Seed Cycling And How It Can Help Your Menstrual Cycle

Seed cycling has been around for decades and is an excellent holistic approach for anyone looking for a natural way to balance their hormones, increase their fertility, and ease their menstrual cycle. I’m a firm believer that what you eat and put in your body internally really does affect your external and how you feel.  I’d rather feel like a lively peach as opposed to a piece of processed food. 

“Prana” means life force in Yogi terms. When we eat foods that are high in prana (plant-based) our bodies feel better, lighter, and our moods change.  And ladies, I know when it’s that time of the month, we crave all different types of things and it makes us go bonkers. But if we regulate and are aware of what certain foods to eat to benefit our bodies, our menstrual cycle can flow and be easy. After switching to a plant-based diet and being mindful of what I eat during my period, I can honestly say that my monthly visitor breezes by without giving me any problems.

Why Seeds?

There are many benefits in seeds.  Seeds contain vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids that support the body’s natural hormone production.  They can help balance progesterone and estrogen, the two main hormones in a woman’s body. According to Dr. Jolene Brighten and nutrition coach Magdalena Wszelaki, eating different seeds throughout your cycle can fix hormone imbalances. And this can benefit all women, pre- and post-menopausal.   

Seeds contain vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids to support the body’s natural hormone production.

How To Seed Cycle

We women have two basic phases in our menstrual cycle.  The follicular phase is the first part of the cycle. It tends to be the first two weeks (so about 10-14 days long), beginning with the first day of your period and ending with ovulation. Estrogen is the dominant hormone during this phase. Next comes the luteal phase, which tends to be 15-28 days long give or take, and ends when you get your period. Progesterone is the dominant hormone in the second phase and drops drastically right before your period begins. 

For the first phase of your cycle, Dr. Brighten recommends eating freshly ground raw flaxseeds and sesame seeds.  Flaxseeds balance estrogen levels so we’re nice and balanced hormonally.  Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc which helps protect the ovaries, eggs, and reproductive system.  Pumpkin seeds also include tryptophan which helps create melatonin and serotonin. Some women have even reported improved sleep after they started seed cycling.

Seeds can help balance and promote progesterone and estrogen, the two main hormones within a woman’s body.

For the luteal phase, Dr. Brighten suggests you should switch to eating sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.  Sunflower seeds are high in iron which helps reduce menstrual cramping. They’re also a good source of calcium which may reduce PMS and help restore the blood lost during menstruation.  Sesame seeds reduce inflammation in the body which can also help reduce menstrual discomfort.  

Dr. Brighten recommends grinding up the seeds, placing them in jars, and sticking them in the freezer.  It’s time-efficient, and you’ll be more consistent in your routine if the seeds are ready to be eaten.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re having any type of issues with your menstrual cycle, I would definitely give this method a try.  It won’t harm your body, and it’s a great holistic and sustainable approach to women’s health.