Have you heard of seed cycling before?⁣
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⁣I don’t know about you, but no one ever explained to me how our cycle actually works from a hormonal perspective until I studied it.⁣
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⁣It’s quite a synchronized yo-yo – and I’m sure many of us at one point or another have felt the ups and downs of hormone imbalance.⁣
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⁣From sore breasts to painful, irregular or heavy periods and mood swings – these are just some of the hormonal symptoms we may experience.⁣
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⁣But even if these are common, don’t mistake that for being “normal”.⁣
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⁣There’s nothing normal about not being able to hug your husband because your boobs are too sore or being keeled over from cramps!⁣
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⁣So it’s food therapy to the rescue for me! Seed cycling helps to gently shift hormones back into balance by supporting the key hormones in each phase of the menstrual cycle.⁣

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⁣????On Days 1 to 14 (the follicular phase), the freshly ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds help support estrogen. I also take good quality fish oil. Day 1 starts on the first day of our flow.⁣
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⁣????On Days 15 to 28 (the luteal phase), the freshly ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds help boost progesterone and I switch to evening primrose oil. If you’re tracking your cycle, start after ovulation.⁣
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⁣The seeds can be mixed into smoothies, sprinkled onto salads or eat them the way I do. Straight up with a bit of water to create an “oatmeal-like” consistency and topped with pomegranate seeds to hide the strong seed flavor.⁣
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⁣I know seed cycling is not “evidence based”, but seeds are a source of healthy fats and anecdotally works for many, so if you can tolerate them, then why not?⁣
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⁣Do you seed cycle? Let me know below in the comments.

Until then, B healthy!