photo: Karolina Grabowska
Seed cycling, or seed synching is the practice of eating daily doses of different seeds at different phases of your menstrual cycle in order to promote healthy reproductive hormone levels. This practice has been around for hundreds of years and is based on the idea of using food as medicine, supporting the body's natural processes via diet.
It's easy: Starting on the first day of your period ( phase one or the follicular phase) eat 1-2 Tbsps of pumpkin and flax seeds daily. On day 15 (phase two or the luteal phase) switch to consuming 1-2 Tbsps of sunflower and sesame seeds daily. If you're no longer menstruating or have irregular periods you can start phase one on the first of the month and phase two after two weeks; or follow the moon cycle: phase one = new moon to full moon, phase two = full moon to new moon.
The idea is that different seeds can encourage or impede the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to balanced hormones.
Proponents say that seed cycling:
- Helps irregular periods to become more regular.
- Reduces PMS - lessening cramps, bloating and mood swings.
- Treats polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and infertility.
- Eases menopausal symptoms by helping reduce hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes.
If you want to try seed cycling, make sure to use raw, unsalted seeds. Freshly grind your seeds (if possible) for maximum potency and digestibility - you can use a coffee grinder, Nutribullet or rolling pin. Remember that change takes time, so it may take 3 or 4 months to feel the benefits. Start to journal about symptoms that could be related to hormones - it's the best way to keep track of changes over time and will let you know if seed cycling is working for you.
There are lots of anecdotal accounts of seed cycling's benefits, and many women swear by it, but there haven't been any large scale scientific studies on its benefits. That said, seeds are great sources of essential nutrients, healthy fats and fiber, so you really can't lose.