One of the simple yet amazing things is watching how your body responds to the foods you eat. The smallest changes can make the biggest differences in your health.
If you experience painful periods, PMS, cravings, period pimples, constipation and general discomfort during you period and the time leading up to your period then Seed cycling could help you.
Seed cycling is a fantastic way to improve your period and menstrual cycle.
It involves four types of seeds; flax, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame.
The first two( flax and pumpkin) are eaten from the start of your period to the day of ovulation-this is your follicular phase. The second set (sunflower and sesame) are eaten from ovulation to start of your next period, this is your luteal phase.
If you want to know more about the phases of your cycle, watch: How to track your cycle better than your period app
What makes these seeds so effective in improving your cycle?
Follicular Phase- Oestrogen boosting:
Your follicular phase is manly governed by oestrogen. These two seeds help with boosting endogenous oestrogen(your natural oestrogen) while simultaneously reducing excess and xenoestrogens
that have accumulated in the body and causing those pesky period problems.
- Flaxseed
- Pumpkin seed
Use one tablespoon of each seed per day in your follicular phase.
Serving suggestion: You can grind or powder them. Put them in a smoothie, porridge, oats, yoghurt, soup or salad. (Flaxseed can be found in powder form and its better digested in powder form)
Luteal Phase- Progesterone boosting
The main hormone in the second half of your cycle(luteal phase) is progesterone. These two seeds will support sufficient progesterone production which helps with reducing PMS symptoms, painful periods and irregular bleeding/spotting.
- Sunflower seed
- Sesame seed
Use one tablespoon of each seed per day in your luteal phase.
Serving suggestion: You can grind or powder them and put them in a smoothie, porridge, oats, yoghurt, soup or salad.
