seed cycling

The incorporation of flaxseeds + pumpkin seeds in the follicular phase and sesame + sunflower seeds in the luteal is known as seed cycling; a naturopathic method of rotating different seeds between the main two cycle phases helping to naturally regulate our hormones.

Its an inexpensive and easy way to use food as medicine. By supplementing with specific seeds during each phase, you provide your body with a timely dose of essential fatty acids & nutrients; phytoestrogens, selenium, zinc, vitamin E. This helps to regulate estrogen in the first half of our cycle and progesterone in the second half in turn easing PMS and other imbalances.

You consume one tablespoon (2 tbsps in total) of each of the specifically ground seeds into your diet every day.

the first half (days 1-14, menstruation to follicular phase):

FLAX SEEDS
+ High in lignans to block excess estrogen production
+ High in omega 3 essential fatty acids.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
+ Rich in zinc, which prepares the body for progesterone secretion in the next phase + High in omega 3s

the second half (days 14 - 28, ovulation to luteal phase):

SESAME SEEDS
+ High in lignans to modulate estrogen and progesterone levels
+ High in omega 6 (which converts into GLA in the body)
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
+ High in selenium, which supports liver function to prevent clogging from excess hormones, resulting in proper hormone excretion
+ High in omega 6 (also converts into GLA in the body)

TIPS:

+ Use raw, ground seeds, unsalted/roasted/flavoured to ensure easy digestion + medicinal properties remain. You can generally buy them like this, alternatively a coffee grinder or small blender works to grind raw seeds into a powder.
+ To avoid oxidation, store seeds in the fridge. If you want to grind them yourself in bulk - store in the freezer as ground seeds can go rancid quickly, as well lose their nutritional value.

+ There are tons of ways you can incorporate the ground seeds into your meals - smoothies, sprinkled on yoghurt/oats/fruit, in salads, mixed with nut butter.