unhealthy diet, food sensitivities, high caffeine intake and alcohol intake can also contribute to an irregular cycle, painful periods and infertility.
Supplementing the body with superfoods will facilitate to production of an adequate amount of estrogen and progesterone is an easy and preferred form of healing. Seed cycling/rotation diet not only benefits women with hormonal imbalances but also helps with a healthy cycle.
Functions Of Seeds:
A noteworthy amount of phytoestrogen in flaxseeds can assist in increasing or reducing estrogen levels as needed during the follicular phase. Phytoestrogens are beneficial plant compounds that mimic the action of estrogen.
Pumpkin seeds with ample amounts of zinc support to enhance progesterone production in preparation for the next part of the cycle.
In the luteal phase, lignans a polyphenol abundant in sesame seeds inhibit estrogen levels from increasing drastically. Sunflower seeds loaded with vitamin E support to boost progesterone levels.
Seed Rotation Diet For Menopause:
Seed cycling diet has also shown beneficial effects in improving the symptoms and hormone balance during menopause.
Flaxseeds overpowered with polyphenol lignans are well-known to increase estrogen levels, stimulate hormone metabolism, lessen hot flashes, vaginal dryness and improve the overall quality of life in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Apart from these, it also exhibits cancer-fighting properties and lowers the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Sesame seed also supports postmenopausal women's health by improving hormone balance, and antioxidant levels and maintaining lipid profile under control.
Other Health Benefits of Seed Cycling/ Seed Rotation Diet:
Adding flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds to the diet regimen is a great way to uplift health.
The treasure trove of nutrients present in these seeds includes fibre, magnesium, manganese, copper, thiamine, vitamin E and healthy fatty acids. These nutrients are known to be vital for good reproductive health and total well-being.
Flax, sesame and sunflower seed intake has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, control blood pressure levels and thereby lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds may also avert the risk of breast cancer, regulate blood sugar levels and pumpkin seeds assist in urinary disorders. Sesame seeds are valuable in reducing inflammation and improving athletic performance.
What Are The Conditions Seed Rotation Is Used For?
Seed rotation is a natural therapy that can be used by women with symptoms of estrogen dominance as well as low estrogen levels including:
Irregular periods
Heavy flows
PMS (bloating, moods, pain, energy, headaches)
Fibroids
Endometriosis
Breast lumps
Thyroid Nodules
Fibrocystic and painful breasts
Low thyroid issues
Hair loss and brittle hair
Weight gain around the hip and thighs
Water retention
Cellulite
Furthermore, it also supports women in pre-menopause and menopause experiencing:
Hot flashes
Night Sweats
Fatigue
Mood swings
Nutritional Components In Seeds
Flax seeds are best known to support healthy estrogen production and help in lengthening the luteal phase, improving ovulation, and mitigating PMS symptoms.
Sesame seeds also contain a fair amount of lignans that block the excess production of estrogen during the second phase of the menstrual cycle when progesterone rises.
Pumpkin and sesame seeds both contain ample amounts of zinc that improve the formation of the corpus luteum in the uterus.
Omega 3 fatty acids present in flaxseed, pumpkin seeds enhance blood flow to the uterus, increase progesterone secretion and maintain healthy cell membranes.
Sunflower seeds high in selenium support estrogen detoxification in the liver.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can Seed Cycling Cure Hormonal Imbalance?
Seed cycling may help support hormone balance, but it's not an assured treatment for hormonal imbalances. The practice involves eating specific seeds at different phases of the menstrual cycle to promote estrogen and progesterone balance. While there's limited scientific evidence directly supporting seed cycling as a cure, many people report improved symptoms, such as reduced PMS and better menstrual regularity, due to the nutrients in seeds that support hormone health.
-
What Seeds Are Best For Balancing Hormones?
The seeds commonly used in seed cycling are:
Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds: Typically consumed during the follicular phase (days 1-14 of the menstrual cycle) to support estrogen production.
Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds: Eaten during the luteal phase (days 15-28) to boost progesterone levels.
These seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and phytoestrogens, which can support hormonal balance.
-
Is Seed Cycling Good For Conceiving?
Seed cycling may be beneficial for conceiving by promoting a balanced hormone cycle, which can support ovulation and menstrual regularity. However, while it may aid hormone regulation, seed cycling alone is not a fertility treatment. It can be a complementary practice along with other healthy lifestyle habits that support reproductive health.
-
How Long Does It Take For Flaxseed To Balance Hormones?
Flaxseed’s effects on hormone balance can vary among individuals. Some people may notice changes within 1-3 months when consistently including flaxseeds in their diet. Flaxseeds contain lignans, which are phytoestrogens that can influence estrogen levels, but they usually need a few weeks to build up in the system and show effects.
(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu, Ayurveda Pharma Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Seed cycling: Approach for polycystic ovarian syndrome
Author links open overlay panel
Maham Zafar , Roshina Rabail ,Sadia Bibi , Ali Jebreen , Muhammad Asif Khan
, Rana Muhammad Aadil
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949824424000491
Effectiveness of combined seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flaxseed): As adjacent therapy to treat polycystic ovary syndrome in females
Naveed Rasheed, Aftab Ahmed, Farhana Nosheen, Ali Imran, Fakhar Islam, Rabia Noreen, Anamika Chauhan, Mohd Asif Shah, Yuosra Amer Ali
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.3328
