Eating Seeds to Balance Hormones
Time to read: 4 minutes
Hormones are regulatory messengers that influence health and wellbeing in many different ways. The female hormone cycle follows a monthly fluctuation pattern similar to the moon cycle. So many factors disrupt the natural cycle of female hormones (diet, xenoestrogens, stress and more!). Therefore, it is important to support the natural female fluctuation in hormones and nutrition is a simple way to achieve this!
Seed cycling is a Chinese medicine practice in which a rotation of seeds and their nutrients are used to support the production of female hormones. Disruptions in female hormone balance can cause symptoms such as PMS, acne, mood changes and digestive issues to name a few. By supporting the natural ebb and flow of female hormones we can smooth the transition between various stages of the menstrual cycle and reduce these symptoms of hormone imbalance.
How to Seed Cycle:
Phase One: Days 1-14 (AKA the Follicular Phase)
This phase starts with the first day of menstrual bleeding and lasts about 14 days or until ovulation occurs. During this time, estrogen is the predominant female hormone as it functions to build up the endometrium (the part of the uterus that sheds during menses).
During this phase we want to feed the body flax seeds and pumpkin seeds. Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds contain phytoestrogens which are plant based forms of estrogen that can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and modulate estrogen levels. Both seeds will also contain zinc which supports the production, metabolism and removal of estrogen.
Eat 1-2 tbsp of each raw, fresh ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds from the start of menses to ovulation (day 14)
Phase 2: Days 15-28 (AKA the Luteal Phase)
The predominant hormone in the luteal phase is progesterone. During this phase consuming sesame seeds and sunflowers seeds will help to support healthy progesterone production. Sunflower seeds contain selenium and vitamin E which help support the metabolism of excess estrogen and production of progesterone. Sesame seeds are high in selenium and zinc which also promote the removal of excess estrogens to ensure progesterone has it’s time to shine!
Eat 1-2 tbsp of each raw, fresh ground sunflower and sesame seeds from ovulation to the end of the menstrual cycle (day 28)
Tips
It’s important to consume the seeds raw, unsalted and ground. This allows for the nutrients to be more bioavailable and useful for the body! It is also important to make sure the seeds aren’t already pre-ground because oxygen exposure will cause the seeds to oxidize and some of the benefits will be lost.
Seed Cycling Energy Balls Recipe
One of my favourite ways to seed cycle is by making energy balls that contain the seeds!
I will make 14 energy balls that contain pumpkin seeds and flax seeds and 14 energy balls that contain sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. The prep is already done and it makes for a tasty snack!
Recipe:
1 cup of rolled oats
½ cup pumpkin seed butter (sunflower seeds butter)
½ cup ground flax seeds (sesame seeds)
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in a bowel. Cover and chill bowl in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll into balls. Enjoy!
