If your period comes regularly at a different time (eg 26 days instead of 28) then switch the seeds accordingly. Amenorrhea, severe PMS symptoms, acne, infertility, and fatigue can all be the result of imbalanced hormones. You can't expect to seed cycle and continue to dodge vegetables and skip sleep and create any real change to your hormones. So, how can you get your menstrual cycles synced up with the moon phases, especially if you have irregular periods? How Long Does it Take for Seed Cycling to Work? I wrote this recipe with cardamom and cinnamon notes, but this is a versatile base recipe and you can certainly play around with other warming spices such as nutmeg, cloves and turmeric to find your ideal cup of moon milk. It's best to use raw (unroasted, unsalted) seeds to ensure they have all of their nutrients intact and nothing was lost in the roasting process. Within the book you'll discover how to nourish and balance your hormones with the power of food. Zinc, which is rich in pumpkin seeds, supports healthy testosterone levels. 1 Tbsp freshly ground or handful of RAW PUMPKIN seeds. This means the results apply to men, but your doc most likely told you as a woman it applies too. Add seeds to smoothies, breakfast foods or yogurt, sprinkle seeds on salads or make protein snack balls.
Lignans have been found to have both estrogen supportive and protective benefits. Seed cycling is the practice of eating specific seeds to support the key hormones of each phase in the menstrual cycle. Studies are very clear that artificial light deprives us of the benefits of our natural circadian rhythms and can lead to fatigue during the day and sleep problems at night. If you want to really encourage hormone balance, try syncing your menstrual cycle with the moon phases! Seed Cycling for Luteal Phase. How does seed cycling support hormone balance?
If you are interested in seed cycling for hormone balance or even how your menstrual cycle and the moon are connected, connect with me, Victoria Franca. Fortunately, just as lifestyle and diet can throw you out of whack, it can also help you restore balance under the right conditions. Waning Moon/ Luteal Phase. The seeds also remain raw - in the production process, none of the ingredients is heated up above 38 °C.
According to a study in Science Advances, there was a significant association of menstruation onset with the new moon. Is Seed Cycling Safe? Research shows that sesame seeds are beneficial for postmenopausal women by improving blood lipids, antioxidants, and sex hormones. If you're still menstruating, you'd start phase one (pumpkin and flax) on the first day of your period and switch to phase two (sunflower and sesame) on day 14. Incorporating the seeds is better than not because they aren't ground. Add them to your morning oatmeal.
Seed Cycling is the process of naturally regulating our reproductive hormones by supplementing with certain seeds at specific times of the month. Waxing Moon/ Follicular Phase. 1) This naturally supports healthy estrogen production. Let's look at the research. Where to Begin: Seeds are rotated between the follicular phase and the luteaul phase of our menstrual cycle. The process then continues back to the Phase 1 Blend on the next new moon, then back to the Phase 2 Blend on the next full moon and so on. This is not the time for a jog or a vigorous yoga flow, but a slow flow, relaxing pranayama, or just being still in meditation. 1 tbsp Pumpkin Seeds. The essential fatty acids from fish oil and GLA from Evening primrose oil also have anti-inflammatory benefit, which can help relieve painful menstrual cramps. You can read more about how to approach PCOS here. We believe that women do best when they are supported by rhythms aligned with natural laws.
Ideally, grind your seeds right before eating them or store ground seeds in the freezer. It may feel daunting to think about doing this forever, but once you get into a habit, it may become second nature. Over the years I've watched seed cycling increase in popularity with many women touting the benefits they've experienced. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. In the follicular phase, the body sends signals to the follicles in the ovaries to develop and create an ovum to be released mid-cycle.
Is your cycle irregular / you lost your period? Make sure to store your seeds in the fridge or freezer to preserve their nutrients and prevent oxidation! Hormone balance is complex since there are so many factors that play into this delicate balance. This is a health building habit that can be continued for the rest of your life. It's 100% worth the investment. It's best to follow the 14 day cycle for each phase of seeds. I often recommend women leverage seed cycling along with Balance – Women's Hormone Support supplement in order to optimize their estrogen levels naturally. How many seed cycles to see changes? Once you ovulate, you incorporate sunflower and sesame seeds daily during your luteal phase.
The causes are complex and can involve the digestion, thyroid, or brain function. Other nutrients, like zinc, found in these seeds are important for skin health and acne management. Yes, many women have reported a decrease in their menopause symptoms while seed cycling regularly. Seed cycling is one of the easiest ways you can support your hormones in a gentle, yet effective way.
Seed Cycling and Moon Bathing for Menstrual Health. The oil also reduces PMS symptoms and helps regulate our emotions. Flax seeds should always be eaten ground. RECIPES: Tahini Salad Dressing: 2 tbsp tahini. It can take at least three months of daily use to start noticing the benefits. Phase 2: Two weeks to support progesterone increase. Additionally, the fiber provided by these seeds help with estrogen elimination. Seed cycling is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Think of your seeds like hormone balancing sprinkles. For two weeks, you'll eat one set of seeds.
There are many benefits of seed cycling.
During the second half of your cycle progesterone levels rise while estrogen levels slowly decline. The polyunsaturated fats in seeds oxidize and go rancid very quickly, especially in sunlight and warmer temperatures. It may seem odd or even a little woo-woo, but the moon is powerful. This would be when you are in the Luteal phase of your cycle. WHAT TYPE OF SEEDS SHOULD I USE. Consume sesame & sunflower seeds during your luteal phase because they contain lignans that can support estrogen/progesterone balance.
But there are some silly critics who think this is how it works. Eat a mixture of sunflower seeds and sesame seeds (Radiate). Moon milk is a delicious and comforting nighttime beverage that has its roots in ancient Ayurvedic traditions. However, it's especially beneficial when coming off of hormonal birth control or struggling with post-birth control syndrome symptoms like acne, irregular periods or missing periods, or PMS. In Ayurveda, warm milk consumed before bed is a common remedy for sleeplessness, anxiety and insomnia. The lack of evidence isn't proof that it doesn't support women's hormones, rather, it is only proof that science hasn't asked the question or tried to demonstrate evidence.