Today, I want to discuss a safe way to support hormonal balance during our menstrual cycles.
We know that our menstrual cycles are important for our health as females. Some, including myself, have said it is the fifth vital sign. When it arrives every month, on time, that helps us know that everything's working properly.
Progesterone and Estrogen are two hormones that need balancing for a healthy menstrual cycle. These are our two main players for this discussion. These hormones play a role in women's health, specifically reproductive health.
Seed Cycling
Seed cycling is a safe way that we can help balance our menstrual cycles and fertility windows. Seed cycling helps balance hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone without harmful side effects. This method helps the body's natural hormone changes.
At the beginning of your cycle, we call that the follicular phase, before ovulation. This is when follicles begin to mature and develop, moving from one stage to the next in the growth process. We want to support good levels of Estrogen and we can do that with seeds.
The two seeds that are most beneficial during that phase are raw, organic flaxseed and pumpkin seeds. Always use organic and raw with both of these seeds. We don't want to add any extra preservatives when we're doing this.
You want to grind the seeds to get the most nutritional benefit from them. The easiest way to grind your seeds are in a coffee grinder or a powerful blender like a Vitamix.
Use your ground seeds as an ingredient in a smoothie. I like unsweetened almond milk, a handful of spinach, my seeds, and a couple of chunks of pineapple. This smoothie is a simple and delicious way incorporate seeds in your diet.
You can also make energy balls with these seeds. You can find great recipes that incorporate them.
However, I recommend avoiding added sugars, which can contribute to inflammation, and unnecessary preservatives. Keep your energy balls as raw and natural as possible for maximum health benefits.
You'll want to continue the first half of seed cycling from day one through ovulation. If you are not having regular cycles because you're in menopause or have PCOS, you should follow the moon. You would start day one on the new moon of each month, and then continue that through the first 14 days.
On day 15, you will begin to make some changes. You will now start supporting the Progesterone phase of your cycle. During the Progesterone phase, we recommend using sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Again, both nutritional, dense seeds and they're going to help to support that natural Progesterone.
Similar to our follicular phase, we want our seeds to be ground. Add your seed grounds to a generic smoothie or any other favorite recipe. Then, you will follow that through until the beginning of your next cycle.
If you're not having menses, then you would do it through the start of the next new moon cycle. You continue that and there's no harm in continuing this forever, even through menopause.
We know that we can become deficient in both of those hormones during menopause. Seed cycling is safe and effective. You can continue it through pregnancy without causing any harm.
To make the most out of seed cycling, it's important to be consistent and patient. Hormonal balance takes time. Do not worry if you don't see outcomes right away. Many women see significant improvements in their menstrual health and overall well-being over time.
To improve the benefits of seed cycling for health, focus on eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress effectively.
I hope you find these suggestions helpful! Adding seed cycling to your daily routine can be a natural and gentle way to support your hormonal health.
If you have irregular periods or menopause symptoms, this practice can benefit you and your overall health. It can also assist you in staying healthy.
To Review:
Estrogen Phase | Progesterone Phase |
Raw, organic flaxseed & pumpkin seeds | Raw, organic sunflower seeds & sesame seeds |
Support Estrogen during follicular phase | Support Progesterone during luteal phase |
Day 1 - 14 | From ovulation to menses (or the start of the next moon phase) |
Make sure that you grind the seeds up so that you get the most nutrients from those seeds. They're delicious, power-packed with nutrients, and an easy addition into your routine.
I hope you try them and love them. This may not be for everyone, but for most people, it is effective in supporting your natural hormonal cycle. Adding healthy habits like seed cycling can lead to improvements in your hormonal health.
To receive more information on seed cycling you can request more information or book a consultation. You can also find information on other ways you can support your body naturally here. At Inspire Physical Therapy, we are happy to answer your questions. We will assist you so you can start using safe techniques to support your body today.
Remember, small changes can lead to significant health benefits. Try seed cycling and experience the positive impact on your hormonal balance.
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